DIMENSION TABLE Meaning and
Definition
-
A dimension table is a concept used in relational databases and data warehousing that refers to a table containing descriptive attributes or characteristics of the primary entities in a data model. In data analysis and business intelligence, dimension tables offer valuable context and additional information about the facts or measures recorded in a database.
The primary purpose of a dimension table is to provide a framework for organizing and categorizing data, allowing users to slice and dice the data along different dimensions for analysis and decision-making. These dimensions represent various characteristics or perspectives through which data can be organized, such as time, geography, product, customer, or any other relevant aspect to the data model.
A dimension table typically consists of one or more columns representing these various attributes or dimensions and their associated data. These attributes can include both discrete and continuous data, and they are often supplemented by additional columns that store related information like descriptive text, hierarchies, codes, or keys. Each row in a dimension table represents a specific combination of attribute values, thus creating a unique entry for each distinct entity.
Dimension tables are usually joined to fact tables (which contain the numerical or measurable data) through shared keys, such as a surrogate key or a natural key. This linkage facilitates the retrieval of meaningful information by combining facts with their related dimensions to enable comprehensive analysis and reporting.
Common Misspellings for DIMENSION TABLE
- simension table
- ximension table
- cimension table
- fimension table
- rimension table
- eimension table
- dumension table
- djmension table
- dkmension table
- domension table
- d9mension table
- d8mension table
- dinension table
- dikension table
- dijension table
- dimwnsion table
- dimsnsion table
- dimdnsion table
- dimrnsion table
- dim4nsion table
Etymology of DIMENSION TABLE
The term "dimension table" is derived from the word "dimension" and the word "table".
The word "dimension" comes from the Latin word "dimensio" which means "a measuring" or "measured out". It is derived from the verb "dimetiri" which means "to measure out".
The word "table" comes from the Latin word "tabula" which means "a board" or "a flat piece". It can also refer to a surface or a plane.
In the context of data warehousing and analytics, a "dimension table" refers to a table that contains descriptive attributes or dimensions of data, such as categories, characteristics, or labels. The term "table" here denotes a structured set of data organized in rows and columns, while "dimension" refers to the specific aspect or characteristic being analyzed or represented.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
