Generating a database query using a dimensional hierarchy within a graphical user interface

An apparatus for generating a database query using a dimensional hierarchy within a graphical user interface, the apparatus comprising a computer processor, a computer memory operatively coupled to the computer processor, the computer memory having disposed within it computer program instructions that, when executed by the computer processor, cause the apparatus to carry out the steps of:

• displaying a data set within a spreadsheet structure, wherein the data set comprises a plurality of columns;
• displaying a list structure comprising a first level and a second level;
• receiving a selection of a first column of the plurality of columns as a first key for the first level in the list structure;
• receiving a selection of a second column of the plurality of columns as a second key for the second level in the list structure;
• and
• in response to receiving the selection of the first column and receiving the selection of the second column and based on an order of the first key and the second key in the list structure, generating the database query defining a hierarchical relationship between the first column and the second column.

A computer program product for generating a database query using a dimensional hierarchy within a graphical user interface, the computer program product disposed upon a computer readable medium, the computer program product comprising computer program instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to carry out the steps of:

• displaying a data set within a spreadsheet structure, wherein the data set comprises a plurality of columns;
• displaying a list structure comprising a first level and a second level;
• receiving a selection of a first column of the plurality of columns as a first key for the first level in the list structure;
• receiving a selection of a second column of the plurality of columns as a second key for the second level in the list structure;
• and
• in response to receiving the selection of the first column and receiving the selection of the second column and based on an order of the first key and the second key in the list structure, generating the database query defining a hierarchical relationship between the first column and the second column.