Most Asked 15 Interview Questions & Answers on SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services)

Introduction

Is your Microsoft SQL interview around the corner? Learn the most trending SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) interview questions and answers from basic to advanced.

To know more about SQL Server Reporting Services, enroll in our online sql server online training course.

Q1. What is The Report Server Project in SSRS?

Ans:- SSRS stands for SQL Server Reporting Services. It is a server-based reporting platform provided by Microsoft that allows users to create, manage, and deliver various reports. The primary purpose of SSRS is to enable the creation and distribution of interactive, tabular, and graphical reports.

Q2. What is The Role of A Report Server In Business Intelligence?

Ans:- Report servers are essential in business intelligence (BI) because they enable users to generate reports that can be used to analyze data and make informed decisions. It empowers organizations to transform data into actionable insights, providing decision-makers with the information they need to make informed choices and drive business growth.

Q3. What is Report Definition Language (RDL)?

Ans:- RDL is an XML representation of a SQL Server Reporting Services report definition (RDL) that includes detailed data extraction and report layout facts. RDL files typically have the extension ".rdl" and can be created and edited using dedicated reporting tools such as SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), Report Builder, or other reporting software that supports RDL. 

Q4. What Are The Main Components of SSRS?

Ans:- The critical components of SSRS include:

• Report Designer: A tool for creating and designing reports. Report designers typically offer user-friendly graphical interfaces that allow non-technical users to create reports with ease. 
• Report Server: The core engine for processing and delivering reports. Report servers connect to various data sources, such as databases, data warehouses, and external data feeds.
• Report Manager: A web-based interface for managing and accessing reports.Report Manager is typically used by administrators and users to perform various tasks related to reporting and business intelligence.
• Report Viewer: The user interface for viewing reports. These components enhance the accessibility and usability of reports in various business and data analysis scenarios.
• Data Sources: Connections to data repositories.

Q5. How is Detailed Data Presented in A SQL Server Report Once We Run It?

Ans:- Once we run the report, the detailed data is acquired, combined with the layout, and then displayed on the screen, allowing for export, printing, or saving. Users can often export the detailed data in the report to various formats like PDF, Excel, or Word for further analysis or sharing with others

Q6. Who is Responsible For Managing The Connection Information in SQL Server Reports?

Ans:- SQL Server Database Administrators (DBAs) manage the connection information, specifying server connections and required data. They play a critical role in ensuring the availability, security, and integrity of data.

Q7. What is The SqlConnection Object?

Ans:- A SqlConnection object in SSRS is a class that represents a connection to a SQL Server database. It is used to connect to and retrieve data from a SQL Server database to generate reports. SqlConnection objects are used in SSRS to connect to and retrieve data from SQL Server databases to generate reports. They are an essential part of the SSRS reporting platform.

Q8. How Does Using SqlConnection, SqlDataAdapter, and SqlCommand Impact The Speed When Connecting To a Microsoft SQL Server Database?

Ans:- When connecting to a Microsoft SQL Server database, using SqlConnection, SqlDataAdapter, and SqlCommand can enhance speed and efficiency. These classes are part of ADO.NET and play crucial roles in database connectivity and data retrieval. 

Q9. Explain The Difference Between a Shared Dataset And An Embedded Dataset in SSRS?

Ans:- A shared dataset is a dataset that can be used by multiple reports, while an embedded dataset is specific to a single report. Shared datasets are stored separately and can be accessed by various reports, promoting reusability and consistency in your reports. Shared datasets can have their own security settings, which can be managed independently while the security settings for an embedded dataset are tied to the report itself

Q10. What is The Purpose of The Report Builder in SSRS?

Ans:- The Report Builder is a simplified tool for creating and designing reports. It is often used by business users who may not have advanced technical skills but need to generate ad-hoc reports. Report Builder provides a user-friendly interface for report authoring. Its primary purpose is to enable non-technical users, such as business analysts and report authors, to design and publish reports without requiring deep technical expertise

Q11. What is The Difference Between a Parameter And A Filter in SSRS?

Ans:- Parameters and filters are used to limit the data displayed in a report. However, parameters are user-defined values that affect the entire report, while filters are conditions applied to individual data regions or data sets within a report.

Q12. Explain How to Deploy A Report in SSRS?

Ans:- To deploy a report in SSRS, you typically use SQL Server Data Tools or Report Builder to design the report, then publish it to the Report Server using the built-in deployment functionality. Reports are usually deployed to a specific folder on the Report Server.

Q13. What Type of Connection is Recommended During Setting Up A Connection?

Ans:- It is recommended to select the "Embedded connection" to have the connection details embedded within the report, making it self-contained.

Q14. What is The Text That You Must input in The Connection String While Setting Up A Connection?

Ans:- This connection string assumes that you have permission to access the database online and that the database, SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT), and report server are all installed on your local computer.

Q15. How Can You Secure SSRS Reports?

Ans:- SSRS offers various security mechanisms, including role-based security, item-level security, and data-driven security. You can control access to reports, data sources, and folders based on user roles and permissions. Additionally, you can use SSL encryption for secure communication.

If you're a beginner in SSRS, and want to know more about it, check our SSRS Tutorial for beginners blog.

Q16. What Are The Initial Property Values of A SqlConnection Object?

Ans: All properties of a SqlConnection object are initially set to their default values, which are listed in the SqlConnection function as "[native code]." Here are the initial property values for a SqlConnection object:

• ConnectionString
• ConnectionTimeout
• Credentials
• Database
• ServerVersion

Conclusion

Mastering SSRS and preparing for an SSRS interview involves a deep understanding of its components, report design principles, and security measures. By reviewing these interview questions and answers, you've taken a significant step toward showcasing your SSRS proficiency and ensuring a successful interview. Whether you're an experienced SSRS user or just starting your SSRS journey, continuous learning and preparation are the keys to mastering this invaluable reporting tool. Good luck  with your SSRS interviews!