Interface for parameters 2

[kencleanairsystem]

Pardon my ignorance on this subject; I'm just starting to learn how to use Crystal Reports (v 8.5).

We're currently using VB to create a TTX file, which is then fed into CR (along with any parameter fields), and CR generates the report.

Is that the common method? Or, does CR have its own "user interface" (apart from the "Enter Parameter Values" box)?

For example, I have a parameter named "SummaryOnly" to determine the format in which the user would like the report. I can pass it from VB. Or, I can display the "Enter Parameter Values" box. But, can Crystal ask for the parameter with a check box instead of the drop down list? Can CR just show: [ ] Print Summary Only?

Again, sorry for this question; there's probably an obvious answer that I haven't yet come across.

Thank you.

 

[synapsevampire]

No, Crystal won't use a checkbox, the standard boolean is a true/false or 1/0.

You can prepopulate the parameter with true and false though, shouldn't be too tricky for the users.

You can either let Crystal handle parameter collection (no code, no $), or you can code front ends.

I tend to use web based interfaces, such as Crystal Enterprise or ASP based front ends, and have avoided vb coding for years, but it's all jamom (just a matter of money).

-k

 

[vidru]

The default 'Enter Parameter Values' window that you see in the CR Designer is the same one that will come up if you don't set your parameters within your application. It sounds like you'd be better off writing your own, 'friendlier' parameter window. That's my preferred method.

-dave

 

[kencleanairsystem]

Thanks for your responses. I guess I'm a little surprised the CR doesn't have a slicker interface. But, maybe that's why the report functions are so outstanding; they focused on Reports.

 

[synapsevampire]

They do have a better interface, your version is 5 years old.

Check out CR XI, they have a free 30 day version, and they support cascading, dynamic parameters now.

Otherwise the parameter collection is still pretty much the same, though some elegance has been added, such as selecting your default value from a list. Keep in mind that a checkbox isn't necessarily the preferred option for a boolean value, and as you you've stated, they provide Business Intelligence tools, not focusing on prebuilding front ends for them.

-k