RSCR

ReportSmith Creating Reports
Delphi for Windows

I n t r o d u c t i o n
Copyright
Agreement
Creating Reports explains how to create reports with ReportSmith. It familiarizes you
with basic tasks such as creating a basic report, and advanced topics such as working
with macros.
Who should use this guide

Creating Reports is intended for users who want to create a variety of reports from their
database tables. It assumes a general knowledge of the Windows environment.
Advanced topics, such as macros and SQL entry, assume a database and programming
background.
Topics covered in this guide

The following table lists topics youll find in Creating Reports and provides a brief
description of each.
Introduction discusses basic tasks, including how to create and format a basic report.
Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source lists databases that ReportSmith can access,
tells you how to connect to them, and how to save connection information.
Chapter 2, Types of reports you can create gives examples of types of reports you can
create, including default report types (columnar, crosstab, form and labels), and custom
report types (summary-only and master/detail).
Chapter 3, Bringing data into a report introduces you to the Report Query dialog
boxes, describes adding tables, choosing columns, assigning column aliases, specifying
selection criteria and direct SQL entry.
Chapter 4, Manipulating data describes how to sort and group data, create derived
fields, summary fields, report variables and temporary tables, and create a master/
detail report.
Chapter 5, Formatting explains how to select and move parts of a report, set paper
size and orientation, to format a report by adding borders, using drawing tools,
Introduction
formatting characters, using the Style Extractor and report styles, aligning items, and
displaying graphics filenames as pictures.
Chapter 6, Graphs describes how to convert a report to a graph.
Chapter 7, Crosstabs shows you types of crosstabs you can create, describes three
methods for creating a crosstab, and shows you how to modify and format a crosstab.
Chapter 8, Macros introduces you to macros and ReportBasic, shows you how to
create and use a simple macro, and gives examples of sample macros.
Chapter 9, Printing a report shows you how to print a report.
Chapter 10, Customizing ReportSmith shows you how to customize ReportSmiths
options, its menu and toolbar, and how to run a ReportSmith report from an icon.
Chapter 11, Runtime Viewer shows you how to install and run this feature.
Chapter 12, Creating and using a data dictionary shows you how to create a view,
assign aliases, and use the ReportSmith data dictionary.
Appendix A, Using ReportSmith with other applications discusses how to embed
an OLE 2.0 object into a report, how to call ReportSmith from another application, and
how to call an application from ReportSmith.
Appendix B, Macro reference provides a command reference for ReportSmiths
macro facility.
What you can do with ReportSmith

ReportSmith is a powerful visual database reporting and query tool. It provides a
streamlined approach to creating reports using database files and tables. You can create
reports from SQL and PC databases without knowing complex database commands.
You can bring database tables and files into ReportSmith to produce a report that you
can edit and format, combining items such as data, text, charts, pictures, and soundbites.
Since ReportSmith uses live data, you see the result of your changes immediately,
using current data.
Once you bring data into ReportSmith, you can customize a report to perform tasks
such as:
Exclude data you dont want to display

Combine data from other tables
Sort and group live data
Insert headers and footers
Perform sums, averages, minimums, and maximums
Create dialog boxes that prompt for information
Insert charts, text, pictures, and OLE objects from other applications
Create distinct master/detail sections using data from separate tables
Instantly apply preformatted styles and add text
Attach macros to your report
Creating Reports
Because ReportSmith uses a visual layout approach, you can specify data you want and
use live data as you edit and format reports. You decide how you want data to appear,
using drag and drop techniques to place data, graphics, OLE objects, charts, and text.
ReportSmith saves the layout and uses it each time you run your report.
You can add finishing touches to your report such as fonts, number formats, and
borders with Windows-standard features: icons, a toolbar, a formatting ribbon, snap-to
grids, adjustable rulers, zoom, and alignment capabilities.
Terms, techniques, and conventions

Creating Reports uses certain terms and conditions to describe specific actions.
The keyboard
Letters like Esc designate key names on your keyboard. Here, Esc represents the
Escape key. Keys on your keyboard may not be labeled exactly as shown in this
manual, so check your computer manual if they differ.
Arrow keys refer to the Up Arrow (), Down Arrow (), Left Arrow (), and Right Arrow ()
keys.
Combination keys appear with a plus sign (+). For example, Alt+F1 means you should
hold down the Alt key while pressing the F1 key.
Text
The text you type appears in monospace font. Type in the text exactly as it appears,
including uppercase and lowercase letters and spaces between words, letters, and
symbols.
Filenames and database table names appear in UPPERCASE.
New terms and emphasized items appear in italics.
A light bulb in the margin indicates a useful tip or shortcut.
Procedures
In many of ReportSmiths dialog boxes, you can use three methods to place an item
from a list box into another list box. You can:
Drag and drop it into the list box using the mouse
Double-click on an item to place it in a list box
Select an item and press the appropriate button in the dialog box
Installed files
The Delphi installation automatically installs some ReportSmith drivers and files for
you. To view a list of these files, open the FILELIST.DOC installed with ReportSmith.
Introduction
Directory locations for files

These are the default directory locations for ReportSmith and its components:
ReportSmith program files in C:\RPTSMITH

Sample tables, reports, and files in C:\RPTSMITH\VIDEO
Sample macros in C:\RPTSMITH\MACROS
IDAPI files in C:\IDAPI, or if you have already installed IDAPI these files are placed
into the same directory
ODBC files in WINDOWS\SYSTEM
OLE 2.0 drivers in WINDOWS\SYSTEM
Sample tables, reports, and macros

Sample databases and reports used in the tutorials can be found in the RPTSMITH\
VIDEO directory. Sample macros are in the RPTSMITH\MACROS directory.
The sample tables contain data used in the tutorials. The sample tables were designed to
work together. You can define relationships between them by linking them. The sample
reports offer examples of report types you can create.
Creating Reports
Chapter
Connecting to a data source
Chapter 1
This chapter identifies the database types you can use with ReportSmith and shows you
how to connect to your database tables. It also shows you how to save connections to
frequently used tables.
Databases ReportSmith can access

With ReportSmith, you can retrieve information from the following databases. Check
with your system administrator if youre unsure which database types youre using.
Databases ReportSmith can access
Access
Btrieve
DB2
dBASE
Excel
FoxPro
INGRES
Informix
InterBase
ORACLE
Paradox
Raima
AS/400
SQL Server
SQLBase
Sybase
Teradata
Text Files
Unify
Watcom SQL
Databases accessed through generic ODBC drivers
Connecting to tables
To connect to a database:
1 Choose File|New, or press the New Report button on the toolbar. ReportSmith
displays the Create A New Report dialog box.
Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source
2 Press the report button that corresponds to the report type you want to create and
press OK, or double-click the report button that corresponds to the report type you
want to create. ReportSmith displays the Tables dialog box.
3 Choose Add Table. ReportSmith displays the Select Table To Be Added dialog box.
4 In the Type box, choose a database type. In the example above, weve chosen
dBASE(ODBC). Specify the location of the database in the Drives and Directories list
boxes, or if youve defined a connection, select it from the Connections list box.
A list of available tables appears in the Files box.
5 Select a table and press OK, or choose Server Connect to make a server-based
connection.
Creating Reports
The Get Connection Data dialog box appears with the connection type displayed at
the top. In the example below, the connection type is SQL Server.
If you specify a server-based database such as SQL Server, ORACLE or INGRES

youll be prompted for server, user ID and password. Information you enter in the
dialog box varies depending on the type of database to which youre connected.
If you specify a local PC-based database such as dBASE, Paradox, or Btrieve, go to the
directory where their files are located and select a table.
6 Enter the information for the type of connection you want to make. In the example
above, ReportSmith prompts you to enter the name of the server, the user ID, and
password. (For specific information youll need for each database type, see
ReportSmiths on-line Help.) Press OK.
When you save a new report, ReportSmith saves all the connection information
except the password. The next time you create a new report, ReportSmith displays
the connection information from the last data source you connected to. You can
cancel it if you intend to use a different data source.
Saving database connection information

ReportSmith can save database login information in named connections. With named
connections, you can
Save time by not having to retype database information that you use frequently
Shield the end-user from remembering server names or data paths by setting up their
connections for them
A connection points to the location of files, a specific user and database tables you want
to include in a report. You can set up permanent or temporary connections by telling
ReportSmith the data path or server information for your system.
Note
You do not need a user-defined connection to connect to a table.

You can set up permanent connections that let you quickly access database tables that
you use frequently. A user-defined connection lets you access a database without having
to re-enter the server name, user name, and directory path. Instead, you can select a
user-defined connection and ReportSmith will login to that database directly.
If required, ReportSmith prompts you to enter your password and connects you to the
database. Once you create a connection and save it, the next time you access the
database you created for that connection, you simply select the name you assigned to
the connection and ReportSmith makes the connection.
Note
See your system administrator for server IDs and help in setting up connections you
plan to use frequently.
To set up and save a connection:
1 Choose File|Connections. The Connection dialog box appears.
2 Choose New to set up a new connection.

3 Select the database from the Type list that you want to set up a connection for from
the drop down list.
Note
Displayed options change for each type of connection.
4 In the Name box enter a name for the connection. For example, you may have a
database that holds employee sales records that you want to name Sales.
5 Enter the information for your connection type. ReportSmith needs the data path or
server information for your system.
6 Choose Save. ReportSmith saves the connection and places it in the Connections box.
To delete a connection, select it in the Connections box and choose Delete.
ReportSmith removes the connection.
7 Press OK. Now you can select this connection in the Connections box in the Select
Table To Be Added dialog box the next time you create a report.
Creating Reports
Connecting to data sources

This chapter provides an overview of the three types of drivers ReportSmith uses to
connect to data sources: IDAPI, ODBC, and native connections. It also describes how to
connect to each data source and provides solutions to common questions.
The following diagram shows how ReportSmith communicates with databases.
ReportSmith provides middleware (native, ODBC, and IDAPI) that allows you to
connect to various databases. Third-party middleware, such as Q+Es ODBC drivers
and Borland SQL Links, can be purchased to allow ReportSmith to connect to
additional data sources (see Supported data sources on page 10).
SQL
databases
PC
databases
Thirdparty
drivers
NATIVE
Borland
SQL
Links
ODBC
IDAPI
ReportSmith
Connection types
ReportSmith provides three types of connections to enable you to connect to data
sources: IDAPI, ODBC, and native connections. You may use one or more of these
connections, depending on the data sources you are working with.
Through IDAPI
Integrated Database Application Programming Interface (IDAPI) enables you to
connect to IDAPI-enabled Borland desktop products such as Paradox and dBASE, or
SQL data sources supported by the Borland SQL Links, such as InterBase (for a
complete list of supported IDAPI data sources, see Supported data sources on
page 10).
Note
For more information about IDAPI connectivity to SQL databases, double-click on the
IDAPI Configuration icon in the ReportSmith program group and choose Help in the
IDAPI Configuration Utility after you install the product.
What are SQL Links?

Borland SQL Links enables IDAPI application users to access SQL databases. After you
install SQL Links and create an SQL driver alias, you can use your IDAPI-enabled
applications such as ReportSmith to access SQL databases.
Through ODBC
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers enable you to connect to PC and SQL
ODBC data sources. You can install your own or use those drivers installed by
ReportSmith. If you have installed your own ODBC drivers, ReportSmith overwrites
existing drivers if they are older versions than those shipped with ReportSmith (for a
complete list of supported ODBC data sources see Supported data sources on
page 10).
Note
For more information about ODBC connectivity double-click on the ODBC

Administrator icon in the Windows Control Panel or choose File|ODBC Setup in
ReportSmith after you install the product.
Through native API

A native Application Programming Interface (API) connection is integrated into
ReportSmith and enables you to connect to SQL data sources. Since they are integrated
within ReportSmith, native connections are able to retrieve data sets faster than other
connection types. Therefore, we recommend choosing native connections before ODBC
or IDAPI.
Supported data sources

You can use the samples provided by ReportSmith to learn how to use the product.
However, to create reports using your own data, you will need to connect to a data
source that is supported by ReportSmith. The table below provides a list of databases
and files supported by ReportSmith.
Database
Version
Access
All versions 1.0 through 2.x. ReportSmith does not supply the ODBC driver for
Access 2.0; its included when you install Access 2.0.
BTRIEVE.EXE versions 5.x and earlier. Connectivity to Btrieve 6 is available
through the ODBC driver from Q+E.
Btrieve
10
Creating Reports
Connection
type
ODBC
ODBC
Connection
type
Database
Version
DB2
Supported through the MicroDecisionware Database Gateway version 2.0 running

on an OS/2 server, and the Gupta DB2 Gateway provided by Gupta. (Before you
can connect to DB2, a gateway must be installed.)
dBASE II, III, and IV file formats and dBASE for Windows. Through IDAPI, version
5.0 and earlier.
ReportSmith accesses only the information in the database portion of an Excel
spreadsheet for version 4.0 or earlier.
Versions 2.0, 2.5.
Versions 4.1.0 through SQL Links.
Ingres Networking for Windows version 6.4/04.
Versions 3.3 through SQL Links. Versions 4.x through Client Server Express and
SQL Links.
SQL*Net for DOS or Windows access to remote ORACLE databases, versions 6.0
and 7.x through 7.2.
Version 5.0 or earlier. For ODBC, versions 4.x and earlier.
See the README.TXT.
Gupta SQLBase Server products, version 4.0 and Quest 1.0 to access SQLBase
databases.
See the README.TXT.
Supported through the MicroDecisionware Database Gateway, version 2.0 running
Teradata DBC/1012, version 4.1.1 or greater.
Text files are supported through an ODBC driver provided by ReportSmith.
Unify 2000. The necessary Unify client software can be obtained from Borland.
dBASE
Excel
FoxPro
Informix
Ingres
InterBase
ORACLE
Paradox
SQL Server
SQLBase
Sybase
Teradata
Text files
Unify
Note
Native
IDAPI, ODBC
ODBC
ODBC
IDAPI
Native
IDAPI
Native
IDAPI, ODBC
Native
Native
Native
Native
ODBC
Native
For information about installing a specific data source, see Connecting to data sources
on page 9.
Connecting to PC data sources through IDAPI

ReportSmith for PC databases connects to dBASE and Paradox through IDAPI,
provided by ReportSmith. This section describes each connection type, hardware and
software requirements, and connection issues that may occur for each data source.
Note
Dialog boxes include example parameters.
dBASE
ReportSmith provides an IDAPI connection to dBASE versions 5.0 and earlier and
dBASE V for DOS. For dBASE for Windows 5.0, IDAPI provides the only connection.
Note
For detailed information about dBASE IDAPI connections, double-click on the Release
Notes icon in the ReportSmith program group.
11
Paradox
ReportSmith provides an IDAPI connection to Paradox versions 5.0 and earlier. For
instructions on how to configure a Paradox connection, see your IDAPI documentation.
Connecting to PC data sources through ODBC

ReportSmith for the PC connects to PC data sources through ODBC. This section
describes ODBC and describes the connection type, hardware and software
requirements, and connection issues that may occur for each data source. ReportSmith
installs default data sources for ODBC.
To add, modify, or delete ODBC drivers, you should have the ODBC Control Panel
option (or the ODBC Administrator program if youre running Windows version 3.0a)
installed on your computer. From ReportSmith you can choose File|ODBC Setup.
Note
Dialog boxes include example parameters.
Access
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to Access version 1.x. The driver for Access
2.x is included with Microsoft Access. The ODBC Access Setup window that appears
when you choose to add the Access driver in the ODBC setup program is shown here:
Hardware and software requirements

To use Access data, you must have:
The ODBC Access driver (provided by ReportSmith)
The ODBC Driver Manager 1.0 (ODBC.DLL)
12
Creating Reports
You must edit the default data source installed by ReportSmith to specify the path to
your Access database.
Make the following changes to your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files:
Add this line to your CONFIG.SYS file: FILES= 50
Add this line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT: C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:200. For large databases,
add this line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT: C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:500
Note
For more information about Access databases, refer to the Access documentation.
To configure an Access ODBC data source:
Refer to the following table and enter the required fields in the ODBC Access Setup
dialog box. When youre done, press OK to create the ODBC configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Database
A short name for your data source.

