Do I Still Need a Time Dimension?

In the previous post, we explored the new CALENDAR functions introduced in Oracle 26ai — their syntax, strengths, and some subtle caveats. Now it’s time to look at the architectural question: if date logic has become easier to express directly in SQL, does that reduce the need for a dedicated time dimension in analytical models?

First Impressions and Practical Observations

Oracle AI Database 26ai (23.26.1) introduces new CALENDAR SQL functions. Having written countless nested TRUNC/ADD_MONTHS/TO_CHAR/LAST_DAY expressions over the years, I expected to love them immediately. They do simplify many scenarios — yet they also introduce nuances that require careful understanding before using them everywhere.