A permanent column contains data values. You typically load the data values in a permanent column from an external database.
BIRT Analytics uses the term dynamic column to describe a column that contains only a formula, but no data values. A formula consists of one or more expressions and operators.
Using BIRT Analytics Loader, you can edit the formula that defines a dynamic column. To edit such a formula, you change any of the expressions or operators in the formula.
You create a dynamic column in Loader using instructions known as transformation instructions. The dynamic columns appear as editable columns in the BIRT Analytics user interface.
For a dynamic column, the column attribute Derived displays the name of the transformation instruction that you use to create the column. For example, Figure 4‑6 shows the column properties for a dynamic column named [Order Date Year]. It was created using the translation instruction, Expression, that appears in the Derived property field.Transforming data.
Figure 4‑6 Exploring properties for a derived column
You can transform a dynamic column to a permanent column using the transformation instruction, MAKEPERMANENT. For more information about transformation instructions, see,
