Variable question

[Michael Humby]

Can anyone please enlighten me why global variables and global calcs are not available in a reports grouping expression builder or when creating an update operation. The ask variable is there but not appropriate.

I need to group a report on an expression like 'IF(Variable_Date-DOB

[Stan Mathews]

RE: Variable question

You should see all available variables that are defined at the time the report is designed. Form variables from the form containing the button to print the report (if at least session level), global variables from the table or set on which the report is based, etc. When designing reports I see (in the drag drop list), in order, CALCULATED FIELDS (DEFINED FOR THE REPORT), VARIABLES (USER, SYSTEM VARIABLES, ) then TABLE/S depending whether the report is based on a table or set.

What are you seeing?

[Michael Humby]

RE: Variable question

Stan,

In the group properties of a report, there are no defined variables available only an option for an ask variable. The same applies when defining an update operation. I would really like to know what the reason is for this omission as I often find myself up against a brick wall here.

Michael

[Finian Lennon]

RE: Variable question

For a global variable to be accessible in a report, you still need to add the variable definition to the report under Report/Variables.

For the global variable to be available to operations, you need to define it as part of the table under Tables/Edit Structure/Table/Global Variables.

Finian

[Michael Humby]

RE: Variable question

Finian and Stan,

I know that the defined variables are available in the layouts of reports forms etc. I have no problems there.

What I often need is for the defined variable to be available in the expression builder of the 'Grouping level Properties' of a report. I can group on an expression, but I cannot group on expression containing a variable. There is an option for an 'Ask variable' but this is not suitable because I need to set the variable with a button action.The same applies to an 'Update Operation'. Is there a reason why we can't update a field with variable value.

Welcome further discussion, Michael

[Tom Cone Jr]

RE: Variable question

PMFJI, but have you tried Finian's suggestion?

Open the report in design mode.
Select Variables from the Report menu drop down list.
Add your global variable to the list applicable to your report.
Click OK to save the variable definition.

When I do this, the expression builder automatically picks up the variable and makes it accessible when I am defining the expression for setting the group order.

-- tom

[Selwyn Rabins]

RE: Variable question

if a global variable is not listed in the expression builder, it does not mean that it cannot be used.

have you tried using var->myvarname in your expression (even though myvarname is not listed)?

[Michael Humby]

RE: Variable question

Message board to the rescue such a simple solution.

Thanks everyone. I have always assumed that if a previously defined variable was not listed that it was omitted for a reason. Selwyn's solution works fine. I now type my own variable label and this now enables me to do update operations based on the value of my variables or to include them in an a grouping expression.

This simple information would have save me hours of work arounds in the past and will cetainly save me hours in the future.

Thanks Michael