A description of the data source (optional).
Choose a database from the list that displays when you press the Select
Database button. Or, enter the drive, directory path, and name of the
database. For example, enter C:\RPTSMITH\VIDEO.DBF.
Choose a database from the list that displays when you press the Select
Database button. Or, enter the drive, directory path, and name of the
database. For example, enter C:\RPTSMITH\VIDEO.DBF. You can choose either
None or Database.
The number of seconds that an unused page remains in the buffer before
being removed (optional).
Check Exclusive to open Access files in exclusive mode. Exclusive mode
prevents concurrent access of files and enhances performance (optional).
The size of the internal buffer in kilobytes that is used by Access to transfer
data to and from the disk.
System Database
Page Timeout
Exclusive
Buffer Size
Access connection issues

Symptom
Solution
Error message: Driver not capable, or

File locking not available.
You cant access your Access 2.0 tables.
You are not running Share. You need to add C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE

to your AUTOEXEC.BAT.
You must use the data source installed with Microsoft Access
2.0: Microsoft Access 2.0 databases.
Btrieve
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to Btrieve versions 5.x and below. Before
ReportSmith can use Btrieve files, you must first incorporate them into XQL databases.
Incorporating Btrieve files into XQL doesnt change the files. You may still access
Btrieve files with Btrieve applications. It creates data dictionary information contained
in three files: FILE.DDF, FIELD.DDF, and INDEX.DDF. These files must be in the same
directory as your Btrieve files. Several vendors provide utilities to generate Btrieve data
definition files, for example, Xtrieve (by Novell), and Data Junction (by Tool and
13
Techniques Inc.). If you have Btrieve data from another application, that vendor may
have already provided it in XQL database format.
The ODBC Btrieve Setup dialog box that appears when you choose the Btrieve driver is
shown below:

To access Btrieve data, you must have:
The ODBC driver provided by ReportSmith
Novell Btrieve for Windows (WBTRCALL.DLL)
The ODBC Btrieve driver requires the standalone Btrieve for Windows dynamic-link
library (DLL), WBTRCALL.DLL. This file must be in the directory that contains
Windows system DLLs (usually the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory).
To check if you already have a copy of WBTRCALL.DLL on your hard drive:
1 In the Windows Main group, choose the File Manager icon.

2 Choose File|Search to view the Search dialog box.
3 In the Search For box, type: WBTRCALL.DLL
4 Make sure that the Search All Sub-Directories option is checked.
5 Type C:\ into the Start From box and press OK.
6 If the WBTRCALL.DLL file exists, copy it to the directory that contains Windows
system DLLs (usually the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM directory if it isnt already there).
7 If you do not have a copy of the WBTRCALL.DLL file, contact Novell, Inc. at
1-800-453-1267 or your local software dealer.
Note
14
For more information about Btrieve files, refer to your Btrieve documentation.
Creating Reports
To configure a Btrieve ODBC data source, refer to the following table and enter the
values in the required fields into the ODBC Btrieve Setup dialog box. When youre
done, press OK to create the ODBC configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Directory

The directory from which this data source will access Btrieve files. You can
choose Use Current Directory as a setting. It allows the driver to access
appropriate data in whatever directory you are currently in.
Choose ASCII or International collating sequence for sorting. The default is
ASCII.
The number of seconds that an unused page remains in the buffer before being
removed (optional).
Check if you want to open files in exclusive mode. Exclusive mode prevents
concurrent access of files and enhances performance.
Collating Sequence
Page Timeout
Exclusive
To modify Btrieve functions in the WIN.INI file:
1 Go to the Btrieve section of the WIN.INI file.

2 We recommend you modify the Btrieve section of your WIN.INI file to look like the
following: options=/p:4096 /m:64 /b:16 /f:20 /1:40 /n:12 /t:c:\rptsmith\btrieve.trn
The XQL database lists Btrieve file names and definitions for each field in a file. You
must also have the following three data files in the directory:
FILE.DDF
FIELD.DDF
INDEX.DDF
Note
All Btrieve files must be in the same directory as these generated data definition files.
Btrieve connection issues

Symptom
Solution
Youre having trouble connecting to Btrieve.
Make sure youre accessing the data on your local

drive. If youre accessing data on a network, make
sure you have WBTRCALL.DLL installed.
Make sure the options in the Btrieve section of the
WIN.INI file are the same as those specified above.
Make sure your Btrieve options in your WIN.INI
are correct (see above).
You want to access a Btrieve file consisting of more

than 4,096 pages.
You receive an ODBC dialog box showing only
FILE.DDF in the Files list.
dBASE/xBASE
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to dBASE/xBASE that supports dBASE II,
III, and IV file formats. ReportSmith supports xBASE formats that are compatible with
dBASE versions II, III, or IV. ODBC does not support dBASE for Windows version 5.0 or
dBASE V for DOS. These are supported by IDAPI.
15
The ODBC dBASE Setup dialog box that appears when you select the dBASE driver is
shown below:

To access dBASE data, you must have:
The ODBC driver provided by ReportSmith
dBASE II, III, or dBASE IV database files
The ODBC Driver Manager version 1.0 (ODBC.DLL)
Make the following settings in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files:
Add this line to your CONFIG.SYS file: FILES= 50
Add this line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT: C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:200. For large databases,
add SHARE.EXE /L:500 to your AUTOEXEC.BAT.
Note
For more information about dBASE databases, refer to your dBASE documentation.
To configure a dBASE ODBC data source:
Refer to the following table and enter the values shown in the required fields in the
ODBC dBASE Setup dialog box. When youre done, press OK to create the ODBC
configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Version
Directory

Click the radio button representing your version of dBASE.
Select a directory from the list that displays after you click the Select
Directory button or enter the name of the data source directory. You can
choose Use Current Directory as a setting. It allows the driver to access
appropriate data in whatever directory you are currently in.
The sort order: ASCII or International. The default is ASCII (optional).
being removed (optional).
Collating Sequence
Page Timeout
16
Creating Reports
Setup field
Value
Exclusive
Check if you want to open dBASE files in exclusive mode. Exclusive mode
prevents concurrent access of files and enhances performance.
Check if you want rows marked as deleted to display (optional).
Uncheck if you do not want the table size statistic approximated. We
recommend that you do not check this option (optional).
Show Deleted Rows

Approximate Row
Count
dBASE connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your dBASE connection to
ReportSmith.
Question
Answer
Does ReportSmith support indexing?
ReportSmith supports indexes for dBASE IV as long

as the indexes have the same name as the data files.
ReportSmith also supports indexing for dBASE III,
however, you must select the location of the index
file by pressing the Select Indexes button on the
dBASE ODBC setup.
You are not running Share. You need to add
C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE to your AUTOEXEC.BAT.
What does the error message, File locking not

available or Driver not capable mean?
Excel
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to Excel versions 4.x and below.
ReportSmith accesses only the information in the database portion of an Excel
spreadsheet. The ODBC Excel Setup dialog box that appears when you select the Excel
driver is shown below:

To access an Excel database, you must have
The ODBC Excel driver (provided by ReportSmith)
The ODBC Excel driver can access Excel version 3.0 (BIFF3) or 4.0 (BIFF4) work
sheet files
17
ODBC Driver Manager version 1.0 (ODBC.DLL)

To use a spreadsheet, you must save it in database format first. To do so, highlight your
spreadsheet and then choose the Set Database option from the Data menu in Excel. For
more information, refer to your Excel documentation.
To configure a Excel ODBC data source:
Enter the values shown in the following table in the required fields in the ODBC
Excel Setup dialog box. When youre done, press OK to create the ODBC
configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Database Directory
A short name for your data source. The default is RS_Excel.

The directory from which this data source will access Excel files. You can
check Use Current Directory. You can choose Use Current Directory as
a setting. It allows the driver to access appropriate data in whatever
directory you are currently in.
The number of rows you want the driver to scan to determine the data type
of each column in the spreadsheet.
Rows to Scan
Note
For more information about Excel databases, refer to your Excel documentation.
Excel connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your Excel connection to
ReportSmith.
18
Symptom
Solution
You cant connect to Excel.
ReportSmith reads Excel spreadsheets that have been converted to a

database using the database facility within Excel. ReportSmith wont
connect to Excel if youre trying to access a spreadsheet that hasnt been
converted. To learn how to convert your spreadsheet, refer to your Excel
documentation for instructions.
Creating Reports
FoxPro
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to FoxPro versions 2.0 and 2.5. The ODBC
FoxPro Setup dialog box that appears when you select the FoxPro driver is shown
below:

To access FoxPro data, you must have:
The ODBC FoxPro driver provided by ReportSmith
FoxPro version 2.0 or FoxPro version 2.5
A computer running MS-DOS version 3.3 or greater
Make the following settings in your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files:
Add this line to your CONFIG.SYS: FILES= 50
Add this line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT: C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE /L:200. If you are working
with large databases, add SHARE.EXE /L:500
For more information about FoxPro databases, refer to your FoxPro documentation.
To configure a FoxPro ODBC data source:
Enter the values shown in the table below in the required fields in the ODBC FoxPro
Setup dialog box. When youre done, press OK to create the ODBC configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Version
Directory

Click the radio button representing your version of FoxPro.
Choose a directory from the list that displays after you click the Select
Directory button or enter the name of the data source directory. Or choose
Use Current Directory. It allows the driver to access appropriate data in
whatever directory you are currently in. You can also add in Select
Indexes (optional).
19
Setup field
Value
Collating Sequence
Page Timeout
The sort order: ASCII or International. The default is ASCII.

being removed.
Check if you want to open FoxPro files in exclusive mode. Exclusive
mode prevents concurrent access of files and enhances performance
(optional).
Check if you want rows marked as deleted to display (optional).
Uncheck if you do not want the table size statistics approximated. We
recommend that you not choose this option (optional).
Exclusive
Show Deleted Rows

Approximate Row Count
FoxPro connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your FoxPro connection to
ReportSmith.
Symptom
Solution
You receive the error message, Driver not capable

or File locking not available.
Poor performance when linking, joining, or sorting
FoxPro 2.0 tables.

You must run the ODBC Administrator, choose the
FoxPro data source, change the source version to
FoxPro 2.0, and manually assign indexes for the
driver to recognize them.
The MicroSoft FoxPro ODBC driver does not
recognize Clipper .NTX index files. Try building
.CDX indices.
Poor performance when linking, joining, or sorting

Clipper tables.
Paradox
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to Paradox versions 3.x and 4.x. The ODBC
Paradox Setup dialog box that appears when you select the Paradox driver is shown
below:
Enter the values shown in the table below in the required fields and press OK to create
the ODBC configuration.
20
Creating Reports

To access Paradox data, you must have:
The ODBC Paradox driver provided by ReportSmith
The ODBC Driver Manager version 1.0 or greater (ODBC.DLL)
SHARE.EXE loaded on your machine
To configure a Paradox ODBC data source:
Enter the values shown in the table below in the required fields in the ODBC Paradox
Setup dialog box and then click the OK button to create the ODBC configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name
A short name for your data source. This name also becomes the
name of the profile that is created for you.
(Optional.) A description of the data source.
The name of the data source directory.
(Optional.) The maximum number of unused file opens to cache.
The table version you are using in your Paradox database.
The sort order: ASCII or International. The default is ASCII.
(Optional.) Check if you want the table to be write-locked to
ensure that all records can be re-read.
Description
Database Directory
FileOpenCache
Table Version
Sort Order
Read Consistency Isolation Level
Paradox connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your Paradox connection to
ReportSmith.
Symptom
Solution
ReportSmith displays an error message

stating that SHARE hasnt been loaded.
Make sure youre running the DOS SHARE.EXE program,

which is required by Paradox. Place C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE in
your AUTOEXEC.BAT.
Go into Tools|Tables and remove the lowercase x from the
assigned alias name.
You receive the error message, Driver not

capable or File locking not available.
You receive the error, [Q+E Software]
[ODBC Paradox driver][Paradox]Field not
found:yourfield when sorting, grouping,
creating derived fields.
You change to a directory containing your
Paradox tables, but no files appear.
You get the error, [Q+E Software][ODBC
Paradox driver][Paradox] Cannot open file:
invalid directory name[table name]
You get the error, [Q+E Software][ODBC
Paradox driver][Paradox] Incompatible
data types in expression:
TABLE.DATEFIELD=1994-01)))
After youve selected your Paradox table,
you are prompted for a password, but one
is not assigned.
Verify that there is no underscore in the path to your files.

Launch PXENGCFG.EXE in the ReportSmith directory and
verify that your Network Control File Path is valid.
Add the following to the \WINDOWS\RS_SQLIF.INI file:
DateFormat={dyyyy-mm-dd}
TimeFormat={thh:mm:ss}
DateTimeFormat={tsyyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss.ssssss}
Verify that you are using the Q+E Paradox File (in
ReportSmith version 2.X use RS_Paradox) data source,
and not the Microsoft data source.
21
Symptom
Solution
You get an error, [Q+E Software][ODBC

Paradox driver][Paradox] Engine not
initialized [your table]
You get an error, [Q+E Software][ODBC
Paradox driver][Paradox] Cannot open file:
Cant handle version number encountered
[your table].
Launch PXENGCFG.EXE in the ReportSmith directory, and

verify that your Network Control File Path is valid. Save
the changes and restart ReportSmith.
This is a Paradox 5.0 table; use the IDAPI connections.
Text
ReportSmith provides an ODBC connection to Text files. The ODBC Text Setup dialog
box appears when you select the Text file driver.

To access text files, you must have:
The ODBC Text driver provided by ReportSmith
The ODBC Driver Manager version 1.0 (ODBC.DLL)
To configure a text ODBC data source:
Enter the values shown in the table below in the required fields. When youre done,
press the OK button to create the ODBC configuration.
Setup field
Value
Data Source Name

Description
Directory

The directory where your text files are located. Or choose Use Current
Directory. It allows the driver to access appropriate data in whatever
directory you are currently in.
Lists the filename extensions of the text files on the data source.
Extensions List
22
Creating Reports
Setup field
Value
Extension
The file extension. If Default is checked, this is the default extension

(optional).
Check to make the extension in Extension the default extension (optional).
Click to define a schema for the individual tables in the directory. Schema
definitions are stored in a special file called SCHEMA.INI (optional).
Default (*.*)
Define Format
Press the Define Format button to view the Define Text Format dialog box:
Options within the Define Text Format dialog box are described in the following table.
Setup field
Value
Tables
This list box contains the names of tables defined in the directory. If a schema
entry exists for the highlighted table, the Columns side of the window contains
information about each column in the table.
Check this box if the first row in the table contains column name names instead
of data.
Choose one of the following text file formats:
Comma-Separated Values (CSV): Columns are separated by commas.
Tab-Separated Values: Columns are separated by tabs.
Custom Delimited: Columns are separated by the delimiter character
specified.
Fixed Length: Columns are not separated; rather, each column is a fixed
length.
The character that acts as the column separators (custom delimited files only).
The number of rows you want the driver to scan to determine the data type of
each column in the table (custom delimited files only).
Column Name Header

Format
Delimiter
Rows to Scan
23
Setup field
Value
Columns, Data Type,

Name, and Width
If a schema entry exists for the highlighted table, the Columns list box contains
the names of each column in the table. If a schema entry does not exist, click the
Guess button to automatically generate the column data type, name, and width
values for the columns in the selected table by scanning the tables contents
according to the Format list box selection. Any previously defined columns in
the Columns list are cleared and replaced with new entries. Guess is available
only for CSV Delimited, Custom Delimited, and Tab-Separated Value formats.
These fields let you specify the schema for each data source. This information is
written to a SCHEMA.INI file in the data source directory. There is a separate
SCHEMA.INI for each text data source directory.
If the table format is fixed-length, Width is valid for all data types. If the table is
any other format, Width is valid only for Char or LongChar data types.
The character that acts as a separator in dates (custom delimited files only).
Date Separator
Connecting to SQL databases through IDAPI

ReportSmith enables you to connect to SQL databases through IDAPI. To connect to
these tables you must install and configure Borland SQL Links.
Note
Refer to your SQL Links documentation for instructions on installing and configuring
SQL Links.
InterBase
ReportSmith provides an IDAPI driver that connects to InterBase versions 3.3 and 4.0
through SQL Links and version 4.0 through Client/Server Express.
Note
For complete instructions on connecting to InterBase, refer to Connecting to InterBase in

the Borland SQL Links for Windows documentation set.
Informix
ReportSmith provides an IDAPI driver that connects to Informix version 4.1.0 through
SQL Links.
Note
For complete instructions on connecting to Informix, refer to Connecting to Informix in

the Borland SQL Links for Windows documentation set.
Connecting to SQL databases through native connections

ReportSmith for SQL databases connects to all of the local PC databases listed earlier
and the following server databases through IDAPI, ODBC, and native connections. This
section describes each connection type, hardware and software requirements, and
connection issues that may occur for each data source.
Note
24
Weve filled dialog boxes with valid parameters to illustrate examples; yours may differ.
Creating Reports
DB2
ReportSmith provides connections to DB2 via the MicroDecisionware Database (MDI)
Gateway and the Gupta DB2 Gateway. Before you can connect to DB2, the gateway
must be installed and working.
The Get Connection dialog box that appears when you select a DB2 Gupta ODBC
connection is shown here.
The Get Connection dialog box that appears when you select a DB2 MDI ODBC
Ingres
ReportSmith provides a native API connection to Ingres Networking for Windows.

