SSRS Interview Questions & Answers

Basics of SSRS:

1. What is SSRS?

   • Answer: SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based reporting platform developed by Microsoft. It is used for creating, managing, and delivering reports to users.

2. Explain the key components of SSRS.

   • Answer: Key components include Report Server, Report Designer, Report Builder, Report Manager, and the Report Server database.

3. What is the purpose of the Report Server database in SSRS?

   • Answer: The Report Server database stores metadata, report definitions, security settings, and execution history for SSRS.

4. Differentiate between Tabular and Matrix reports in SSRS.

   • Answer: Tabular reports present data in a simple table format, while Matrix reports allow for dynamic grouping and pivoting of data.

Report Design in SSRS:

5. How do you create a new report in SSRS using Report Designer?

   • Answer: Open Report Designer, select "New Report," choose a data source, design the report layout, and define data bindings.

6. Explain the purpose of the Tablix control in SSRS.

   • Answer: Tablix (Table/Matrix) is a versatile control used to display data in tabular or matrix format in SSRS reports.

7. What is a dataset in SSRS, and how is it defined?

   • Answer: A dataset is a set of data retrieved from a data source. It is defined by specifying a query or stored procedure in the dataset properties.

8. How can you create a parameterized report in SSRS?

   • Answer: Add parameters to the report, define them in the dataset query, and use them to filter and customize the report data.

9. Explain the purpose of the "Hidden" property in SSRS.

   • Answer: The "Hidden" property allows you to conditionally hide or display report elements based on specific criteria.

10. How do you add custom code to an SSRS report?

    • Answer: In Report Designer, go to "Report" -> "Report Properties" -> "Code" tab to add custom code snippets in VB.NET.

Report Expression and Functions:

11. What are expressions in SSRS, and where can they be used?

    • Answer: Expressions are used to dynamically set property values, provide conditional formatting, and perform calculations in SSRS. They are written in VB.NET.

12. Explain the difference between the IIf() and Switch() functions in SSRS.

    • Answer: IIf() is a ternary conditional function, while Switch() evaluates multiple conditions and returns the value associated with the first true condition.

13. How can you concatenate strings in SSRS expressions?

    • Answer: Use the & operator to concatenate strings in SSRS expressions. For example, =Fields!FirstName.Value & " " & Fields!LastName.Value.

14. What is the purpose of the RowNumber function in SSRS?

    • Answer: The RowNumber function assigns a unique number to each row within the specified scope, such as a group or dataset.

15. How do you format dates and numbers in SSRS expressions?

    • Answer: Use the Format() function to format dates and numbers. For example, =Format(Fields!OrderDate.Value, "MM/dd/yyyy").

Grouping and Sorting in SSRS:

16. Explain the concept of grouping in SSRS.

    • Answer: Grouping allows you to organize data based on common attributes. It is commonly used to create subtotals and totals in reports.

17. How can you add a page break in SSRS for a specific group or condition?

    • Answer: Go to the "Group Properties" -> "Page Breaks" and check the option for adding a page break before or after a group.

18. What is the purpose of the RunningValue function in SSRS?

    • Answer: The RunningValue function calculates a running aggregate (sum, average, etc.) over a specified scope.

Parameters and Filters in SSRS:

19. What are parameters in SSRS reports?

    • Answer: Parameters are user-defined values that are used to filter, customize, and control the data displayed in SSRS reports.

20. How can you create cascading parameters in SSRS?

    • Answer: Define multiple parameters, and set the available values for each parameter based on the selected values of the preceding parameters.

21. Explain the purpose of report filters in SSRS.

    • Answer: Report filters allow you to filter data based on conditions, reducing the amount of data displayed in a report.

SSRS Subreports and Drilldowns:

22. What is a subreport in SSRS?

    • Answer: A subreport is a report embedded within another report. It allows you to include additional details or related information.

23. How do you create a drilldown report in SSRS?

    • Answer: Use the visibility property to hide and show report items based on user interactions, creating a drilldown effect.

SSRS Deployment and Security:

24. How can you deploy an SSRS report to the Report Server?
    • Answer: Use the "Deploy" option in Visual

Studio or use the Report Manager web interface to upload the RDL file.

25. Explain the role of roles in SSRS security.
    • Answer: Roles in SSRS define the level of access that users or groups have to reports, folders, and other items on the Report Server.

SSRS Administration and Configuration:

26. What is the Report Server Configuration Manager, and how is it used?

    • Answer: The Report Server Configuration Manager is a tool used to configure and manage the Report Server settings, databases, and services.

27. Explain the purpose of the ExecutionLog3 view in the Report Server database.

    • Answer: The ExecutionLog3 view stores detailed information about the execution of SSRS reports, including parameters, rendering times, and execution status.

