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How to create a data set parameter

This procedure assumes that you already inserted a parameter marker in the SQL query. If you use multiple data set parameters, create them in the order in which their corresponding parameter markers appear in the WHERE clause.

  1. In Data Explorer, choose the data set for which you want to create parameters. Edit Data Set displays the query for the data set.
  2. Choose Parameters. Edit Data Set displays the Parameters page.
  3. Choose New.
  4. On New Parameter:
    1. In Name, type a name for the data set parameter. It is good practice to use a prefix, such as DSP, to differentiate the parameter from other parameter types, such as report parameters.
    2. In Data type, select a data type for the parameter.
    3. In Direction, choose Input. This value means that the parameter is an input parameter.
    4. In Linked To Report Parameter, select the report parameter to bind to this data set parameter.
    5. Figure 12-12 shows an example of a data set parameter definition where the data set parameter, DSP_quantityinstock, is linked to a report parameter, RP_quantityinstock.

      Figure 12-3  Data set parameter definition

      Figure 12-12 Data set parameter definition
    6. Choose OK.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create additional data set parameters for any other parameter markers that you inserted in your SQL query.
  6. To save the changes to the data set, choose OK.
  7. Test the parameters to verify that the query updates with user-specified values and that the report shows the results you expect:
    1. Choose Preview.
    2. If Enter Parameters does not appear, choose Show Report Parameters.
    3. Enter Parameters displays all the report parameters that you created. Figure 12-13 shows example report parameters, RP_quantityinstock and RP_productvendor. The parameter names are displayed because values were not supplied for the Prompt text property.

      Figure 12-4 Enter Parameters

      Figure 12-13 Enter Parameters
    4. Specify a value for each parameter, then choose OK.

If you completed all the tasks that were described earlier in this chapter, the WHERE clause of your query updates with the specified values, and the report displays the rows that match the WHERE clause.


(c) Copyright Actuate Corporation 2006

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