SQL Expression - Missing after Crafting a SQL command 1

[beanNut]

I crafted a simple report using a SQL Command. This is where you create a sql command and can use input parameters.
Once I save the report, the command now appears under the database tab with the variables that I specified. Fine, this is expected. Now I noticed that SQL Expression Group is missing. This is on the left of the IDE window and all that shows now are Database Fields (command), formula fields, parameter fields, running total fields, special fields. WHAT happen to the SQL expression?

Secondly, Is there a way to name the command? Must it always be Command.

Thirdly, Looks like it can only have one command per report.
Why?

Thanks in advance for Your help.

 

[vidru]

It's been a long day, and several hours since my last cup of coffee, so excuse my rambling...

1) Commands are sort of like stored procedures, in that they're treated like prepared SQL statements. When SQL Expressions are created, they become part of the SELECT statement (do a 'Show SQL Query' in a report that's using one and you'll see this). A stored procedure isn't a SELECT statement, so Crystal can't tack the SQL Expression on to the query - hence it being disabled/not visible.

2) To rename a Command, go to Database > Database Expert > click 'Command' > hit F2 > rename the Command

3) You can indeed have more than one Command in a report, and you can link them as well - something you can't do with stored procedures. From the Database Expert, use the 'Add Command' again to add more.

-dave