What are the benefits and drawbacks of qlikview load inline compared to other data sources?

1 Load inline syntax

The load inline statement is an effective way to define a table in the QlikView script. It involves a comma-separated list of values enclosed in square brackets, with the first row defining the field names and the subsequent rows defining the field values. For example, the following script creates a table called Colors with three fields: ID, Name, and Hex. Instead of using a comma as a delimiter, you can also use a semicolon or specify a different delimiter using the delimiter keyword. Additionally, you can use quotes to enclose values that include special characters such as commas or semicolons.

2 Benefits of load inline

One of the main benefits of using load inline is that it is simple and fast to create small tables or lookup values without having to connect to an external data source. This can save you time and resources, and reduce the complexity of your script. For example, you can use load inline to create a table of parameters that you can use to control the logic or appearance of your dashboard, such as filters, thresholds, or colors. You can also use load inline to create a table of labels or aliases that you can use to rename or translate your fields or values. For example, you can use load inline to create a table of country codes and names, and then use the applymap function to replace the codes with names in your data.

Another benefit of using load inline is that it allows you to create synthetic keys or link tables that can help you resolve circular references or complex associations in your data model. For example, if you have two tables that share more than one common field, you can create a link table using load inline that contains only the common fields and a key field that links to both tables. This way, you can avoid creating a synthetic key that QlikView automatically generates when there are multiple common fields between tables.

3 Drawbacks of load inline

One of the main drawbacks of using load inline is that it is not scalable or maintainable for large or dynamic data sets. If you have a lot of data or values that change frequently, using load inline can be tedious and error-prone, as you have to manually enter and update the values in the script. You also have to be careful about the formatting and syntax of the values, as any mistake can cause the script to fail or produce incorrect results. For example, if you use load inline to create a table of dates or numbers, you have to make sure that the values match the format and locale settings of your system or QlikView document.

Another drawback of using load inline is that it can create data quality or consistency issues if you use it to create tables that are already available in other data sources. If you use load inline to create a table that duplicates or contraduplicates the data from another source, you may end up with conflicting or outdated information in your dashboard. For example, if you use load inline to create a table of exchange rates or currency symbols, you may have to update the table frequently to reflect the changes in the market or the standards. You may also have to ensure that the table matches the data from other sources that use the same or related information.

4 Best practices for load inline

To use load inline effectively and avoid the drawbacks, it is best to follow some practices. Load inline should only be used for small or static tables that are not available in other data sources, or that serve a specific purpose in your script or dashboard. Large or dynamic data sets that require frequent updates should be avoided, as they can be obtained from other data sources more easily and reliably. Comments and descriptive names should be used to document the purpose and source of the load inline tables, making the script more readable and understandable. Quotes and delimiters should also be properly used to enclose and separate values, avoiding syntax errors or data issues. Variables and expressions should be used to define or modify load inline values, making the script more flexible and dynamic. Finally, applymap or join functions can be used to link load inline tables to other tables in the data model, as well as replacing or enriching field values with values from the load inline tables.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?