To connect to Ingres for ReportSmith you will need Ingres Networking for Windows
version 6.4/04.
25
When you choose an Ingres connection, the Get Connection dialog box appears,
prompting you for the following values:
ORACLE
ReportSmith provides a native API connection to SQL*Net for DOS. It also provides
Windows access to remote and ORACLE databases versions 6.0 , 7.0, and 7.1. If you
have an ORACLE ODBC driver, you can use it. However, this is the connection type we
recommend.

ORACLE runs on a number of different servers in various environments. ReportSmith
provides two ways to connect to ORACLE via SQL*Net:
SQL*Net for Windows
SQL*Net for DOS
To connect to ORACLE remotely:
Use SQL*Net for Windows.
Use SQL*Net for DOS.
Load the appropriate Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program for your network.
For example, TCPIP connections use SQLTCP and SPX/IPX uses SQLSPX, provided by
ORACLE. Additionally, there is an ORACLE configuration file referenced by an
environment variable called config. Your AUTOEXEC.BAT typically contains a line such
as:
set config=c:\oracle6\config.ora or set config=C:\oracle7\config.ora
To connect to ORACLE locally:

Use SQL*Net for Windows.
Use SQL*Net for DOS.
Load two TSRs, SQLPME, and ORACLE 6. You must also run a third program,
SQLDBA. Configuration details are the same as for remote ORACLE. Local ORACLE
must be run in standard mode rather than in enhanced mode.
26
Creating Reports
When you choose an ORACLE connection, the Get Connection dialog box appears
with the following options:
ORACLE connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your ORACLE connection to
ReportSmith.
Symptom
Solution
ReportSmith displays Error #3112.
You may have insufficient conventional memory

(memory below 1 megabyte) when you try to connect to
ORACLE. To check available memory, type mem at the
DOS prompt. There should be at least 400K contiguous
memory available. If there isnt, try the following
suggestions to free up DOS memory:
Remove unnecessary TSRs.
Close any Windows applications that are running
concurrently.
Use a video mode with smaller resolution.
Run the Windows program NETINIT.EXE.
Select About Program Manager. Youll see the About
Program Manager dialog box, where it says whether
youre running in standard or enhanced mode.
If you are running in enhanced mode, try switching to
standard mode. To do this, exit ReportSmith and exit
Windows. At the C prompt, type WIN /S and press the
Enter key.
You have reached an allocation limit in the ORACLE
table space you are accessing. Consult your ORACLE
documentation or call ORACLE Technical Support.
ORACLE does not recognize the server specification
you have entered. First, ensure that you have spelled
the server specification correctly. Check the
CONFIG.ORA file or the ORACLE.INI file to see what
the default specification is for the ORACLE server. You
can also try leaving the server blank in the Get
Connection dialog box when connecting. ReportSmith
will look in the configuration and use the default
server specification.
You are unable to connect locally to ORACLE.
ReportSmith displays Error #1547, Failed to

allocate extent of size n in table space table space.
ReportSmith displays error #ORA-3121.
27
Symptom
Solution
ReportSmith displays other ORA-XXXX errors.
Look up the error message in the ORACLE manual or

call ORACLE Technical Support.
Make sure ORAWIN\BIN is in your AUTOEXEC.BAT
path. Make sure the following two statements are in
\WINDOWS\ORACLE.INI.
If NLM:
LOCAL=X:YOUR SERVER NAME
REMOTE=X: YOUR SERVER NAME
If TCP/IP:
LOCAL=T: YOUR SERVER NAME
REMOTE=T: YOUR SERVER NAME
ReportSmith displays error #9141.
SQL Server/Sybase
ReportSmith provides a native API connection to SQL Server/Sybase. (For versions, see
the README.TXT.) This is the connection type we recommend.

If youre using SQL Server/Sybase running on an OS/2 server on a LAN, you need:
DBNMP3.DLL, shipped with SQL Server/Sybase
W3DBLIB.DLL, shipped with SQL Server/Sybase
NETAPI.DLL, available from your LAN vendor
If youre running SQL Server/Sybase under UNIX, a DEC VAX or Hewlett-Packard,
you need W3DBLIB.DLL using TCP/IP, DECNET or the necessary files for your
network protocol.
The Get Connection dialog box that appears when you select a SQL Server connection as
shown here.
28
Creating Reports
SQL Server/Sybase connection issues

The following information may be helpful in setting up your SQL Server/Sybase
connection to ReportSmith.
Symptom
Solution
You have trouble connecting to

SQL Server/Sybase.
Make sure W3DBLIB.DLL is in your path. To do this, open Windows

File Manager and select the Search command on the File menu. Search
for W3DBLIB.DLL (and DBNMP3.DLL) in the root directory. Make
sure you select the Search All Subdirectories option. When Windows
finds these files, write down their size, date, and location and call
ReportSmith or Sybase\Microsoft Technical Support.
SQLBase
ReportSmith provides a native API connection to SQLBase version 4.0 or Quest 1.0 to
access SQLBase databases.
The Get Connection Data dialog box that appears when you select a SQLBase
Teradata
ReportSmith provides a connection to Teradata version 2.0 running Teradata
DBC/1012 version 4.1.1 or greater via the Micro Decisionware Inc. (MDI) Gateway.
29
The Connection dialog box that appears when you select a Teradata connection is
shown here.
Unify
ReportSmith provides a connection to Unify 2000. To connect to Unify please contact
Borlands Customer Service department to receive the Unify driver.
30
Creating Reports
Chapter
Types of reports you can create
Chapter 2
ReportSmith lets you create system or custom report types and styles. Each time you
create a new report, choose a default report type: columnar, crosstab, form, or label.
You can create many custom report types, such as a master/detail report. This chapter
shows you default report types and explains the uses for each. It also shows you two
custom columnar report types: summary-only and master/detail.
Default report types

Columnar
A columnar report displays data across the report page in columns.
Chapter 2, Types of reports you can create
31
Crosstab
A crosstab report displays data in a summary or spreadsheet format.
Form
A form report displays data in free-form across the report page. Each record always
starts on a new page, so there is just one record per page. If the record data is large, a
single record can span multiple pages.
Labels
A label report displays data in label format. ReportSmith can automatically generate all
types of Avery label styles for you.
32
Creating Reports
Custom report types

You can create numerous types of custom reports to suit your needs. The following
examples show you two kinds of custom reports you can create with ReportSmith: a
master/detail report and a summary-only report.
Master/detail
You can create a report using more than one query, called a master/detail report.
Generally, the master report contains one record per key value, while the detail report
contains many records per key value.
A master/detail report is a multiple query report with an A to B, A to C, and so on

relationship. The report breaks data into groups so that for each record in the A table,
matching records in the B database print beneath it, followed by matching records in the
C database. Each query in the report can come from a different data source.
33
Summary-only
A summary-only report presents only summarized values, omitting the details used to
arrive at those values. For example, in a report summarizing the number of videos sold
by each video store, the total amount of sales for each video store appears, but not the
individual orders comprising the total.
Choosing a report type

Each time you create a report, ReportSmith prompts you to choose a report type with
the Create A New Report dialog box:
Default report types
Default report style
Press a report type button to create a columnar, crosstab, form, or label report.
The default formatting style assigned to the report type you select appears in the dialog
box beside Style.
To choose a report type:
1 Choose File|New or press the New Report button on the toolbar. The Create A New
Report dialog box appears.
34
Creating Reports
2 Choose the report type youd like to createcolumnar, crosstab, form or label.
The default style attached to the report type appears beside Style in the dialog box. If
desired, choose Style to select a different style and press OK.
3 Press OK to exit the Create A New Report dialog box.

You are ready to build your report.
35
36
Creating Reports
Chapter
Bringing data into a report
Chapter 3
ReportSmith provides Report Query dialog boxes which you can use to add tables and
build the report query. A report query is a request for specific data from your tables. It is
a question you ask about the data, such as Which employees sold above their quota
this month? ReportSmith uses the criteria to select just the records you specify, using
current data from the tables where the data is stored.
To bring data into a report, you can use either these dialog boxes, or if youre familiar
with Structured Query Language (SQL), you can use direct SQL entry. This chapter
describes both methods. After reading it, youll know how to
Use the Report Query dialog boxes to
Add tables
Link tables
Choose columns
Assign column aliases
Specify selection criteria
Group data
Use Direct SQL Entry
Using Report Query dialog boxes

Report Query dialog boxes let you build an entire query before bringing the data into
your workplace. It lets you specify selections and other parts of a query without
waiting for the data to load into your workplace.
Chapter 3, Bringing data into a report
37
There are seven Report Query dialog boxes. Press a button at the top of the dialog boxes
that corresponds to the action you want to perform: Tables, Selections, Sorting, Derived
Fields, Database Grouping, Report Variables, or SQL.
Report Query buttons
Choose a button to display its corresponding dialog box. Buttons are described in the
following table. You can navigate between dialog boxes to change your report query in
any order; ReportSmith automatically updates it for you.
Button
Function
Function
Add, remove, and replace tables

and columns of data in a report
and create links between tables.
Create and place data calculated from

other columns of data into your report,
either through SQL or the ReportBasic
macro language.
Create, edit, and delete selection

criteria.
Create, edit, and delete report variables

in your report. With report variables,
you can customize a report by
substituting different values anywhere
in your report each time you run that
report.
Group data and apply selection

criteria before loading it into a
report.
Add, remove, reorder the date to be

sorted.
View and edit the SQL statement

that ReportSmith has built for
you in the current report.
38
Button
Creating Reports
Adding tables
After youve chosen a report type, add one or more tables to your report.
To add tables:
1 Press the Tables button.

2 In the Tables dialog box, choose Add Table.
3 In the Select Table To Be Added dialog box, navigate to the drive and directory where
your tables are located. If youve defined a connection youd like to use, choose it
from the Connections list box. Select a table and choose OK.
After you add a table, table selection options appear in the Tables dialog box.
4 To add tables, choose Add Table and repeat the above steps. Do this for each table
you want to add.
When youve chosen the tables for your report, you can link them.
Joining tables
If you have more than table in your report, you need to link them using related fields.
The two fields must contain matching data in related records. Often, common fields
share the same name.
In the example below, the CUSTOMER and EMPLOYEE tables share the EMP_ID field
in common.
CUSTOMER TABLE
CUST_ID
EMP_ID
F_NAME
L_NAME
PHONE
EMPLOYEE TABLE
FNAME
LNAME
EMP_ID
ReportSmith offers you two methods for joining tables:

Visual joins
The Create New Table Links dialog box
This section describes both methods.
Visual joins
Use this method to link two tables by tiling two reports, clicking on the common
column, and pressing the Merge button.
1 Open two reports.
39
To join reports, you must have two reports open.
2 Choose Window|Tile to display both reports on screen at once.

3 Click to select a column that both tables share in common.
4 Press the Merge button. Data from the inactive report merges into the data on the
active report.
5 If you no longer need the data from the inactive report, close it. When ReportSmith
asks if you want to save the report, choose No.
Using the Create New Table Link dialog box

To merge tables before loading them into your report:
1 Add tables to your report using the Tables dialog box. In the dialog box, choose Add
New Link.
2 In the Create New Table Link dialog box, choose the tables and their common field.
In the example below, the common field for the CUSTOMER and DETAIL tables is
CSTMR_ID.
3 Choose OK.
Each table in your report must be included in at least one join. A good rule of thumb is
to make sure the number of links you have equals at least the number or tables in your
report, minus one.
To modify an existing link:
1 Use the Edit Table Link dialog box: in the Tables dialog box, select the link you want
to modify and choose Edit Link. The Edit Links dialog box appears.
40
Creating Reports
2 Select a common field and choose OK.
ReportSmith replaces the original link with its replacement.

To delete a join:
In the Tables Links box, select a link and choose Remove Link. ReportSmith removes
the selected link and updates your report.
Note
If you try to create a report with more than one table without linking tables,
ReportSmith alerts you with the following warning:
If you see this message, you have not created valid links between tables. If you press No,
ReportSmith creates a Cartesian product of the tables, matching each record in the first
table to each record in the second table. This results in a very large set of records.
You may not want to specify a table link if you are creating a more complicated join
between tables in the selection criteria. If so, use the Report Query dialog boxes to create
the table link in the selection before loading data into the report.
If you do not have system resources to generate such a large table, press the Yes button
and create a valid link between tables in your report.
Choosing columns
You can define specific columns from tables youve chosen to appear in your report.
ReportSmith offers you two ways to choose columns. You can
Use the Table Columns dialog box to exclude columns before loading them into your
report.
41
Select them visually and delete them from the report surface.
Choose the method that best suits your needs.
Note
ReportSmith generally includes all columns in a table by default. If you want

ReportSmith to exclude all columns in a table by default, edit the Options section of the
RPTSMITH.INI file so that ExcludeFields=1.
Using the Table Columns dialog box

If youre working with a large data set, you can use this dialog box to save time and
system resources. This method excludes columns from the report definition. If you
exclude columns here, you cannot refer to them anywhere in the report.
Note
Make sure to include the columns needed to create table links.
1 In the Tables dialog box, select a table and press the Table Columns button. The Table
Columns dialog box appears listing columns in the selected table.
2 Select the column or columns to exclude or include in your report:

Select a single column and choose Exclude from Report or Include in Report. Do
this for each column you want. If you dont select a column, ReportSmith loads it
into the report by default.
To select a block of columns, click in a column and Shift+click another column to
select those columns as well as the columns in between them. Choose Exclude
from Report or Include In Report.
To select more than one column, click in a column, then Ctrl+click in each
additional column you want to add. Press the Exclude from Report or Include
in Report buttons.
Choose Select all and then include or exclude all columns from a report. This
button lets you select all of the table column, so that you can then apply options to
them (possibly after deselecting those you want to exclude).
3 Choose Advanced options to include a column for its value only, or to use it only for
query. For example, you can join two tables by columns you may not want in your
report. Just select your column from the list and choose Include Only for Use in
Query.
42
Creating Reports
The following table describes the advanced options:

Option
Function
Include in report
Include data in report and query. Choose a column or columns in

the column list and click on this option to completely exclude the
column(s) from any use whatsoever in the report. The columns data
will not be downloaded, and the column(s) will not be available for
use anywhere in the reports query.
Exclude data from report and query. Choose a column or columns in
the column list and click on this option to completely exclude the
column(s) from any use whatsoever in the report. The columns data
will not be downloaded, and the column(s) will not be available for
use anywhere in the reports query.
Choose a column or columns in the column list and click on this
option to download the columns data into your report for display
purposes, but to exclude the column from use in the query.
Although the column(s) cannot be used in the query, they can be
used to link master/detail reports.
Data does not appear on the report, but can be used in the query.
Choose a column or columns in the column list and click on this
option to include the column for use in the query, but not to
download the columns data into the report. If this option is chosen,
the column cannot be used to link master/detail reports, nor can its
value be displayed in the report.
Exclude from report
Include column value only
Include only for use in query
You can change column selection at any time by opening the Table Columns dialog
box and choosing columns to include or exclude from your report once again.
ReportSmith re-loads data with the columns you specify, updating your report.
Double-click on a column to scroll through the value options at the bottom of the
dialog box.
4 Press OK. ReportSmith loads the specified columns into your report.
Visually
1 On your report, choose a column and press Delete.
2 To delete more than one column, use the following methods:
Ctrl+click one or more columns to select columns that are not contiguous and press
Delete.
Shift+click to select a block of columns and press Delete.
Note
Using this method only removes the columns from displaying on the report. The
columns you delete still exist in the report definition and can be replaced in the report
at any time.
Assigning column aliases

You can assign an alias to database fields for a report. Column aliases are useful when
the field name for the data is a code or abbreviation and you want to assign a more
43
descriptive name to the data. In a dialog box, youll see the alias name, rather than the
original name as it appears in the database.
Column headings use the original field name from the table by default. If youve
assigned an alias to a column name, it appears instead. To change the column heading
single-click the label, then single-click within the selected heading to use the text cursor
to edit its name. Save your changes and ReportSmith displays the field label as entered
each time you run the report.
To assign a column alias:
1 In the Tables dialog box, select the table that holds the field you want to assign an
alias.
2 Press the Table Columns button.
3 In the Table Columns dialog box, select a column from the Column list.
4 Enter the new name for the column in the text box and choose Assign New Alias.
ReportSmith places the alias in the Column Alias list box.
5 Choose a value option at the bottom of the dialog box for each column. Press
Advanced to view the Include column value only and Include only for use in query
options. (See page 43 for a description of these options.)
Using direct SQL entry

