Parameters

In DataGOL,Parameters are dynamic input placeholders—such as a number, text, date, or boolean—that replace hardcoded values in formulas or BI Workbooks. They allow users to adjust values on the fly in dashboards or visualizations without editing the actual SQL or underlying dataset.

A parameter acts as a control lever for your analysis. Instead of rewriting a formula to test different targets, dates, or metrics, you just change the parameter value and see the results update instantly. Parameters empowers you to dynamically control data views and interact with dashboards without altering the underlying data. Thus enhancing flexibility by enabling what-if analysis and metric switching.

For example, using the formula and a parameter, a widget was created to compare the revenue performance of 'This Year' and 'Last Year' across various months. The specific years defined as 'This Year' and 'Last Year' automatically adjust based on the parameter selected on the dashboard.

Key characteristics of parameters

Interactive: Users can input values directly on dashboards.

Reusable: Parameters can be referenced across multiple formulas and widgets.

Flexible: Support for Text, Number, Boolean, Date, Date Range, Static Enum, and Dynamic Enum.

Formula-compatible: Must be used within a formula to affect analysis or visualization.

Creating a parameter

1. From Visualizer, adjacent to list of columns on the lower left, click the Create Parameter button.

2. Add the following details in the Add Parameter box:

   

   • Name: Specify a unique name for the parameter.

   • Key: Select a unique identifier for your parameter, such as year.

   • Type: Select the data type for the key from TEXT, NUMBER, BOOLEAN, DATE, DATE TIME, DATE RANGE, DYNAMIC ENUM, STATIC ENUM. For example, If you have want to specify the default value as year, you can select NUMBER type.

   • Default Value: Specify a default value, such as 2025.

3. Click Create. The created parameters are listed in the Parameters section.

Note

For the parameters to be effective, they need to be passed as part of a formula column.

Best practices

• Use clear parameter names so business users understand what to input.
• Add default values to avoid empty results.
• Validate your formula logic when combining with parameters.
• Reuse parameters across multiple widgets for consistency.

Implementing a parameter

To make the parameter functional, do the following:

1. Go to the Formulas section.

2. Create a new formula that references the parameter.

   Example: Parameter usage in a formula

   CASE
     WHEN date_part('year', year_month)={{YEAR}} THEN 'This year'
     WHEN date_part ('year', year_month)={{YEAR}}-1 THEN 'last year'
     ELSE NULL
   END
   

Using parameters on dashboards

• Identify the Parameter on dashboard page

Dynamic Parameters

Dynamic Parameters create dropdown filters whose options are automatically populated from a SQL query. As new values are added to your data, the dropdown updates automatically.

1 How to Create

1. Open the Visualizer and navigate to your workbook.
2. Create a new Parameter from the Parameters section.
3. Set Parameter Type to Dynamic Options (SQL-Driven Dropdown).
4. Configure:
   • Parameter Name: Display name (e.g., "Country").
   • Parameter Key: Reference key for formulas (e.g., "Country").
   • Value Type: Data type (e.g., Text).
5. Enter the SQL Query for distinct values:

select distinct Country from application_connection_read.table_782542d9 order by Country

6. Set a Default Value and optionally enable Allow Multiple Values.
7. Toggle Show on Dashboards if it should appear on dashboard pages.
8. Click Save.

2 Using in Formulas

Reference dynamic parameters in formula columns with double-curly-brace syntax.

3 Result on Dashboard

The parameter appears as a dropdown filter. Users select values and all referencing widgets update in real time.

4 Reordering Parameters

Control the display order of parameters on dashboard pages:

• Go to Dashboard Page Settings (gear icon).
• Open Manage Parameters.
• Drag and drop parameters into your desired order.
• Toggle visibility on/off as needed, then Save.