SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

Question

I am new to SSRS. I use SSRS to access a remote data source. I can use the interface shown below to build and execute queries and produce reports:

Is there a way to build a report by specifying the SQL directly rather than using the graphical tools. I have spent some time Googling this and I have gone through a few tutorials. I am unable to find an answer.

Answer 1

Click the Edit as Text button in the top left-hand corner of that window and have at it.

Edit If you are only seeing XML in the query window, then you are using a Report Model data source instead of a direct database connection. Models cannot be queried directly with SQL.

In order to query with SQL, setup a Data Source using a connection string that points directly your database.