If you are knowledgable about Structured Query Language (SQL), you can build a
query directly in the SQL dialog box. You can use this method to type SQL statements
directly into the SQL text boxes. Alternatively, you can use the list boxes to drag and
drop a SQL statement into the SQL text.
Note
44
The SQL text box is recommended for people with comprehensive knowledge of SQL. If
you are unfamiliar with SQL, use the Report Query dialog boxes and let ReportSmith
build the SQL statement behind the scenes for you.
Creating Reports
What is SQL?
SQL is a language used by ReportSmith to communicate with your databases to retrieve
data. Usually, ReportSmith builds SQL statements behind the scenes for you based on
selections youve made in dialog boxes. In general, you arent required to possess an
extensive knowledge about SQL to use ReportSmith. In some situations, ReportSmith
does allow you to enter portions of the SQL text. For example, when you use one of two
methods to create selection formulas (Selections command) and when you create SQLdefined derived fields (Derived Fields command). ReportSmith combines the formulas
you entered with the remainder of the SQL statement that it generates for you.
After you create your own SQL statement or modify an SQL statement, you must
continue to change the query using the SQL method. The Tables, Sorting and Selections
portions of the Report Query dialog box are no longer available to you for this report.
However, you can still use all formatting and macro dialog boxes.
There may be situations where you want to enter your own SQL statement for a report.
If you are familiar with SQL you might want to enter the statement yourself for the
following reasons:
You want to use a feature of the SQL language particular to your database that
ReportSmith does not provide through its interface.
You are a SQL expert and want to quickly enter SQL statements without utilizing the
ReportSmith interface.
You want to paste SQL text from another source, such as another program.
Viewing SQL text

Open a report and do one of the following:
Press the SQL button on the toolbar
Choose the SQL Text command on the Tools menu
From a Report Query dialog box, press the SQL button
45
The SQL dialog box appears displaying the SQL text for the report:
Here, you can examine the SQL text for clarification, documentation, or debugging
purposes. You can copy this SQL text to the Windows Clipboard for use by another
Windows program using commands on the Edit menu.
Converting a report to SQL text entry

You can switch from ReportSmith mode to SQL text entry mode in an existing report. It
can save you time and effort to develop as much of the report as possible through the
ReportSmith dialog boxes first, then use SQL text entry. This allows ReportSmith to
generate as much of the SQL text for you as possible. You can then edit the SQL to add
in the special portions of the statement you need.
To convert a report to SQL text entry mode:
1 After creating a report using the ReportSmith dialog boxes, do one of the following:
Press the SQL button on the toolbar
Press the SQL button in a Report Query dialog box
Select Tools|SQL Text
The SQL dialog box appears.
2 Press the Edit SQL button. A warning message alerts you that after you change the
report to SQL Entry mode, you cannot return to regular mode. Press Yes to continue.
The SQL dialog box appears.
The SQL dialog box is similar to the SQL Selections Criteria and Derived Fields
dialog boxes. You can choose elements from the fields, operators, and functions list
boxes and insert them into the text box. Alternatively, you can type the text directly
into the text box.
46
Creating Reports
The order in which you select from these list boxes depends on what you are trying to
achieve. You do not have to choose a field, then an operator, then a function. Choose
them in any order you need to build the text you want to use for the report.
3 Press the Test button to test your statement. If you enter your formula incorrectly,
ReportSmith informs you of the error and directs you to it. If you entered your
formula correctly, ReportSmith informs you of the total number of records and
displays a success message.
4 Press OK to remove the message.
5 After editing the SQL text, do one of the following:
Press Done to save your changes. ReportSmith uses your text as the reports SQL.
The SQL dialog box appears from this point forward when you click the SQL icon
or select the SQL Text command on the Tools menu.
Press the Cancel button to cancel your changes.
Creating a report with direct SQL entry

ReportSmith lets you create new reports in SQL text entry mode. If you use the SQL
dialog box, you can place the appropriate list box items into a SQL formula to specify
the SQL statement text, define macro derived fields, and create report variables for the
new report.
The SQL dialog box lets you create and edit the SQL statement for a report.
The list boxes at the top assist you in adding fields, report variables, SQL operators and
keywords, and SQL functions to your SQL text.
The Data Fields list box contains a list of the fields retrieved from the database. When
you convert a report to SQL text entry, this list wont be known until the SQL statement
47
is executed. For a report already in SQL text entry mode, the list shows the fields
selected the last time the SQL statement executed.
To create a report using direct SQL entry:
1 Choose File|New or press the New Report button on the toolbar.

2 Press the button that corresponds to the type of report youd like to create and press
OK to view the Tables dialog box.
3 Press the SQL button.
4 Press the Edit SQL button. ReportSmith displays a warning message:
Once the report is changed to direct SQL entry, it cannot be changed back to regular mode. Do you
wish to proceed?
5 Press Yes in response to the warning message. ReportSmith displays the SQL dialog
box.
Youll use this dialog box to write your own SQL statement instead of stepping
through the Report Query dialog boxes while ReportSmith builds it for you. There
are two ways to enter the SQL statement:
Type the statement directly into the SQL text box.
Place items from the list boxes into the text area box.
6 Press the Connection button and choose a data source in the Get Connection dialog
box. Press OK.
7 To enter your formula, do one of the following:
Place the cursor in the SQL text area box and type it directly into the SQL text box.
Use the Table and Column Browser to view fields in one or more tables. Place
fields, comparison operators, and functions into the SQL text area by dragging and
dropping them or by double-clicking on them.
To clear your formula, press the Clear button. When you press it, ReportSmith
displays:
Erase the current SQL text?
Press Yes or No.
Using the Table and Column Browser

If you need assistance selecting fields and tables when writing an SQL statement, use
the Table and Column Browser. With it, you can select tables youre working with and
view them in the Browser while creating your formula. The Browser lets you drag and
drop these items into your select statement, eliminating extra keystrokes. The Browser is
also helpful when youre working with several tables, eliminating the need to keep track
of field and table names.
To add tables and columns to the Browser:
1 In the SQL dialog box, press the down arrow in the left-most list box and click to
select Table and Column Browser. A list of options appears.
48
Creating Reports
2 Double-click Add Table to List. The Select Table To Add To Browser dialog box
appears.
3 Select a table to place in the Browser and press OK. Do this for each table you want to
view. Use the Type, Drives and Directories list boxes to navigate to the location of a
table or press the Server Connect button to connect to the appropriate data source.
4 Press OK. ReportSmith displays corresponding fields under each table you select.
5 Place fields from the Browser into the SQL text area.
Press the Zoom button to enlarge your view of the SQL text area.
6 Sometimes you have too many tables in the Browser. To clear the list, choose the
Clear List option in the Browser list box and double-click on it.
7 You may need to press the Connection button to tell ReportSmith which table you are
looking at here, if you havent already. Use the Test button to test your formula.
You can write an SQL statement without using the Browser, then press the
Connection button. Alternatively, you can connect to a table in the Browser before
writing an SQL statement.
Using the SQL list boxes

You can control what is displayed in the dialog box with the SQL list boxes.
The first list box displays ReportSmith report objects and tables and columns you
have selected.
The second list box displays arithmetic functions and operators and other statements
to assist in building your query.
The third list box displays all SQL functions specific to your data source. Depending
on the database to which you are connected, ReportSmith forms this list for you. It
contains valid functions for that data source type.
For example, if you are connected to ORACLE, ReportSmith places all valid
ORACLE SQL functions here. You dont have to remember any SQL functions.
Restrictions for SQL text entry

After you convert a report to SQL text entry, it cannot return to regular mode. From that
point forward, you must modify the SQL statement rather than use the ReportSmith
interface to affect sorting, selections, tables (including linking columns), and SQLderived fields for that report.
Although ReportSmith can generate SQL text for you, it cant process or interpret SQL
statements. It doesnt work backwards from your SQL statement to figure out what
youve added or changed. In fact, since youre entering the SQL statement directly, you
49
may be manipulating the database in ways that the ReportSmith interface doesnt
recognize.
Note
50
You can still use ReportSmith formatting, presentation and macro features even if you
use SQL text entry to retrieve the data from the database.
Creating Reports
Chapter
Manipulating data
Chapter 4
This chapter describes how to manipulate data in reports with sorting, grouping,
creating summary fields, derived fields, report variables, and master/detail reports.
Parts of a report
Page or
Report Header
Group Header
Field Labels
Fields
Body (or Detail)

Row or Record
Columns
Group Footer
Page or
Report Footer
The action you perform on one selected item applies to all items in that category. If you
select a group footer and add a border, borders appear in all instances of that group
footer.
Note
For an illustration that identifies crosstab parts, see Parts of a crosstab on page 132.
Chapter 4, Manipulating data
51
The toolbar
ReportSmiths toolbar puts frequently used actions at your fingertips with easy-to-use
buttons. To see a description of a button, drag the mouse over it and look in the status
bar. The toolbar is located at the top of the ReportSmith screen.
To display or hide the toolbar choose View|Toolbar.
Zoom
New report
Save
Open
Print
Header/Footer
Column/Form
mode
Summary functions
Best Fit
SQL
Merge reports
Sort
The ribbon
Use the ribbon to quickly apply formatting. For example, you can use it to change the
font style and size, to insert number formats, text or graphics, or to insert a graph.
To display or hide the ribbon choose View|Ribbon.
Font
Point size Italic
Alignment
Bold Underline
Format
numbers
Crosstab
Report styles
Picture
Text mode
Style extractor
Graph
Sorting
You can sort data in a report in ascending or descending order with the Sort buttons on
the toolbar. You can also designate sort order with Tools|Sorting. In some cases,
ReportSmith sorts data for you, such as when you press a Header or Footer button.
To sort data with the toolbar:
1 Select a column in your report you want to sort.

2 Choose a Sorting button.
Fields within the selected column sort in ascending or descending order.
To sort data:
1 Select Tools|Sorting to see the Sorting dialog box. Or, choose Sorting from a Report
Query dialog box.
52
Creating Reports
2 Place one or more fields from the Report Fields list box into the Sort list. The selected
field appears in the Sort List box. An asterisk appears beside sorted fields.
3 Choose Ascending or Descending. Add an additional report field to the Sort list by
selecting it in the Report Fields list and pressing the Insert Into Sort List button.
4 Choose Done. ReportSmith sorts fields in the order in which they are placed on the
sort list.
Grouping
You can break data into groups based on fields you select. ReportSmith lets you group
data after you load it into your report using Report Grouping; or, on the server, before
loading it into your report with Database Grouping.
You can use both types of grouping in one report.
Report grouping
Use the Report Grouping command to group data after it has been loaded into your
report. There are two ways to do this:
Using the Header or Footer buttons
Using the Tools|Report Grouping command
This section describes both methods.
To group data with the toolbar:
1 Click to select a column on your report by which youd like to group.
53
2 Press the Header or Footer button to sort the data based on the selected field and to
insert a header or footer in each group.
To place fields into the header or footer, see Placing items into a header or footer on
page 107.
To group data with Tools|Report Grouping:
1 Choose Tools|Report Grouping to see the Define Groups dialog box.

2 Select a field type from the upper left list box. The type of field you select populates
the list below it with field names associated with the data type. (The contents of this
list depend on the types of fields contained in your report.)
3 Select a field and place it into the Defined Groups list. Do this for each field by which
you want to group.
4 Choose Group Properties to see the Group Properties dialog box. Here, youll define
how you want to group the selected fieldif you want ReportSmith to group all like
values together, choose Same Value. ReportSmith compares each field with the one
preceding it, and if the value is the same, groups the values together. If the values
differ, ReportSmith creates a new group. In the example below, we grouped fields by
each unique CONTACT_LN.
54
Creating Reports
To group by a specific number of records, choose Every and select a number from the
spin box that appears. In the example below we grouped by every 5 records in the
CONTACT_LN group.
5 You can print each value in a group just once instead of displaying it repeatedly. To
do this, select a field you want to suppress and choose Suppress. Do this for each field
you want to suppress.
ReportSmith places an asterisk beside suppressed fields. They appear just once per
group.
6 Press OK after youve set the properties for the defined group and choose Done.
Database grouping
For grouping to occur on the server before loading it into your report, use the Database
Grouping feature. For example, suppose you have a database containing information
about 10,000 employees from ten departments and you want a report displaying a sum
of salaries in each department. To increase performance, you would use Database
Grouping to have ReportSmith consolidate the data on the server and then download
just the ten records you requested.
If you are going to perform any database grouping, then it is a restriction of SQL that all
fields which provide a unique value per row must be grouped, while those that do not
should not be grouped.
For example, regular data fields musts always be grouped, since there is always a
potentially unique value for each record. Derived fields should not be grouped if they
are computing an aggregate (summary) value. A derived field of SUM(SALARY)
should not be grouped, because it generates a summary value for the entire group
which does not change for each record in the group. However, a derived field of
SALARY * .25 must be grouped, because it computes a unique value for each record.
55
To group data on the server:
1 Choose Tools|Database Grouping or press the Database Grouping button in a

Report Query dialog box. The Database Grouping dialog box appears.
Choose Group Data Before Loading Into Report. A list of fields from your report
appears in the Database Grouping Order window, and options in the dialog box
become enabled.
The upper portion of the dialog box defines what fields you want to group by. If you
are familiar with SQL, this part of the dialog generates a Group By clause. The lower
portion of the dialog box lets you select which groups to include in your report and
selection criteria. In SQL, it generates a Having clause.
2 Select a field you want to group by and use the ordering buttons to position it in the
list. The order in which you place fields in the list is hierarchical, moving from
highest to lowest grouping order.
3 You can choose to include or exclude a field from grouping with the Include Field
From Grouping and Exclude Field From Grouping options.
The Exclude Field option is disabled for tables that contain a unique value. This
means you must group by every field that contains a unique value per record.
Conversely, you can exclude fields that do not contain a unique value per row, such
as calculated fields.
4 To select groups to include in your report, insert a sentence into the selection criteria
in the lower portion of the dialog box and choose an operator (All, Any or None) to
apply to the statement.
Note
56
Press Test before loading data into your report. You can find and eliminate any errors in
your query before ReportSmith executes the underlying SQL.
Creating Reports
Inserting a header or footer

You can create groups based on a selected field and insert a header or footer in each
occurrence of that group. ReportSmith offers you two methods for placing headers or
footers into your report:
Header and Footer buttons
The Insert|Headers/Footers command
When you use the Header or Footer buttons, ReportSmith sorts and groups the data
based on the field you select, and places a header or footer into each group.
To insert a header or footer without sorting your data, use the Insert|Headers/Footers
command.
To sort and group data with the Header and Footer buttons:
1 Select the column in your report by whose data you want to group. In the following
example, we selected the ACCT_NBR column.
2 Choose the Header or Footer button on the toolbar. ReportSmith sorts and groups the
data, and inserts a header or footer. In the example below, we inserted a header.
Headers
57
ReportSmith sorts and groups your data based on the field you selected. Additionally, it
labels the header. In the above example, the header is called Group Header
ACCT_NBR group.
To group data using Insert|Headers/Footers:
Use this method to insert a header or footer into your report without performing
sorting.
1 Select a column in your report by whose data you want to group.

2 Choose Insert|Headers/Footers to see the Header/Footer dialog box.
3 Choose a Group Name and check a Group Type option. Do this for each group
you want to create. In the example above, we chose to insert a page header. Press
OK to exit the dialog box and see the results of grouping on your report.
Specifying selection criteria

You can choose rows to display in your report by specifying selection criteria. Instead of
displaying all of the data in your tables, specifying selection criteria lets you limit the
data to display.
ReportSmith includes a record in your data set only if it meets your criteria. You can
specify one or multiple criteria for ReportSmith to match your data. In the example
below, we have specified multiple criteria: we want to see records where HIRED is
greater than or equal to January 1, 1992 and TITLE is equal to Sales.
58
Creating Reports
The selection criteria limits the data set to display specific records, reducing the size of
data and making it more specific. To get the data we want, we created the following
selection criteria in the Selections dialog box:
After we apply the new selection criteria to our data, ReportSmith displays just the data
we specified on our report:
ReportSmith offers you two ways to specify selection criteria for your reports:
The Selections dialog box
The Field Selection Criteria dialog box
This section explains both methods.
Choosing records
You can use ReportSmiths Selections dialog box to specify which records you want to
display on your report. ReportSmith lets you use English sentences (as opposed to SQL)
to construct the selection criteria, building a basic outline which you can modify. You
can also use SQL to create your selection criteria.
The Selections dialog box where youll build a selection construct is shown below.
Click on highlighted or
underlined items to see contextsensitive lists
59
To add selection criteria, click on the number where you want to place a new sentence.
(In the dialog box above, youd click on 1.) ReportSmith displays a list of choices for
adding or deleting items:
Select this option
To...
Add Selection Criteria
Place the outline for a new selection criteria sentence

into this sentence.
Display a dialog box in which youll create selection
criteria using SQL.
Place a new list at this point.
Add a new list with a basic sentence outline beneath it.
Add SQL Selection Criteria

Add A List
Create A New List And Move This Item Into It
As an example, we chose Add Selection Criteria. ReportSmith places a basic sentence

into the dialog box which well modify. To do this, click on the section you want to
modify to see a drop-down list of choices.
Click on the Exclude Duplicate Rows option to avoid including any rows that contain
the same data as another row.
You can identify items which display drop-down liststhey are underlined or
highlighted. In the example above, since a basic construct exists, if you click on the 1.
again youll see a context-sensitive list:
As you choose items, ReportSmith alters the outline of the sentence dynamically to
ensure that it makes sense. There are numerous combinations of items which can be
created to form a sentence. You can specify any number of criteria in any combination,
simple or complex, to your report selections.
Here, well modify the Include statement at the top of the dialog box, Include records
in the report where all of the following apply: Click on all to display a list of criteria.
You can choose to include ALL, ANY, NONE or NOT ALL of the criteria you list below
it in the dialog box.
Select this option To...
ANY
ALL
60
Creating Reports
Include a record in your report if it meets ANY of the criteria beneath this list.
This places an implicit OR between each sentence.
Include a record in your report only if it meets ALL of the criteria beneath this
list. This places an implicit AND between each sentence.
Select this option To...

