How to dynamically change table name?

[huckfinn19]

I`m using `.csv` text files as my datasource in a Crystal Report. I`m already using a alias for the name of the database
in my report so that I can change the source files easily.

So lets call the alias DATA_SOURCE.csv an I can change the files from which the data is extracted using
Database->Set Location...->Table : "real_name.csv"

Its pretty easy that way, but I`d like to be prompt for the destination file ("real_name.csv&quot when I refresh my report.
This so that people using my report wouldn`t have to do all the steps to change the location... It would help also to distribute reports...

Is there a way to do that? Using parameters or something like that?

Thanks!

Simon

 

[jimmarkham]

This may not be practical, but its the only thing I can think of.

Lets say you have three csv files called csv1,csv2,csv3
You could:
1. Create an Access database

2. Link the csv files to the access database - you now have three tables called csv1, csv2 and csv3

3. Create a query that unions the three tables with some sort of identifier added to each record. (So its something like
Select "csv1" as id, csv1.* from csv1
union
select "csv2" as id, csv2.* from csv2
etc

Then you can use the union view from the access database as the datasource and have the id field as a parameter to make sure that the user selects the correct data.


I haven't tried this so I can't guarantee that it works but it might do what you're looking for.

Good Luck.

Jim