Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the modern data and AI-analytics stack.
What is a Semantic Layer? Definition and ExamplesA semantic layer is a business logic abstraction between your data warehouse and the tools that query it. Learn how it works, with YAML examples and use cases.What Is an OLAP Cube? Definition and Modern AlternativesAn OLAP cube pre-aggregates data across multiple dimensions for fast analytical queries. Learn how the concept evolved into modern semantic layers and pre-aggregation caches.What Is Conversational Analytics? Definition and How It WorksConversational analytics lets users query data in natural language. Learn how it works, why raw text-to-SQL falls short, and how semantic layers make it trustworthy.What is Embedded Analytics? Definition for B2B SaaSEmbedded analytics integrates data visualizations directly into your software product. Learn what B2B SaaS teams need to ship customer-facing analytics and AI.What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)?MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard for how AI agents connect to external data and tools. Learn how data teams use it for governed metric access.What is Metric Governance? Definition and Why It MattersMetric governance is the practice of defining, versioning, and enforcing business metric definitions across an organization. Learn why it matters for data teams.What is Pre-Aggregation? Definition and Performance ImpactPre-aggregation materializes commonly-queried aggregations into summary tables ahead of time. Learn when to use it and how it cuts query latency to a few ms.What is RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)?RBAC assigns data access permissions based on roles rather than individual users. Learn how it works for analytics, multi-tenancy, and AI agent governance.What is Text-to-SQL? Definition, Limits, and AlternativesText-to-SQL converts natural language into SQL queries using an LLM. Learn why it fails in production and how semantic layers provide a governed alternative.