NONE
NOT ALL
Include a record in your report if it meets NONE of the criteria beneath this
list. This places a NOT before each sentence and an AND between each
sentence.
Include a record if it does not meet every criteria listed below this list. It can
meet ANY portion of the list criteria, but NOT ALL of them.
Well select all to include a record only if it meets all of the criteria were about to
specify.
Next, click on data field in the basic sentence to see a list of field types to choose from:
If you choose data field and click on the next item in the sentence,
DETAIL.INVOICE_ID, ReportSmith displays a list of data fields. The data field you
select is the field against which youll compare your rows:
Click is equal to to choose a comparison operator. The comparison operator is the verb
of the sentence:
In our example, we chose is greater than because we want to display all sales in which
we sold more than a certain amount of items.
Click on the next item in the list to choose to what you are comparing your data field:
61
In our example, we selected text. ReportSmith displays a text entry box in the sentence
which you can fill with one or more values:
Enter a value. In our example, we entered CA and pressed the Enter key to place it into
the sentence.
Weve completed our first sentence. To enter another sentence to this list, click on 1. to
display the drop-down list and select a function.
This table describes the options in this drop-down list:
Select this option
To...
Insert New Selection Criteria After This Item

Insert New SQL Selection Criteria After This Item
Place a sentence below the current one.

Display the SQL Selection Criteria dialog box in
which you can create a criteria using SQL and place
it below the current sentence.
Place a new Include Statement beneath the current
sentence.
Replace the current sentence with an Include
Statement and place the sentence in it.
Delete the sentence. If necessary, renumber the
remaining sentences.
Replace this English sentence with SQL. After you
select this option and click on an item, ReportSmith
displays the SQL Selection Criteria dialog box.
Insert A New List After This Item

Create A New List And Move This Item Into It
Delete This Item
Convert This Item To SQL
ReportSmith adds a sentence to the list and numbers it:
You can add numerous lists and sentences to create your selection criteria. Just follow
the steps above to add, remove and modify additional lists and sentences.
After youve created your selection criteria, press the Test Selections button to see the
number of records that it retrieves.
To delete an item or a list:
1 To delete a list, select the number corresponding to it.

To delete an item in a sentence, click to select it.
2 Press the Delete key, or select Delete This Item from the drop-down list.
If you selected a list, ReportSmith removes the list and its subcriteria from the
construct. If you selected an item, ReportSmith removes that item.
62
Creating Reports
You can use some key combinations while in the Selections dialog box to perform
certain functions. The following table describes them.
Key
Function
Arrow keys
Use the up, down, left and right arrow keys to navigate within your SELECT
statement.
Press the Enter key to insert a criteria or to make a choice in a drop-down list.
Press this key combination to display a drop-down list.
Press the Escape key to close a drop-down list without making a choice.
Enter key
Alt+
Esc
Choosing fields
The Field Selection Criteria dialog box lets you choose fields for your selection
statement. To open the dialog box, select a column, right-click the mouse and choose
Selection Criteria from the pop-up menu. Alternatively you can choose Tools|Field
Selection Criteria.
Go up one level
Check your selection
Create a selection criteria
Use the dialog box to create a basic selection criteria for a report from the report surface
(instead of navigating through the Report Query dialog boxes). For example, to select
only customers with the last name of Yates, select the CONTACT_LN column, rightclick the mouse, choose Selection Criteria and place the selection criteria into the dialog
box.
You can drag and drop fields from your report into the selection criteria. To do this,
select a field on your report and drag it into the dialog box. ReportSmith creates the
selection criteria for you.
63
In this example, well drag Yates from the CONTACT_LN column and place it into
the dialog box:
ReportSmith places the field into the dialog box and modifies the selection criteria.
Youll see the grab cursor when you drag and drop items from your report and place
them into the dialog box. Depending on the selection criteria you create, youll see one
of the following drop cursors:
If you drop the field in the current area,
youll add selection criteria.
If you drop the field in the current area,
youll insert the text field you grabbed into the current area.
To change the selection criteria directly on the report surface:
1 Open a report and select a column youd like to modify. As an example, well select
the TOTAL column.
2 Right-click and choose Selection Criteria from the pop-up menu. The Field Selection
Criteria dialog box appears displaying a default construct, may be any value.
64
Creating Reports
Lets modify the selection construct. As an example well modify it to display all
transactions greater than or equal to $100 for certain cities.
3 Click on may be any value to see a list of options and select must be greater than or
equal to to place it in the construct.
4 ReportSmith has added number 0 to the construct so you can specify a value. Click
on 0 and enter 100 into the value entry box. Choose Apply to execute the selection
in your report.
Next well specify the cities we want to display on our report.
5 At the top of the dialog box, click on the drop-down list displaying TOTAL and select
CITY from the list. ReportSmith displays may be any value in the construct.
6 Click on may be any value and select must be in list from the drop-down list.
ReportSmith inserts the default for the in-list statement, of values.
7 Click on <values> to open the List Editor dialog box:
Youll use the List Editor to create a list of values.
8 Enter a city into the text entry box and choose Add to place it in the list. Do this for
each value you want to add. After youve added the values, press Test to see how
many records match the value currently selected in the List box.
65
Note
If you entered your selection construct incorrectly, ReportSmith returns an error

message. If this happens, correct the errors and test until you receive a success
message.
9 Press OK and press Done to exit. ReportSmith applies the modified selection criteria
to your report and regenerates it for you with the specified values.
The changes you make in the Field Selection Criteria dialog box appear in the Selection
dialog box. You can modify your construct there also. As an example, lets take a look at
the selection criteria we just created in the Selections dialog box.
To view your selection construct in the Selections dialog box:
1 Open a report you modified using the Field Selection Criteria dialog box.
2 Choose Tools|Selections. The Selections dialog box appears with your modified
construct displayed.
To see the list of values associated with this construct, click on <values>.
ReportSmith displays the List Editor dialog box with the values you specified.
3 Choose OK to exit the dialog box.
Creating a derived field

A derived field is a custom field that doesnt exist in your tables. You can create a
derived field by combining two or more fields or by applying a calculation or
formula to a field. For example, you might create a derived field by combining the
EMP_FNAME and EMP_LNAME fields from your table, creating one field
(FULLNAME) which contains both first and last customer names.
You can create two types of derived fields with ReportSmith:
SQL-derived fields
Macro-derived fields
66
Creating Reports
A typical use of a derived field is to combine two text fields into one field. You might
have one field containing employee first names and another containing last names. You
can create a derived field that trims unnecessary space around the field name,
combining the fields.
Another way to use a derived field is to extract the number of a month from a field that
holds dates. The formula for this appears as MONTH(invoices.DATE).
Note
This is database-specific; not all databases have this function. Its format or name might
differ.
In this section, youll learn how to create derived fields that
Calculate a 10% sales commission

Combine two fields into one field
Display just the number of the month the sale occurred
Calculate the percentage of total sales for an employee
SQL-derived fields
To create a SQL-derived field:
In this example, well show you how to create a derived field which calculates a 10%
sales commission.
1 Choose Tools|Derived Fields, or choose Derived Fields in a Report Query dialog

box.
2 Enter a name into the Derived Field Name box. This name becomes the field label for
the derived field if you insert it as a column in your report.
The example formula in these steps calculates the 10% sales commission for the
Video West employee, William Blake.
3 Turn on the Defined By SQL option.

Note
Typically, ReportSmith uses SQL code to get the results of the derived field. This
means your database calculates the derived data.
4 Choose Add.
67
ReportSmith displays the Edit Derived Field dialog box where you define the derived
field formula.
Choose elements from the field, operator, and function list boxes and place them in
the Derived Field Formula window.
The order in which you select from these list boxes depends on what youre trying to
achieve; you dont have to choose a field, then an operator, then a function. Use them
in any order necessary to build the formula you want to apply to the data.
Note
Functions and operators appearing in the list boxes differ depending on the server
and database you use. Refer to your server or database documentation for
explanations of available functions and operators.
5 Press the down arrow beside the field, operator, or function box.
A list appears displaying available types of fields, operators, or functions. For
example, if you want to create a derived field based on report fields, select Data
Fields from the fields drop-down list. ReportSmith displays fields from the table in
your report.
6 Select the type of field, function, or operator and place it into your formula.
7 Test your formula using the Test button until you receive a success message. Choose
OK.
8 Use the Insert|Field command to place the derived field in your report.
Macro-derived fields
Typically, ReportSmith uses SQL code to obtain the results of a derived field formula.
This means your database calculates the derived data. However, there may be
information you need to show in a field which cannot be created by your database. For
example, to derive a percent of a total, you need to select the Defined by a ReportBasic
68
Creating Reports
Macro option to create the derived field locally. This is because SQL code cant access
summary fields, which are calculated locally.
You can create a derived field that calculates a percent of a total. For example, in our
Sales By Employee report, we want to determine what percent of William Blakes sales
can be attributed to each of his clients.
Sample macro-derived field

This sample shows you how to create a macro-derived field which calculates a percent
of the total.
1 Open a report for which you want to calculate the percent of total.
2 Choose Tools|Derived Fields, enter a name and select the Defined by a ReportBasic
Macro option. Choose Add to see the Choose a Macro dialog box.
3 The Report Macros option is enabled. (Derived fields must be based on report
macros.) Enter an optional description for the macro function into the Description
text box.
69
4 Choose New to see the Edit Macro dialog box.
ReportSmith has placed the first and last lines of your formula into the formula
window. You do not need to re-enter them.
5 Enter the macro code into the Macro formula text box:
Sub PerOfTot()
' Calculate the percentage of the total quantity of this employee's sales that the
' current record's quantity of sales represents.
' The Field$ function gets the QUANTITY record as a string.
' The Val() function converts it to a number which is stored in the variable "Quantity."
Quantity = Val(SumField$("SUBTOTAL", 'c:\rptsmith\samples\invoices.dbf",2,"Sum"))
' The Next line gets the total quantity for the current customer group
' and assigns it to a variable.
TotalQuantity = Val(SumField$('SUBTOTAL","c:\rptsmith\sampless\invoices.dbf",1, "Sum"))
' A divide by zero error will halt macro execution.
if TotalQUantity > 0 then
PercentOfTotal = Quantity/TotalQuantity
' The Derived Field statement reports the derived field value and is only
' valid in macros used to define derived fields.
' It takes a string value, so the Str$ Function is used to convert Number to a string.
DerivedField Str$(PercentOfTotal)
Else
' If TotalQuantity was zero there was an error.
DerivedField "Error"
End If
End Sub
6 Press Test to test your formula. If ReportSmith finds errors, correct them and press
the Test button until you receive a success message. Choose OK, then choose OK
again to exit the dialog box.
7 Choose Done to exit the Derived Fields dialog box. ReportSmith executes the Percent
of Total macro and inserts the results as the Percent of Total column.
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Creating Reports
To show a percent of total sales for William Blake for each of his customers, we
would show that percentage in the customer group footer next to the sum of sales for
each customer.
8 Press the Form Mode button. Select the Percent of Total heading, then Ctrl+click to
select the Percent of Total fields. Drag and drop the selected items into the customer
group footer.
9 Choose the Percent button on the ribbon to format the derived field.
Note
See online Help or Appendix A for an explanation of macro commands.
Creating a summary field

You can create summary fields to perform operations on grouped data for the whole
report, such as calculating a sum. After you create them, you can place summary fields
in headers or footers.
To create a summary field using the toolbar:
1 Select the column to which you want to apply the summary operation.
2 Click the operation you want to perform on the column. You can choose the Sum,
Average, Minimum, Maximum or Count button. ReportSmith inserts the summary
field into each footer you have created in your report.
If you have not defined footers in your report, ReportSmith displays a message
informing you to insert footers so that you can see the summary fields.
To create a summary field using Tools|Summary Fields:
1 Select Tools|Summary Fields to see the Summary Fields dialog box.

2 Select the report group level from the Report Group box.
3 Select the operation you want ReportSmith to perform in the Summary Operation list
box. The following table shows the available summary functions:
Operation
Function
Average
Count
First
Last
Maximum
Minimum
Std Deviation
Calculates the average value for a selected numeric field.

Calculates the number of records in the selected group.
Selects the first value in the selected group.
Selects the last value in the selected group.
Calculates the largest value in the selected group.
Calculates the lowest value in the selected group.
Calculates the average standard deviation from the mean in a large report of data.
It is the square root of the variance. It is a statistical test of how various values in a
report of values deviate from the average value for that report.
Totals values for a selected group.
Sum
71
Operation
Function
Variance
Calculates the variance from the mean in a report of data. It is the square of the
standard deviation. It is the measure of the amount by which all values in a group
vary from the average value in the group.
Summary fields placed into page headers and footers show summaries of the data
on each page.
Cumulative Sum
See Summary fields on page 105 for how to insert a page summary field.
4 Select the column you want to apply the summary field operation and place it into
the Summary Fields window.
5 Choose OK to exit the dialog box.
6 Insert headers or footers into the report, if you havent already done so, with Insert|
Headers/Footers. Use the Field command on the Insert menu to drop a summary
field into a header or footer.
In our sample report for Video West, we applied the sum operation to the
SUBTOTAL field for the customer name group. We then used the Field command on
the Insert menu to drop the summary field into the customer group footer.
Once placed, the total sales for each customer in our sample report appears in each
customer group footer:
Creating a report variable

You can add dialog boxes to your reports that prompt a user for specific information.
These are called report variables. With them, you can customize a report to obtain
different results depending on data the user enters into the dialog box. Each of the
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Creating Reports
dialog boxes illustrated below is a report variable which obtains specific information
from the user to create a report:
...or choose from a spin box
Prompt a user to enter values...
...or select an option
The above example shows just three of the report variables you can create. ReportSmith
applies the users value to the report.
Data types and entry types

When creating a report variable, you have five data types to choose from:
String
Number
Date
Time
Date and Time
There are also four entry types to choose from. Any entry type can be used with any of
the data types listed above:
Type-in
Choose from a list
Choose from a table
Choose between two values
73
The following table summarizes entry type options when paired with each data type:
Data type
Entry Options
String
Type-in
Requires users to type a response to the report variable. When you select this option, you can designate
the maximum characters users can enter in the Maximize Size option. The default number is 2000.
Choose from a list
Requires users to select a response to the report variable from a list box. When you select this option,
you must also enter the allowed values in the Allowed Values list box. Use this list box to specify a list
of values for the user to choose from. Type a value into the text box and press Add to place it into the
list. Do this for each value you want to add. Use the Delete and Replace buttons to remove or replace
values from your list.
Choose from a table
Requires users to choose values from tables and fields youve selected. Choose Select Table to place a
table into the report variable. Choose Select Field(s) to specify fields that the user can choose. Here, you
can choose a field to display from the Display value from field list and a field to use from the Use
Value from field list. (For example, you might want to use the CUST_ID field but display the
CUST_NAME on the report.)
Choose between two values
Requires users to choose a Yes or No value from a Message box or to choose from one of two values in a
Dialog box. Enter prompts into the prompt boxes.
Type-in
Requires users to type the number response to the report variable. When you select this option, you
must also select from the following check boxes: Signed determines whether users can type a + or
sign. If you leave this empty, ReportSmith uses a positive number and users cant type a + or .
Maximum determines the largest number users can type. Click this check box and enter the maximum
number youll allow users to enter. Minimum determines the lowest number users can enter. Click this
check box and enter the minimum number youll allow users to enter. Decimal determines the number
of decimal places users can enter. Click this check box and enter the number of decimal places.
ReportSmith uses the standard dollars and cents format. Spin indicates that a spin button (an up and
down arrow) appears beside the response area to allow users to use the mouse to change the entered
value. Available check boxes for this option are the same as for the Type-in option described above.
For Choose from a list, Choose from a table and Choose between two values, see entry options under
String, above. Options are the same.
Type-in
Requires users to enter the date response to the report variable. When you select this option you must
enter the date format you want to appear by entering it in the text box or choosing it from the dropdown list.
Choose from a list
Requires users to select a response to the report variable from a list box. When you select this option,
you must also enter the allowed values in the Allowed Values list box. Use this list box to specify a list of
values for the user to choose from. Use the spin box or calendar button to select a date or range of dates
and press Add to place it into the list. Do this for each value you want to add.
Choose from a table (see entry options under String, above).
Choose between two values requires users to choose a Yes or No value from a Message box and then
enter the date value using the spin and calendar buttons, or to choose from one of two values in a Dialog
box.
Type-in
Creates a variable that requires users to enter a time for a report. After creating the variable, select or
enter in the Format box the time format youll let users enter.
Number
Date
Time
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Creating Reports
Data type
Entry Options
For Choose from a list, Choose from a table and Choose between two values see entry options under
Date, above.
For Type-in, Choose from a list, Choose from a table and Choose between two values, see entry
options under Date and Time, above.
Date/Time
To modify a report variable:
1 In the Report Variables dialog box, select the report variable you want to modify
from the Report Variables list. The settings for the selected report variable appear in
the options.
2 Modify the appropriate settings in the dialog box and press Done.
To change the value of a report variable:
1 Do one of the following:

