Introducing Qlikview Components

Qlikview Components is a set of Qlikview scripting subroutines. I started this project to address two problems. 


As a Consultant, I’ve written and left behind QV script for many different customers. I frequently use script subroutines for common tasks to simplify implementation and maintenance. As  Qlikview (and me) grows and matures, better scripting approaches and product features become available. What’s missing is an effective way to feed those improvements back in to the various versions of code I’ve spawned in the world. 


Another problem is that the flexibility of scripting is also a curse. There are many ways to do the same thing. What’s the “best” way? Do we all need to learn that variable loop and load thing? Many script tasks are like plumbing in a building. They are not that interesting (my apologies to Plumbers) but it is essential that they work correctly. We want to get them done quickly and move on to the interesting bits. 


How to address these problems? Enter “Qlikview Components” (Qvc), an open source (free) project. Here’s the mission statement from the project home page:

The mission of Qlikview Components is:
  • Implement scripting best practices encapsulated by a simple and stable API.
  • Improve the speed and quality of script development.
  • Create common ground between script developers.
QVC aims to serve the needs of the “big middle” of script tasks. Not the simple tasks, not the very complex tasks, but the garden variety common needs found in many scripts.
 
As an open source (OS) project, we have the opportunity to capture and redistribute the broad knowledge of the Qlikview Community. What do I see as the strengths of this project?
  1. The broadest possible input for design, validation and improvement of code. The project is hosted on google-code and allows for multiple developers around the world to contribute to the project. 
  2. A stable API. We’re committed to continuous improvement and compatibility.
  3. A unit testing regime that ensures quality.
  4. All the supporting pieces one would expect in a serious project — documentation, examples, localization, issue tracking, discussion groups, formal testing and build systems. 
Qlikview Components is currently in a “Preview” stage with a target for first production release on Feb 1, 2012. You can find the project at 
 
 
That address will redirect to the hosting site on google-code where you’ll find downloads and links to discussions. 
 
I’ll be blogging more on Qvc in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here’s a taste of what it takes to build a typical master calendar using Qvc. 
 
$(Include=..qvc_runtimeqvc.qvs);
// Load fact tables, etc…..

CALL Qvc.CalendarFromField(‘ClosingDate’);
 
I hope you’ll find Qvc useful and look forward to hearing your ideas for improvement in the discussion groups!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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4 thoughts on “Introducing Qlikview Components”

  1. Nice initiative Rob. Have started exploring. Very much interested in participating and contributing.
    Regards,
    -Knightrider

  2. Great project! Love the open source thinking. Just started looking into the library and can already see the use for this.
    Also very much interested in helping out developing this.
    – Gummy

  3. I’d love to have help. If you want to help, start out by joining the User Forum. I’m looking for people who want to contribute or maintain code as well.

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