SSRS Advanced Topics:

28. What is the purpose of data-driven subscriptions in SSRS?

    • Answer: Data-driven subscriptions allow you to customize report delivery by dynamically changing parameters based on data retrieved from a query.

29. Explain the concept of linked reports in SSRS.

    • Answer: Linked reports are copies of existing reports with their settings inherited from the original report. Changes in the original report are reflected in all linked reports.

SSRS and Power BI Integration:

30. How can you integrate SSRS reports with Power BI?
    • Answer: SSRS reports can be embedded in Power BI reports or dashboards using the Power BI service or the Power BI Report Server.

Troubleshooting and Performance Optimization:

31. What are common performance optimization techniques for SSRS reports?

    • Answer: Techniques include optimizing queries, using indexes, minimizing subreports, and caching report data.

32. How do you troubleshoot issues with SSRS reports?

    • Answer: Use tools like the Report Server Execution Log, check error messages, review data source configurations, and examine query performance.

SSRS Best Practices:

33. What are some best practices for designing SSRS reports?
    • Answer: Best practices include using parameterized queries, organizing reports with proper grouping, using efficient queries, and optimizing layout for readability.

SSRS Licensing and Editions:

34. Explain the licensing model for SSRS.
    • Answer: SSRS is included with SQL Server licensing, and there is also a free version called SQL Server Reporting Services Express.

SSRS Interview Scenario Questions:

35. How would you handle a large dataset in an SSRS report for optimal performance?

    • Answer: Consider using parameters to filter data, optimizing queries, and implementing pagination to manage large datasets.

36. What steps would you take if a report fails to render or execute correctly?

    • Answer: Check data source configurations, review query performance, inspect error messages, and use SSRS tools for troubleshooting.

SSRS and Modern BI Trends:

37. How does SSRS fit into the modern business intelligence landscape?

    • Answer: SSRS remains relevant for traditional reporting needs, but organizations may also leverage Power BI for more interactive and visually appealing dashboards and analytics.

38. What role does SSRS play in a cloud-based BI solution?

    • Answer: SSRS can be used with cloud-based SQL Server databases and the Power BI service, allowing for flexibility in deployment and scalability.

SSRS and Mobile Reporting:

39. How does SSRS support mobile reporting?
    • Answer: SSRS reports can be accessed on mobile devices through the Report Manager or the Mobile Report Publisher, providing a responsive design for mobile viewing.

SSRS and Data Visualization:

40. Can SSRS be used for data visualization, and what are its limitations?
    • Answer: While SSRS is capable of basic data visualization, it may not offer the same level of interactivity and visualization options as more specialized tools like Power BI.

SSRS and Custom Code:

41. How can custom code be used in SSRS reports, and what are its limitations?
    • Answer: Custom code in SSRS reports is written in VB.NET and can be used for complex calculations or custom functions. However, it has limitations in terms of performance and reusability.

SSRS and Data Sources:

42. What types of data sources can SSRS reports connect to?
    • Answer: SSRS supports various data sources, including SQL Server, Oracle, ODBC, OLE DB, XML, and custom data sources through data extensions.

SSRS and Report Builder:

43. What is Report Builder, and how is it different from Report Designer?
    • Answer: Report Builder is a stand-alone tool for designing SSRS reports. It is simpler and more user-friendly than Report Designer, making it suitable for business users.

SSRS and Multilingual Reports:

44. How can you create multilingual reports in SSRS?
    • Answer: Use expressions and parameters to dynamically switch between languages based on user preferences or other criteria.

SSRS and Exporting Reports:

45. What are the available formats for exporting SSRS reports?
    • Answer: SSRS supports exporting reports to formats such as PDF, Excel, Word, XML, CSV, and more.

SSRS and Accessibility:

46. How can you ensure that SSRS reports are accessible to users with disabilities?
    • Answer: Design reports with proper headings, labels, and alt text for images. Ensure that the report layout is navigable using screen readers.

SSRS and External Content:

47. Can SSRS reports include external content, such as images or data from other sources?
    • Answer: Yes, SSRS reports can include external content, such as images hosted on external servers or data from other sources through linked reports or custom code.

SSRS and Power Query:

48. Can Power Query be used with SSRS reports, and how?
    • Answer: Power Query is more commonly associated with Power BI, but it can be used in SSRS by creating a data source using the OLE DB data extension and connecting to a Power Query data source.

SSRS and Report Distribution:

49. How can you automate the distribution of SSRS reports?
    • Answer: SSRS supports subscriptions, which allow you to automate the delivery of reports via email, file share, or a custom application using data-driven subscriptions.

SSRS and Advanced Visualizations:

50. Can SSRS be used for advanced visualizations like geographic maps or interactive charts?
    • Answer: SSRS does support basic charts and maps, but for more advanced visualizations, organizations may prefer tools like Power BI that offer richer options and interactivity.