In the Report Variables dialog box, select the report variable whose value you
want to change from the Report Variables list, or,
double-click the report variable name in the Report Variables list box.
2 Select or enter a new value in the dialog box and press OK. The Report Variables
dialog box appears.
3 Choose Done. ReportSmith reruns your report based on the new value.
Sample report variables

This section shows you how to create two report variables. The first prompts the user to
enter the start date for the report so that sales by employee are selected after that date.
The second prompts for the name of the salesperson whose sales you want to include in
your report. You can include these report variables in a selections formula, letting you
filter data before running the report.
This section describes the following:
Creating a report variable

Deleting a report variable
Changing values within a report variable
Modifying an existing report variable
Using table-driven values for report variables
Displaying versus using different values
Sample 1: Entering or choosing a value

To create a report variable called STARTDATE:
1 Select Tools|Report Variables, or, press the Report Variables button in a Report
Query dialog box. The Report Variables dialog box appears.
75
Youll use the Report Variables dialog box to create report variables by entering
information into each of the text entry boxes and by choosing options. Type a name
for your report variable into the Name box. The name appears in the Report
Variables list for your use. Names must begin with a letter and contain only letters,
numbers, and underscores.
Startdate is the name of our first report variable.
If you use a report variable in selection or derived field formulas, you must type the
report variable name exactly as it was entered when created, distinguishing between
uppercase and lowercase letters.
2 Press the down arrow in the Type list box and choose the data (or the type of
response) for your report variable.
The Startdate report variable uses Date as the type of response.
3 Enter the title you want to appear in the dialog box for the report variable.
Start Date is the title for the example report variable.
4 In the Prompt box, type the exact wording you want to appear in the user prompt.
We entered the following:
Please enter the start date for this report:
5 Press the down arrow under Format to see a drop-down list of date formats.
6 Choose a format. For our example well choose Default, which uses the format
mm/dd/yy.
7 Press the down arrow under Entry to choose how youd like the user to specify
values. For our example, well choose Type-In.
8 Choose Add to add the report variable you defined to the Report Variables list.
Youve created your first report variable. You can view the dialog box by selecting it
in the Report Variables list and pressing the Value button.
Setting a date value:
To set a date value for a report variable, you can either type it in manually, or use
ReportSmiths calendar.
1 Press the calendar button next to the text entry box to see the calendar.
2 To report the date value use the Year, Month and Day items:
Year
Month
Day
Use the right and left arrows on either side of the year shown to choose
the appropriate year.
Use the right and left arrows on either side of the month to choose the
appropriate month.
Press the button corresponding to the appropriate day.
3 Choose OK.
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Creating Reports
Sample 2: Choosing from a list

Here, well create a second report variable called Salesperson. Instead of using the
Type-In Entry option, well use the List Entry option, which lets you type a list of names
which users can choose from in the dialog box.
To create the Salesperson report variable:
1 Place the cursor into the Name box and type the following:
Salesperson
2 Under Type select String.

3 In the Title box, type the following:
Salesperson
4 In the Prompt box, type a prompt for the user:

Which salesperson do you want to see?
5 Select Choose From A List from the Entry drop-down list.

Were going to create a list of data from which the user can choose. Youll notice that
when you select this option, settings in the dialog box change to display settings for
Choose From A List.
Enter the following values into the text entry box and press the Add button (or the
Enter key) after each one to add it to the Allowed Values list:
Blake
Ginsberg
Keats
Pound
Rimbaud
Snyder
6 Press the Add button on the left side of the dialog box to add the Salesperson report
variable to the Report Variables list.
7 To see the dialog box you just created, highlight Salesperson in the Report Variables
list and press the Value button. ReportSmith displays the Salesperson report
variable.
8 Press OK to exit the report variable.
After you create the report variables, press the Selections button to see the Selections
dialog box where youll insert them into your selection criteria. By inserting the
report variables into the Selection formula, ReportSmith selects the necessary data to
insert in your report up-front, based on the users responses to the prompts.
Before you delete a report variable, make sure it isnt used anywhere else in your
report. If it is, youll need to delete it from those areas.
77
Sample 3: Choosing table-driven values

ReportSmith lets you create a list of values for a report variable with values from a
column in one of your tables. Rather than typing in a list of values, you can simply
display fields from your database. This eliminates the need for manually typing and
updating values if your data changes, ensuring that your reports always contain the
most up-to-date data.
To use table-driven values:
1 Open the Report Variables dialog box. Enter a name for your report variable, choose
a data type, enter a title, and a prompt.
2 Under Entry, select Choose From A Table. The dialog box displays associated
settings.
3 Choose the Table button. The Select List Table For Report Variable dialog box
appears. In the Files list, choose the table that contains the column you want to use. If
you need to, navigate using the Type, Drives, Directories, or Connections list boxes.
Note
You can use a different table or data source type than the one your report was created
with. For example, if you have a dBASE report, but you have saved a list of values
you want in a FoxPro table, you can connect to FoxPro here and use that table.
4 Press OK.
5 Under Select, press the Field(s) button. The Report Variable Fields dialog box
appears.
6 Under Display Value from Field, choose a field to display to the user. This is the
value the user sees; it is not necessarily the value used. Under Use Value from Field,
choose the field you want to report the report variable equal to. This is the value used
by your report variable.
In most cases, the fields you choose for Display Value from Field and Use Value from
Field are the same. However, there are some cases when youll want to display one
field but use another.
For example, suppose you have two columns in your table: EMP_LNAME and
EMPLYEE_ID. The EMPLYEE_ID field has an index which enables you to search
through it quickly, so you want your selection criteria to search that field. However,
you dont want your users to have to know employee ID numbers in order to run a
report. In this case, youd display an employees name for your user to select, while
using the employees ID number as the value for your selection criteria.
7 Press OK and press Add. ReportSmith adds your report variable to the Report
Variables list.
8 Press Done.
Creating a master /detail report

The Insert|Detail Reports command lets you build reports using more than one query.
Queries are linked on a key to define a relationship between the master report and the
78
Creating Reports
subquery, or detail. Generally, the master report has one record per key value, while the
detail report contains many records per key value.
An example of a master/detail report is your bank statementat the top, it displays
your name, account number, and address from a customer table. The next section
displays withdrawals for each account. You could also have another section which
displays only deposits. Information in each section originates from different tables with
different qualification. Furthermore, each section might have its own formatting and
totals.
The diagram below shows the idea behind a master/detail relationship for a bank
statement. The report created can describe three different queries: CUSTOMER=Bob
Smith, CUSTOMER=Bob Smith AND transaction_type= DEPOSIT, and
CUSTOMER=Bob Smith AND transaction_type=WITHDRAWAL. In this case, each
query is linked on the CUSTOMER field.
Another example of using a master/detail report might be one in which each
department shows a breakdown of information by each employee. In this case, the main
report uses the DEPARTMENT table, while the detail report uses the EMPLOYEE table.
Note
You can only create master/detail reports for columnar reports.

To create a master/detail report:
1 Create a new columnar report to serve as the master report. Choose Insert|Detail
Reports. In the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, Master Report is the default
name for the master query.
2 To add another query to your report, choose Add to see the Tables dialog box. In the
Tables dialog box, choose Add Table, select one or more tables and choose OK. Select
columns to include or exclude and press Done.
3 In the Link Master/Detail Reports dialog box, ReportSmith has selected a common
field in each table for linking tables. You can use these fields or select another
common field to link the tables. Place at least one common field into both Key Fields
list boxes and choose OK.
4 In the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, choose OK to load records onto your report.
Make sure View|Boundaries is on so you can see the distinct sections of your report:
Main Report l, and Detail Report 1.
Note
Once you create a detail report you can select it by choosing it from the drop-down
detail reports list box that appears in every dialog box after you create one.
Naming a detail report

Each time you create a detail report, ReportSmith creates a default name for it. The
master detail report you create is called Master Report. The next is called Detail
Report 1, then Detail Report 2 and so on. The name of the detail report appears in the
report group to which it corresponds. You rename a detail report so its more
recognizable. For example, you might want to change Master Report to Customer
Report and Detail Report 1 to Videos Rented.
1 With your report open, choose Edit|Detail Reports to see the Master/Detail Reports
dialog box. Select the detail report you want to name and choose Name.
79
2 Enter a name for the detail report and choose OK. The name appears in each
associated section on your report.
Using the Detail Sets dialog box

This section briefly describes each option in the Detail Sets dialog box.
Option
Description
Add
Delete
Add a new detail report to the current report.

Remove a detail report from your report. You cannot remove the Main Report detail
report, otherwise youd have a blank page.
Change the query for a detail or the main report.
Rename a detail report.
Change links associated with a detail. To enable this option, you must first select a detail
report. A defined link can have more than one linkage key.
Select which report or detail report selected by default when you are performing other
operations. For example, if you select Master Report as the default when you choose
Tools|Sorting or Tools|Derived Fields, youll see Master Report in the drop-down list
box as the default.
Modify
Name
Links
Default
Displaying field labels

ReportSmith displays field labels for each detail report the first time a master record
appears on the page. You can display field labels each time a detail report displays a
new set of data by using the Insert|Field labels command.
1 With your report open, choose Insert|Field Labels. Youll see that the dialog box
displays a list box containing the name of each detail report. Select a detail report.
2 Turn on Group Header/Footer and New Page options and choose OK. Labels now
appear for each set of data displayed for the detail report.
80
Creating Reports
Inserting a field into a report section

Use the Insert Field dialog box to insert a field into the main report area or a detail. You
can place a field only into a section built on the associated query. If you try to place it
into the wrong detail report, an error message appears. Placement bars appear in
appropriate drop-zones.
The drop-down list box at the top of the dialog box lets you choose a master or detail
report whose fields you want to display in the list box below.
To insert a field into a detail report:
1 With your report open, choose Insert|Field.

2 In the top drop-down list select the report in which you want to insert a field. This
populates the Field Name list with fields associated with that report.
3 If you want the field name to display on your report, check the Include Field Name
option. Drag and drop the field into the desired section.
Formatting a report section

You can apply formatting styles to each detail report to emphasize them. You can also
apply one formatting style to an entire report.
With your report open, choose Format|Report Styles.
Choose a detail report from the drop-down list box at the bottom of the dialog box to
which you want to apply a style.
Select a style and press Apply. Do this for each detail report you want to format.
Note
Most other dialog boxes that let you modify your query will let you select which detail
report your changes apply to from a drop-down list box.
Saving a report
If youre ready to begin work on another report, or youd like to exit ReportSmith,
follow these steps to save your report.
1 Press the Save button or choose File|Save.

2 In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the drive and directory where youd like to
store your report. Select a file type from the Files of Type list. For example, you can
save your report with an .XLS extension if you wish to export it for use in an Excel
spread sheet, .WKS for a Lotus spread sheet, .CSV for comma delimited text and so
on.
For a complete list of available file types, see the online Help.
3 Enter a name for your report into the Filename text box and choose OK.
4 To exit ReportSmith, choose File|Exit.
81
Creating a temporary table

You can create temporary tables to perform more complex functions within
ReportSmith. A temporary table contains static data that doesnt change when the
originating table changes (unless you instruct it to). Temporary tables are useful for
reporting on a selection of groups or for grouping and sorting on macro-derived fields.
To create a temporary table, you must first create a set of data to populate the table.
Types of data that are included columns (such as columns listed in the SELECT
statement, including SQL-derived fields), summary fields, and macro-derived fields.
After creating a report with the desired data, you can use a macro to export the table
through an ODBC driver.
For example, you can use a temporary table to create a view of a table which contains
only a subreport of its data. Also, you can use temporary tables to perform summaries
on macro derived fields or to sort data by a summary field.
Note
The temporary table itself must be stored in an ODBC connection, however, the original
data can originate anywhere.
When you save a report as a temporary table, it saves each aspect of the report as a
separate column. Data columns and derived fields are named numerically in order.
Summary fields appear as columns and use the following naming convention:
SumFunction|GroupLevel_Column#
Element
Description
SumFunction
Group Level
Column#
The summary function for the summary field (Min, Max, Sum and so on).
The group level to which the summary is set.
The position or order number of the summary column in your report.
For example, the name of a summary field that counted the number of values in the 3rd
column at the Entire Report Group level in your report is COUNT1_3, and the name of a
summary field that summarized the first column in your report at your primary group
(first group you have created) is SUM2_1.
To create and use a temporary table:
1 Open a report.
2 Write a report macro like the one below to export your report data to a temporary
table:
Sub temptable()
'Create a dataset object to hold the temp table values
dim DS as dataset
DS.SetFromActive
' Export the table to the database for this new report to use
DS.exporttable 'mytable', 55, "RS_dbase", ", " ", " "
End Sub
3 Link the macro you created to a report-level event, such as the closing of your report.
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Creating Reports
4 After making sure this macro has run, create a new report, and choose the table with
the name that matches the name you indicated in the export table command in your
macro. In the above example, it is mytable.
You now have a new report containing a separate column for each data field, derived
field, and summary field from you original report. You can now manipulate these
fields in the same manner as regular data fields (sort, group, and perform
summaries.)
You can save your report as an .RQF file. This type of file can be used to update a
temporary table each time you run a report. It contains a description of how to get
the data you just exported from the source. Creating an .RQF file can be done
through File|Save As, or via a macro. If you choose to save the file via a macro, add
the following line to the macro above that is used to export the table:
DS.Save "Filename.RQF"
To create a ReportSmith query file (.RQF):
1 Create a new report.

2 Choose File|Save As. The Save Report dialog box appears.
3 Under File Type choose ReportSmith query (*.RQF) files.
Note
You probably want to name an .RQF file the same as you named your temporary table.
83
84
Creating Reports
Chapter
Formatting
Chapter 5
ReportSmiths versatile formatting capabilities let you transform your data into high
quality presentations. This chapter discusses formatting techniques you can apply to
any kind of report.
Selecting and moving objects

You can select and move columns, fields, and objects. You can also resize items in a
report.
Columns
When you create a columnar report, fields appear as columns across the report page. A
column heading, or field label, identifies each column. ReportSmith takes field names
from your database and applies them to columns on your report, creating the field
labels. You can change the field labels after creating them.
Use Column mode to move columns horizontally across the page, moving labels along
with columns. Columns can move closer together as the selected columns are removed
and other columns shift to accommodate the selected columns.
If you delete a column in Column mode, ReportSmith repositions the remaining
columns moving them closer together and filling in the blank space.
Selecting a column and its field label

1 Press the Column Mode button on the toolbar.
Chapter 5, Formatting
85
2 Click on the column.
After selected, you can move the column and its label to a different location, format
the column, or delete it from the report.
To select multiple columns:
Click and drag the mouse, stretching the dotted box until it surrounds all of the
columns you want to select
Ctrl+click to select more than one column and release the mouse.
Shift+click to select a block of columns.
To move a column:
1 Drag the column to a new location. Youll see a drop bar that indicates the position of
the column if you release the mouse in the current location.
2 Release the mouse. ReportSmith repositions the column and its label, rearranging the
columns around it.
To cancel the move while dragging a column, right-click the mouse. The column returns
to its original position.
Fields
Fields are the data within columns. Use Form mode to move individual fields freely
around the report pagehorizontally and vertically. Use this mode to place fields on
labels and forms and into headers and footers.
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Creating Reports
Form mode does not reorder column positions.

