display the descriptions of a multi value parm 1

[kdk13]

I have a multiple value parameter set as a number type. The values of the parameter list are numbers, but I also have descriptions for each that are string values. I am displaying only the description for the users to select the parameters. The descriptions are not available in the database, nor can I add them in the database. Then I'm using the values in the record selection. That is all working fine.

What I now want is to list in a formula in my header the descriptions of the parameters chosen. Is there even a way to get the descriptions? Otherwise, I'd settle for a list of the values, and do some replaces. When I try to the Join({?MVPArray}, " ") formula, I get a message that it must be a string array. If I add totext it wants it to be subscripted. When I add subscripting, I get more errors or it only shows the one value I request in the subscript.

I can't make my parameter a string type, because then I have to do a tonumber({?MVPArray}) in my record select and it wants it subscripted and it probably still wouldn't work.

Any ideas?

 

[synapsevampire]

Unfortunately you can't get the description used for the parameters, a nuisance to most, and typical of Crystal's parameter handling (weak).

Perhaps there's a means in CR XI, I'm not sure.

-k

 

[lbass]

You can hard code the descriptions into a formula like:

whileprintingrecords;
stringvar desc;
numbervar counter;
numbervar i := ubound({?parm});

for counter := 1 to i do(
desc := desc + (if {?parm}[counter] = 135 then "Filenes" else
if {?parm}[counter] = 246 then "Lord & Taylor" else
if {?parm}[counter] = 257 then "Macy's") + ", ";
left(desc,len(desc)-2);

-LB

 

[kdk13]

Thanks, lbass! That worked great. I haven't worked with arrays much and would not have figured that out on my own.

 

[synapsevampire]

Not sure what that buys, you still need to maintain the list, and it's all hardcoded, I think it would be simpler to just populate a text box with them.

-k

 

[lbass]

SV - I'm surprised you would say that. Clearly, what the formula does is identify only those descriptions that relate to the multiple parameters selected--which could not be simply added to a text box. Since the descriptions are not in a table anywhere, it is obvious that the formula will need to be updated as any new numeric codes and corresponding descriptions are added to the mix.

-LB

 

[synapsevampire]

I understand, LB, but it doesn't do so dynamically.

I suppose that it's less work and that a text box isn't very good either, I'd look at a table driven solution as these things tend to get overlooked and don't offer sa long term solution to it.

-k

 

[kdk13]

I do have my own schema in this database where I can add a table. Since I'm making more and more reports that need this decode from an ID to a text description, I will consider adding my own table and converting the reports - in my "spare" time. Luckily this particular list of choices is quite stable and isn't likely to change.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.