Using an XML converted code 1

[pk400i]

I ran one of my Crystal Reports through a converter that's supposed to convert Crystal to SSRS. Of course, not 100% but I am hoping for an intelligent shell to see how things look on the other side.

I got from this converter an XML file, with an extension of RDL. I was sort of expecting a run time module with source code. I am perhaps not understanding something, but how can I take this XML file and create an actual report out of it?

 

[RiverGuy]

The RDL I believe stands for "Report Definition Language." The RDL is the definition of your report. The source code is basically XML as opposed to binary. If you have a single orphaned file, try adding it to your solution (are you using Visual Studio? If you're using Report Builder, I'm not much help with that) and opening it up.

 

[pk400i]

I am using The Intelligence service but can use Visual Studio

 

[bburnell]

Out of curiosity, what is the name of the program you are using to convert and how much does it cost?
Thanks!
Brett

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[RiverGuy]

I'm unfamiliar with Time Intelligence, but if it has an option to "add an existing item or report," then go ahead and try to add your .RDL file as a report.

 

[xlbo]

Just to confirm for RiverGuy - RDL does indeed stand for Report Definition Language

It holds all the report items, the SQL and any embedded report code and expressions

Rgds, Geoff

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colours but they all live in the same box.

Please read FAQ222-2244 before you ask a question

 

[pk400i]

Brett, it was just from someone who developed it on his own, it's not a live product yet. I am looking at rpttprdl.com and am waiting for their email verification.

 

[pk400i]

I just don't see what to do with the .RDL item.

 

[bburnell]

Thanks for the info. PK. The .rdl gets uploaded to the SSRS server (like Crystal Enterprise) to be run from there. Or it can be put into a .net project, or it can be brought into a .net project to work on it. Be warned, VS 2005 has to be used for SSRS 2005 and VS 2008 has to be used for SSRS 2008.
Brett

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Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[pk400i]

What I don't understand is how to use this RDL.
This is what I have done so far.

I open Visual Studio and select the Report Wizard. It asks me for the data connection and then it wants a Query. Do I use the query that I was using for the Crystal Reports? It does work of course but the data is not aggraged not are there formulas.

Do I leave the Query part blank?

Now what do I do with the RDL that was created off of the original Crystal Report?

Some have said to add it to the Project.

I tried to add it under PROJECT, then add new item. But then it presents a small list: "Visual Studio installed templates" then Report Wizard, Report, Data source. There is also My Templates but this seems to go online for sources.

So what do I press to get this RDL into the project?

 

[bburnell]

This is assuming you are working with SQL 2005 and VS 2005. Create a new project as "Business Intelligence Projects" --> "Report Server Project" (or wizard) and add it from there. You have to have VS 2005 and at least the SQL 2005 client (/express?) on your machine to get this option (I think).

--------------------------
Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[bburnell]

Add existing Item" under the "Reports" tab. It will then only search for .rdl or .rds files. If you are using SQL 2008 or VS 2008, this will ne different. SQL 2008 and VS 2008 are completely different formats over 2000/2005! I would put a copy of your .rdl in your project directory before adding.
Hope that helps!
Brett

--------------------------
Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA

 

[bburnell]

Ok. I just tried it in VS 2008, and it worked basically the same way. Now I have a question...I thought SSRS 2008 was going to require .rdlx files that were "completely different" than 2005s? In fact, the only reason I still have a copy of VS 2005 on my machine is because I was told you couldn't make SSRS 2005 reports in VS 2008. When I add an existing item or create a new one, the extension stays .rdl. Any ideas anyone?
Brett

--------------------------
Web/.net Programmer & DBA
Central PA