Will SSRS update expression names throughout the report? 1

[dianemarie]

Hello, if I rename an expression is there any way to get SSRS to update the name throughout the report? It doesn't even update the field name, if I'm using that expression field on the report somewhere. I sometimes refer to one expression in another expression so I have to go around checking everywhere when I rename an expression. During the design process of a new report I tend to change my mind about things. As is my prerogative. If not, I'll deal. Just checking....

Thanks much.

 

[RiverGuy]

By expression, I am assuming you mean calculated field? There's not a way that I know of, although someone may know differently. I checked both SSRS 2005 and 2008 and I see the same behavior you described where a name change to the calculated field does not update the expressions in the report. Usually, if I create a calculated field and later find the name less than ideal, I'll just go with it and change the column heading.

 

[dianemarie]

Exactly, calculated field. I suspected that might be the answer I wasn't looking for but thought I'd ask. I have resorted to changing the column name in the past but then it bugs me if the field name is no longer appropriately descriptive. I don't know why. It's not as if I'm used to having all the i's dotted and t's crossed anywhere else in life!

Thanks RG for taking a look.

 

[ShankarJ]

Hi!

Can't you just load the report definition (which is XML) into a text editor and search/replace all references.

Regards

 

[amysdude]

Yes. A Find/Replaces of the RDL's XML in a text editor is the way to go about changing every occurence of a field name.

 

[dianemarie]

Good to know! I'll try it out. Thanks to both of you.

 

[dianemarie]

Just got around to trying this out the other day. Definitely a better way to go than trying to track all the pieces down one by one. Thanks much everyone.