Discrete data roles consist of values which are separate and distinct. Discrete data roles can take individual values within a range. For Example – cancer patients in the hospital, no. of threads in a sheet, state. Discrete values are displayed as blue icons in the data window and blue pills on shelves. Discrete fields can be sorted.
Continuous data roles consist of any value within finite or infinite interval. For Example – age, unit price, order quantity. Continuous values displayed as green icons in data window and green pills on shelves. Continuous fields cannot be sorted.