To select fields in a column:
1 Press the Form Mode button.

2 Click to select a column. Single boxes surround each field.
Use the sizing handles that appear on the first record to resize all fields or to add
space between rows or columns.
Note
You can also use the Row Height or Field Height command on the Format menu to
specify a distinct size.
To select fields in multiple columns:
Click and drag the mouse, stretching the dotted box that appears until it surrounds
all the fields you want.
Ctrl+click on more than one column and release the mouse when youve finished
selecting.
Shift+click to select a block of column fields.
Rows
You can select rows of data across columns. A row is the set of values from within each
column that comprise a set of information. After you select a row, you can resize and
format it. Changes you apply to the selected row apply to all of the rows in your report.
You can resize a row to create blank space between your records or to create a form
report. You can stretch a row up to the size of a full page.
Selecting a row
Click the left margin of the row between the data and the edge of the report. A box with
sizing handles surrounds the selected row.
87
Headers and footers

You can select a page header or footer to resize it. An example of enlarging a footer
might be to insert an oversized graphic, or to enlarge a subtotal within it for emphasis.
To select a header or footer:
1 Click in the boundary to select a header or footer.

2 Pull on the sizing handles to stretch or shrink the boundaries.
Note
See Placing items into a header or footer on page 107 for how to place fields into a
header or footer.
Body
You can select a body of data in a report. A body is any data positioned between a
header or footer which appears as a group. After selected, you can add borders,
shading, or patterns to the body of your report. You can also resize the width of the
bodys border by dragging the sizing handles.
To select the body of a report, double-click in the body you want to select.
Text
You can select text on your report.
To select text:
1 Click once on the text to select it. You can then drag and drop it into place.
2 Click again. The Insertion Point cursor appears to the left of the text, indicating that
you are in Text Mode. You can now revise the selected text.
3 Once edited, click outside of the field to accept your changes.
Resizing objects
ReportSmith makes it easy for you to resize objects such as columns, fields and sections
in your report quickly. Just click to select the object and pull on the sizing handles
surrounding it to enlarge or decrease the size.
To resize objects in your report:
1 Click to select the object.

2 Pull on one of the sizing handles to increase or decrease the size of the object.
In a label report, headers and footers appear as the same size as your label, unless you
specify otherwise. To resize a header or footer in a label report:
1 Select the header or footer you want to resize.

2 Right-click the mouse to see a pop-up menu.
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Creating Reports
3 Choose Detach Label. ReportSmith detaches the selected section from the size of the
labels. Now, you can use the sizing handles to resize it. Only the page header and
footer can be detached from the set of labels and independently resized or moved.
Note
To resize a crosstab, see Resizing rows and columns on page 145.
Using Page Setup settings

When you create a report with the New command, ReportSmith sets up a default report
page layout. However, you can change margin, paper size, and orientation settings.
Page Setup settings apply to each new report you create. They are also applied to your
active report. You can set margins and other attributes at any time for any report. You
can also add a background to your report page layout.
Setting margins
Every report page has defined margins you can set with the Page Setup command on
the File menu. ReportSmith has options for the top, bottom, left, right, and gutter
margins.
To set margins for a report:
1 Open a report.
2 Select the Page Setup command from the File menu. The Page Setup dialog box
appears.
Note
Watch the Sample box as you adjust each margin setting. Changes you make are
reflected instantly so you can make sure youve specified exactly the settings you want.
Option
Function
Margins
Click in this option and the settings in the dialog box change to reflect settings for
margins including top, bottom, left, right, and gutter spacing.
89
Option
Function
Size and
Orientation
Labels
Click in this option and settings in the dialog box change to reflect size and
orientation settings including paper size, width, height, and orientation.
Click this option and settings in the dialog box reflect settings for labels. The
Labels option is only available for label reports. Other report types display this option
in gray to indicate that its not available.
Selecting any of the given label types changes the label dimensions, paper size, and
margins to match the label definition. The maximum number of labels that fits within
the page display in the Sample box.
ReportSmith uses the non-printing areas established for your printer as the default
printer margins. These margin settings appear in the Printer Margins dialog box. While
you can set margins that fall inside the non-printing areas, parts of your report can be
clipped off if you do. To view the print area, turn on the Print Area command on the
View menu.
Default measurements
The default measurement scale is in inches. However, you can change the default to
centimeters with the Options command on the Tools menu. To use a measurement scale
other than the default, enter the number and one of the following abbreviations in the
measurement boxes for each margin.
Measurement
Action
Inches
Centimeters
Picas
Lines
Points
Enter the number of inches and in or ".

Enter the number of centimeters and cm.
Enter the number of picas and pi.
Enter the number of lines and li.
Enter the number of points and pt.
If you use a measurement scale other than the default, ReportSmith converts it to the
default measurement. For example, if you enter 3 pi in the top margin box and inches is
the default unit, ReportSmith converts it to .50 inches
Setting paper size and orientation

ReportSmith sets page margins based on the paper size youre using to print the report.
To set the paper size:
1 From the File menu, choose the Page Setup command. The Page Setup dialog box
appears.
You can also set paper size for many printers in the Print Setup dialog box. The
settings in the Page Setup dialog box override those set in the Print Setup dialog box.
2 Click the Size and Orientation option button in the Page Setup dialog box. Options in
the dialog box change to Size and Orientation settings; paper size, width, height, and
portrait and landscape options appear.
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Creating Reports
3 Press the down arrow in the Paper Size box to select a default paper size youre using
to print the report. Alternatively, enter a custom paper size in the Width and Height
boxes.
4 Press OK.
To set the paper orientation:
1 Select File|Page Setup. The Page Setup Dialog box appears.

2 Click the Size and Orientation option. Settings in the dialog box change to reflect size
and orientation settings.
3 Select either Portrait (vertical) or Landscape (horizontal) from the Orientation box. (If
you have a report thats wider than 8 1/2 inches, choose Landscape as this gives you
a width of 11 inches.) Press OK.
Setting up labels
If youve chosen Label as your report type in the Report Types dialog box, youll need to
set up the layout of your labels (specifications). Youll do this in the Page Setup dialog
box, using the Labels option.
To set labels specifications:
1 Choose File|Page Setup. The Page setup dialog box appears.

2 Click in the Labels option. This option is only available for Labels reports. Settings in
the dialog box change to reflect labels settings.
3 Under Label Type and Dimensions, press the down arrow and select a type. Selecting
any of the given label types changes the label dimensions, paper size, and margins to
match the label definition. The maximum number of labels that fit within the page
are displayed in the Sample box.
ReportSmith settings are compatible with Avery labels. ReportSmith supplies you with
over 30 Avery label styles or you can create your own custom labels. A list of styles
appears in the Label Type and Dimensions list on the Labels Page Setup dialog box.
4 Set the Width, Height, and Vertical and Horizontal Gaps. These settings indicate the
amount of space between labels.
5 Click in one of the following options: Display Across Then Down, or Display Down
Then Across.
If you choose Across Then Down, your labels appear like this:
91
If you choose Down Then Across, your labels appear like this:
Adding a report background

With ReportSmith, you can place objects in the background of a report to give it a
unique look. You can do this in two ways: with the Wallpaper option on the Page Setup
dialog box or with the Picture and Object commands on the Insert menu.
To add a background with Insert menu commands:
1 Open a report.
2 Choose either Insert|Picture or Insert|Object.
3 Place the object on the report page, then click and drag one of the sizing handles until
the object is the appropriate size.
To reposition a background object, click and drag it to the new position.
4 Click and drag the body of the report until its positioned on top of the background
object. The object now resides in the background of the report.
To add a background with the Wallpaper option:
1 Open a report.
2 Choose File|Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog box appears.
3 Press the Wallpaper button. The Wallpaper dialog box appears.
With the Wallpaper options, you can specify the bitmap, its position on a page, and
whether you can print the bitmap with a report.
4 Click the down arrow and a drop-down list of bitmaps appears. These bitmaps are
stored in the ReportSmith directory.
5 Select a bitmap from the list. Alternatively, type in the path and file name of a bitmap
in another directory.
6 Choose an option to position the bitmap in the background of the report.
The following table lists all available options for positioning a bitmap:
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Type
Entry Options
Center
Horz/Vert Just.
Left
Positions the bitmap in the center of the page.

Positions the bitmap horizontally.
Positions the bitmap on the left side of a report page.
Creating Reports
Type
Entry Options
Right
Vert
Top
Bottom
Positions the bitmap on the right side of a report page.

Positions the bitmap vertically.
Positions the bitmap at the top of a report page.
Positions the bitmap at the bottom of a report page.
7 Make sure the Do Not Print check box is deselected so the bitmap prints with the
report.
8 Press OK.
ReportSmith places the bitmap in the background of the report according to the
settings youve chosen.
Using the grid

ReportSmith provides a grid which guides the placement of data and text fields. The
grid is a series of row and column coordinates which you can use as a reference when
placing objects. You can specify the spacing of your grid by adjusting the Width and
Height parameters in the Grid Attributes dialog box. The illustration below shows a
report with the grid displayed.
Use the Snap to Grid feature to place fields and text at these coordinates. The Snap to
Grid feature makes data placement and alignment easy. The grid is invisible until you
select the Grid option from the View menu. When you select this option the Grid
Attributes dialog box appears.
Formatting techniques
ReportSmith lets you format characters (text, numbers and symbols) in a column or field
label. Within a report, you can
93
Format characters in columns

Format numbers in columns
Format field labels
Align values in columns
Position columns
Characters
You can format characters in a column by using
Format|Character command
The ribbon
Pop-up Format menu
To format a column with the Character command:
1 Click once on the column you want to format. Use Shift+click to select additional
columns.
2 To display the Font Dialog box, do one of the following:
Click the right-mouse button and select the Character command from the pop-up
Format menu.
Choose Format|Character.
Fonts and point sizes

Fonts and point sizes establish the basic look of characters in your report. A font is a set
of characters with a unique design. You can format your reports to use your favorite
font. The default font in ReportSmith is Arial. To change the default font setting use the
Tools/Options command and change the Default Font setting in the Options dialog box.
Each font comes in a range of sizes, measured in points. In this manual, font size is
sometimes referred to as point size. In ReportSmith, you can specify any size from 4
points through 127 points. To select a font size that is smaller than 8 points, type a new
size into the Size box. Windows attempts to render a font that matches the one youve
chosen.
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Creating Reports
Note
Available font sizes depend on the fonts you have installed on your machine. Here are
examples of different font sizes:
24 pt
12 pt
10 pt
8pt
1 Select the formatting options you want. You can set the font, style (bold, bold italic,
and italic), size, effect (strikeout or underline), and color. You can use character
formats to emphasize text and to create special effects in your reports. The following
character formatting options are available in ReportSmith:
bold
italic
strikeout
colors
underline
bolditalic
You can apply a format by choosing it. Remove the format by choosing it again. You
can apply multiple character formats to the same text, such as adding an underline to
a bold word. The Sample window displays what each selected format looks like.
2 Click the OK button when youve finished setting the formatting options.
ReportSmith applies the settings to the selected column.
To format a column with the ribbon:
1 Click once on a single column or select multiple columns with the mouse.
2 Select the font and point size for the characters.
3 Use the following ribbon buttons to format the column.
Bold Underline
Center align
Font
Italic
Point size
Right align
Left align
Aligning characters in columns

After you select a column or group of columns, you can align characters to the left, right,
or center.
To align characters within a column:
1 Select the column or columns with the mouse. A box with sizing handles surrounds
the selected column or columns.
2 Click the appropriate alignment button on the ribbon.
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Positioning columns
You can drag and drop columns in a report and place them in any order. You can also
adjust the distance between columns. When youre positioning columns, press the
Column Mode button on the toolbar. This mode lets you move columns, along with
column labels, vertically across the report.
Note
The database settings in the tables or files you include in a report determine the initial
width of columns.
To move a column:
1 Press the Column Mode button on the toolbar.

2 Click the column you want to reposition and hold down the left-mouse button.
3 Drag the column to the new location in the report. A drop bar appears at the new
location.
4 Release the mouse button and the column repositions itself. Notice that the columns
are reordered and placed accordingly, filling up any blank spaces on the report page.
To adjust column width:
1 Click the column whose width you want to change.

2 Right-click and choose Column Width, or select the Column Width command on the
Format menu. The Column Width dialog box appears.
3 Use the arrow keys or type a number in the Column Width box to set the width for a
selected column, or press the Best Fit button.
Press OK. ReportSmith applies the new width to the selected column.
Click the Use Default Width check box and press OK.
ReportSmith uses the default column width determined by the tables or files from
a database you included in a report.
Press the Best Fit button. ReportSmith determines the best width of a selected
column by scanning all records of your report for the largest field within that
column.
Note
96
For a large report, this function may take some time to calculate the best width.
Creating Reports
Field labels
You can format characters in a field label separate from the fields in a column. For
example, you can bold and increase the point size for emphasis.
To format a field label with Format|Field:
1 Select the first field label you want to format. A box surrounds the selected field label.
2 Use Shift+click to select all field labels in between the first selected field label and the
one you Shift+click. If you want to select more than one individual field label, use
Ctrl+click.
3 Right-click and choose Character, or choose Format|Character. The Font dialog box
appears.
4 Select the formatting options you want. You can set the font, style (bold, bold italic,
and italic), size, and effect (strikeout and underline). The Sample window shows the
selected format. Press OK.
To format a field label with the ribbon:
1 Select the field label you want to format. A box surrounds the selected field label.
2 Select the font and point size for the characters.
3 Press only the following buttons on the ribbon to format the field. For more detailed
formatting options, such as strikeout, underline and smaller fonts, use Format|
Character.
To create multiple-line field labels:
1 Press the Form Mode button.

2 Select the column header area by placing your cursor to the left or right side of it. The
cursor changes into an arrow and points to the column header area.
3 Click once.
4 Increase the size of the label. Drag the area down the page so it is resized to at least
two characters high.
5 Select the label you want to appear on two lines. Click it again to enter Text mode.
6 Split the label onto two lines by placing your cursor in the appropriate place and
pressing the Return key. Next, click outside of the column to deselect it.
7 Repeat the above step for all columns, or move the others down the column header
area.
Numbers and dates

To set number formats, ReportSmith formats numbers in columns under several
categories:
Number
Currency
97
Percentage
Scientific
To set number formats with the Field Formats command:
1 Select the column with the numbers you want to format.

2 Right-click the mouse and select the Field Formats command from the pop-up
Format menu, or choose Format|Field Formats. The Format Field dialog box
appears.
3 Choose the format category in the Category box.

4 Choose the format code in the Format Codes box. The selected code appears in the
Format box. You can also enter a custom code by typing it directly into the Format
box.
5 Press OK. ReportSmith applies the format to the selected column.
Choose the Index command on the Help menu and access the Field Formats
command for an explanation of format codes.
To set number formats with the ribbon:
1 Select the column with the numbers you want to format.

2 Click the field format button that represents the format you want. These buttons
appear on the ribbon.
Formats selected numeric fields as standard dollars and cents ($100,000.00).
Inserts commas to separate digits in selected numeric fields (100,000).
Calculates standard percentage for selected numeric figures (50%).
To set date and time formats with the Field Formats command:
1 Select the column with the dates or times you want to format. A box surrounds the
column.
2 Right-click the mouse and select the Field Formats command from the pop-up
Format menu, or choose the Field Formats command from the Format menu. The
Format Field dialog box appears.
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Creating Reports
3 Select the format category you want from the Category box.
4 Select the format code you want from the Format Codes box, or type a custom code
format directly into the Format box. The selected code appears in the Format box.
Customizing numeric fields

ReportSmith supplies a variety of common field format codes which you can select from
for both dates and numbers. They are shown below.
Additionally, you can create your own customized formats. To create a custom format,
type one into the Format box using the following structural guidelines:
[positive format];[negative format];[zero value format]
Note
Separate formats with semicolons.

