Difference between Matrix and Table

Hello.
I'm fairly new to Reporting Services, so my question might seem really
simple to you guys. But what is the difference between a matrix and a table?
When should I use what? Are there any articles on the web that explain this?
The best I've found is in this article:
http://www.ftponline.com/vsm/2004_09/magazine/columns/databasedesign/default_pf.aspx
[Quote]
The report type defines the structure, or data region, of the data returned
by your query. The Report Wizard lets you present this information as either
a table or a matrix, though you have more options outside the wizard. The
main difference between these two types of data regions is the number of
columns. A table has a fixed number of columns; a matrix has a variable
number determined by the query results.
[/quote]
- But I'd like to see a more practical explanation.
Any input appreciated!
Kaisa M. LindahlI use matrix when I have both row and column groupings. What I mean is if I
have row groupings as Dept, Group, User (drill down) and in the column I have
year, quarter, month drilldowns, u have to use a matrix. If you just have row
groupings I would suggest use the table, because a matrix is quite buggy when
it comes to exporting to excel.
Hope this helps
"Kaisa M. Lindahl" wrote:
> Hello.
> I'm fairly new to Reporting Services, so my question might seem really
> simple to you guys. But what is the difference between a matrix and a table?
> When should I use what? Are there any articles on the web that explain this?
> The best I've found is in this article:
> http://www.ftponline.com/vsm/2004_09/magazine/columns/databasedesign/default_pf.aspx
> [Quote]
> The report type defines the structure, or data region, of the data returned
> by your query. The Report Wizard lets you present this information as either
> a table or a matrix, though you have more options outside the wizard. The
> main difference between these two types of data regions is the number of
> columns. A table has a fixed number of columns; a matrix has a variable
> number determined by the query results.
> [/quote]
> - But I'd like to see a more practical explanation.
> Any input appreciated!
> Kaisa M. Lindahl
>
>