The first number format you type represents the format of any positive numbers; the
second represents the format of negative numbers. The final format represents what you
want to appear on your report if the data value is zero. You can choose to display zeros,
leave the fields blank, or print a message such as No Data Available, among other
options.
Suppose you want to display positive numbers, negative numbers in red, and instead of
showing fields with zero values, you want to display No Data Available. To do this,
youd type the following formula into the Format box:
(#,##0_):[Red](#,##0);"No Data Available"
If a field value is a positive number, it uses:

#,##0_
If a field value is negative, it uses:

(Red)#,##0
If a field value is 0, it uses:

No Data Available
You can modify ReportSmiths system codes to create your own formats. Save time by
placing one of ReportSmiths format codes into the Format box, then type your
modifications.
Leaving null values blank

If you want to leave zero values blank in your report, type quotes in the zero value
format position. For example, if we modify the formula shown above so it leaves zero
values blank, the formula looks like this:
99
###.##;(Red)###.##;""
To create custom date formats:

You can create your own custom date formats too. For example, to create a date in the
format November 8, 1994, type the following format into the Format box: Mmmm D, YYY.
Entering and formatting text

You can enter or modify text in a report with the Text button on the Drawing toolbox or
the ribbon.
To enter text in a report:
1 Choose Tools|Drawing and click the Text button on the Drawing toolbox, or press
the Text button on the ribbon.
2 Click where you want to place the text in your report.
Note
When placing text within a sectiona row or page header or footer, for exampleit
appears in each section of the same type. For example, if you place text in a row, it
repeats in every row. A blinking text cursor appears.
3 Type the text. Click the cursor anywhere on your screen when youve finished
typing.
To edit text:
1 Click once on the text you want to edit with the mouse to select it. A box with sizing
handles surrounds the text.
2 Click again within the text box and the text cursor appears for you to enter your text.
3 Modify the text.
4 Click outside the text box when youve finished editing.
To format text with the Character command:
1 Select the text you want to format with the mouse. A box with sizing handles
surrounds the text.
2 Click the right-mouse button and select the Character command from the pop-up
Format menu, or select the Character command from the Format menu.
The Font dialog box appears.
3 Select the formatting options you want. You can set the font, style (regular, bold, bold
italic, and italic), size, and effect (strikeout and underline). Press OK.
To wrap text:
1 Select the text item.

2 Pull on the sizing handles to stretch or reduce its boundaries so that it wraps as long
or as short as you want it to. It only wraps at spaces. If you have no spaces in your
text, press the Return key where you want it to wrap.
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Creating Reports
Adding borders
When youre formatting a report you can add a border for style or emphasis. This
section describes how you can add borders to reports and items within them.
To place a border around an item:
1 Make sure you havent selected anything else in the report and select the item you
want to place a border around.
2 Choose Format|Border, or select the item and right-click the mouse, then choose
Border from the pop-up menu. The Borders dialog box appears.
Note
The Sample window shows how a border changes as you select options. The gray
crosshatch represents the object surrounded by the border.
3 Click the Box button under the Border Type options.

4 Select the type of line to use for the border from the Line Type options. A box
surrounds the selected item with the chosen line border.
5 Choose the color for the border with the Border Color option. ReportSmith displays
the border with the selected color.
6 Click the Outline button under Style options to place a square border around the item
or the Rounded button to place a border with rounded corners.
Note
If you dont want to add a border around all sides, use a combination of the Left,
Right, Top, or Bottom styles to achieve the desired effect.
7 Set the distance between the border and the item with the Standoff option. Click
repeatedly on the bottom arrow to move the border closer to the body of the item.
Click repeatedly on the top arrow to move it further away from the item.
8 Set the line thickness for the border with the Thickness option.
9 Press the OK button when youre satisfied with the border settings. ReportSmith
places a border around the item.
10 Press the Whole Page button on the ribbon to see how the border looks.
101
To undo a border:
1 Click the bordered object.

2 Right-click and choose Border from the pop-up Format menu, or select Format|
Border. The Borders dialog box appears.
3 Select the Column button under the Apply To options if youve selected a column.
4 Select None under the Border Type options and press OK.
To add shadow to a border:
1 Select the object or objects you want to shadow.

2 Click the right-mouse button and choose the Border command from the pop-up
Format menu, or choose the Border command on the Format menu. The Borders
dialog box appears.
4 Set the Border Type, Line Type, Style, Thickness, Standoff, and Pattern Options.
5 Click the Shadow button under the Border Type options. The controls for setting
Shadow Color and Shadow Offset appear.
6 Choose a color. The default is dark gray.
7 Set the Shadow Offset measurement for the distance between the shadow and the
object or column youre shadowing.
Note
Examine the Sample to make sure you have the formatting look you want before
applying it.
8 Press OK. ReportSmith darkens the bottom and right side of the selected object based
on your settings.
To place a pattern and color within a bordered item:
1 Select the object you want to fill with a pattern.

2 Right-click the mouse and choose Border from the pop-up menu, or choose the
Border command on the Format menu. The Borders dialog box appears.
4 Set the Border Type, Line Type, Style, Thickness, Standoff, and Shadow Options.
5 Click the Custom button in the Patterns option. The controls for selecting a pattern,
and a color to use with the pattern, appear.
6 Select the pattern you want from the drop-down list box.
7 Select a color from the Foreground list box. Use this feature to determine how dark or
light the shadow will be.
8 Press OK. ReportSmith fills the object you selected based on your settings in the
dialog box.
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Creating Reports
Inserting fields
You can place report fields into your report using the Insert|Insert Field command.
Report fields include fields that you create such as derived fields, report variables and
summary fields; fields included with ReportSmith for your use called system fields; and
each of the data fields in the table(s) to which your report is connected.
You can choose from a list of Fields in the Insert Database Field dialog box. The list is
shown below:
A list of fields in each category appear in the dialog after you select a category. For
example, if you select Data Fields, a list of the available fields from each database table
you are connected to appears in the dialog box. If you choose Derived Fields, a list of
each derived field you created for this report appears in the dialog box.
Note
If you havent created any fields such as derived fields, report variables, and summary
fields the list appears blank.
There are three ways to insert a field using the Insert Field dialog box:
Select the field and press the Insert button, and click on the report to place the field.
Select the field and while holding the mouse button, drag the field off the dialog box
and onto the report.
Note
You can use this method for all types of reports except crosstab reports.
Data fields
Data Fields are the columns of information contained in each of your tables. You can
insert a data field into your report using the Insert Field command on the Insert
menu.
103
Derived fields
You can insert derived fields that you create using the Insert Field command on the
Insert menu. A derived field is a field you have created using SQL code or the
ReportBasic macro language.
Report variables
You can insert report variables that you create using the Insert Field command on the
Insert menu. A report variable appears in your report as a dialog box and can prompt a
user for information.
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Creating Reports
System fields
A system field is one that has been created by ReportSmith for your use, such as the
date, time or page number. ReportSmith offers you a selection of system fields.
The types of system fields are described in the following table:

System Field
Description
Todays Date
Current Time
Todays Date and Current Time
Prints todays date.

Prints the current time as its set in your computer.
Prints both todays date and the current time as theyre set in your
computer.
ReportSmith automatically inserts page numbers for you; however, if
you want to insert page numbers yourself, choose this command.
Select this field name to insert text into your report. It is similar to using
Text Mode on the toolbar.
If you select Report Name, ReportSmith inserts the report name as it
appears in the title bar of your report. The title is entered in the
following format, including the drive, directory path and name of your
report:
C:\RPTSMITH\VIDEO\CUSTOMER.RPT
Page Number
Text Fields
Report Name
Summary fields
You can insert summary fields that you create by using the Insert|Insert Field
command. A summary field is a calculated field such as a subtotal or count.
105
If you place a summary field into a group header or footer, ReportSmith calculates the
field based on that group. If you drop a summary field into a page header or footer,
ReportSmith calculates the summary field based on the records per page and displays a
summary on each page.
To insert a summary field into a group:
1 Choose Insert|Insert Field. The Insert Database Field dialog box appears.
2 Press the down arrow in the list box and select the appropriate field category. A list of
data fields from each added database table appears for you to choose from.
3 Select a field name to insert from the Field Name list and press Insert.
4 Position the Object cursor in a group header or footer and click the mouse. The data
field appears on your report, calculating a summary for each group.
Note
If you decide to change the field to base it on a page, right-click the mouse and choose
Calculate Over Page from the pop-up menu.
To insert a summary field for each page:
1 Follow the above steps for inserting a field into your report.
2 Position the Object cursor in a page header or footer and click the mouse.
Note
If you decide to change the field to base it on a group, right-click the mouse and choose
Calculate Over Group from the pop-up menu.
Inserting field labels

ReportSmith does not automatically add labels after grouped data unless you tell it to.
You can control the recurrence of field labels in a report. ReportSmith automatically
places field labels above columns at the top of each report page. You can turn field labels
on or off with the Field Labels command on the Insert menu. To insert field labels at the
top of each report page:
1 Choose Insert|Field Labels. The Insert Field Labels dialog box appears.
2 Click the New Page check box and an X appears. The field labels appear at the top of
each report page and print with the report. (Click the check box again and the X
disappears. This turns off field labels so they dont appear at the top of each page.)
To insert field labels before or after grouped data:
1 Choose Insert|Field Labels. The Insert Field Labels dialog box appears.
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Creating Reports
2 Click the Group Header/Footer check box to place an X in the check box. The field
labels appear after any set of group headers and footers that appear before a detail
section.
Note
Click again to delete the X in the check box and the field labels turn off.
Placing items into a header or footer

After you create headers and footers, you can use the Insert|Field command to place
items into them. Alternatively, you can use Form mode to move data values into them.
You can insert all types of fields, dates, crosstabs and OLE objects including graphs or
pictures.
You can place several types of headers or footers in a report. The following table
describes the header or footer types ReportSmith uses:
Header/Footer type
Placement
Page
Entire Report Group
Places the header or footer at the top or bottom of each report page.
Places the header or footer at the top of the first report page or the bottom of the
last report page. Actions performed with the Entire Report Group affect all fields
in your report.
Places the header or footer above or below a selected group of data in your
report.
Group
Choose Insert|Field to place an item into a header or footer.

To align items in a header or footer, select them using Form Mode and use the
Alignment toolbox.
To place a field into a header or footer:
To move data values into a header or footer section, use Form mode. When you move a
column into a header or footer, only the first value of that column is displayed in that
section; all others are suppressed.
1 Select a column. Press the Form Mode button.

2 Select the first field (it has sizing handles on it), hold the mouse and drag it up into
the page header or down into the page footer.
107
ReportSmith places the column into the header or footer.
Resizing field and record height

ReportSmith lets you include fields of different heights in your report. You can shrink
and grow each record to include all of a fields data upon request. For example,
suppose your table contains a field that lists a customers comment about a video rental.
Each customer has different comments of different lengths. You can tell ReportSmith to
shrink and grow each comment field in your table so that it fits the data contained
within it, instead of reserving a fixed length for each record.
Using Shrink and Grow

When you use ReportSmiths Can Grow feature in a Columnar report, longer lines of
text automatically wrap two or more lines. Fields wrap to the next line at a space so that
a single word doesnt get cut off. If you use Can Shrink with a very long line of text, the
text is truncated. A field can be fixed in height, can grow, can shrink, or can shrink and
grow.
To shrink and grow:
1 Open a report and select a column which you would like to be of variable height.
2 Choose Format|Field Height, or right-click and choose Field Height from the pop-up
menu. The Field Height dialog box appears.
3 Choose an option in the dialog box. To allow the field to increase in height from the
default height, choose Can Grow. To allow the field to decrease in height from the
default height, choose Can Shrink. To allow the field to fit the data contained within
the field, turn on both options.
When you use the Field Height or Row Height command, the Repaginate button
appears on the toolbar. You can press the button to automatically repaginate your report
after youve resized fields or rows. (This button only appears when youre using these
commands.)
Specifying row height

You can also control the height of a row. A row can be a fixed height, can grow, can
shrink, or it can shrink and grow according to the default field height and the data
contained within the row. If you choose the Can Grow option for a field, by default
ReportSmith flags the row to grow as well. However, you can fix the height of a row and
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Creating Reports
still allow a field to grow, allowing you to control the size of row. For example, you can
ensure that the row does not exceed a specified size.
To specify the height of a row:
1 Choose Format|Row Height or select the row you want to be of variable height,
right-click and choose Row Height from the pop-up menu. The Row Height dialog
box appears.
2 Choose an option in the dialog box. To allow the record to increase in height from the
default height, choose Can Grow. To allow the record to decrease in height from the
default height, choose Can Shrink. To allow the record to increase or decrease in
height from the default height, turn on both options.
Choosing items to display and print

You can determine data, headers, and footers display and print in a report by setting
options with the Section command on the Format menu. Use this command to hide
sections of a report and to paginate a report. A section is defined as either a detail or as a
header or footer. Refer to Paginating a report, later in this chapter, for instructions on
inserting page breaks into a report.
For example, you can create an employee report that groups data by department. You
drop a summary field into the department group footers that calculates the sum of
salaries for each department. With the Section command on the Format menu, you can
hide all data in the report, except for the group footers. ReportSmith then displays only
the department group footers with the total salaries for each department.
Hiding a section of a report

1 Choose Format|Section. The Format Section dialog box appears.
2 From the Apply to Section box, select the section with data you want to hide.
All the headers or footers in your report are listed. The Detail section also appears in
the list box.
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3 Click the Hide Section option and press OK. The section you selected doesnt display
in the report. The data isnt deleted from the report. Click the Hide Section option
again to retrieve the hidden section.
Paginating a report
You can tell ReportSmith where you want pages to break before you print a report. The
Section command on the Format menu has options for inserting page breaks before or
after sections.
You can also use this command to ensure that a section doesnt break across two pages
and to keep multiple sections together so they always print on the same report page.
To paginate a report:
1 Choose Format|Section. The Format Section dialog box appears.

2 Click the report section from the Apply to Section box. ReportSmith displays the
names of all headers and footers used in a report. Choose Detail from the list box to
select the whole report.
3 Click one of the following from the pagination options:
Option
Result
New Page Before

New Page After
Keep Section Together
Keep Section With Next
Places a page break before a selected section and prints the section.
Places a page break after a selected section and begins a new page.
Prevents a section from splitting across two pages.
Ties two sections together so they always print on the same page, if possible.
4 Press OK to paginate your report.
Aligning objects
ReportSmith places useful alignment tools at your fingertips with the Align toolbox.
You can align objects or fields according to how they are positioned with each other or
with the baseline. Use the Align toolbox to ensure equidistant spacing between fields
and columns; to align items to the right, left, center, top or bottom; to add or remove
spacing above, below and between items; to stack items; or to align items in a row.
The Align functions behave differently according to whether youre in Form or Column
mode. When you align fields and/or columns use Form mode. In Column mode, the
alignment tool buttons have no effect on columns within the detail section of your
report. Selected columns act as anchors around which fields from other sections can be
aligned. This is especially useful for aligning summary fields from headers or footers
with the summary columns. In Column mode, columns remain stationary and align
relative to the right- or left-most column border.
To open the Align toolbox:
Choose Tools|Alignment.
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Creating Reports
To move it, point in the title bar and drag it into place.
The Align toolbox

Each button on the Align toolbox is described below.
Button
Function
Align to the top-most field.
Align to the center of the selected group.
Align to the bottom-most field.
Align to the left-most field.
Vertically align to the centerpoint of the selected fields.
Align to the right-most field.
Reduce vertical space equally between selected fields. Each time you press the button,
ReportSmith moves fields in a pixel at a time.
Space fields equally horizontally within the selected area.
Add equal horizontal space between selected fields. Each time you press the button
ReportSmith adds one pixel between each field.
Space selected items closer together vertically.
Distribute fields equally in a given vertical space.
Add space between stacked fields or columns vertically.
Align fields to a common baseline. The baseline is the line the letters rest on as opposed to the
text or column boundary.
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Button
Function
Stack fields horizontally in a row aligned in relation to the baseline of the lowest column you
selected. This function is order-dependent.
Stack fields vertically in a column in relation to the boundary of the right-most column you
selected. This function is order-dependent.
To align objects to the top:

Click the left-mouse button and drag the rubber band around all objects in a section.
If you select objects in a global section (for example, a page header or footer or a row),
you also select all objects in like sections. For example, if you select all objects in one
page header, you also select objects in all page headers. The alignment function you
choose applies to them as well.
Click to select an object you want to align to the top. Ctrl+click to select additional
objects you want to align. If you only select one object, it aligns to the top of the
section.
Select an entire section and you select all objects in the section.
Choose the Align to Top button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith moves all selected
objects (B, C) so they align with the uppermost selected object (A).
A
B
C
To center objects:

Click the left-mouse button and drag the rubber band around all objects in a
section you want to align.
Note
If you select objects in a global section-a page header or footer, a row, and so onyou also select all objects in sections of the same type. For example, if you select all
objects in one page header, you also select objects in all page headers and the
alignment function you choose applies to them as well,
Click to select an object that you want to center vertically. Then press Ctrl+click to
select additional objects,
Note
If you only select one object, it aligns to the vertical center of the section its placed
in.
2 Press the Align to Vertical Center button.
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Creating Reports
ReportSmith moves all selected objects (A, B, C) so theyre placed on the same
horizontal plane, based on the center object in a group of selected objects.
To align objects to the bottom:

section you want to align.
Click to select an object you want to align to the bottom. Then press Ctrl+click to
select additional objects,
Note
If you only select one object, it aligns to the bottom of the section its placed in.
2 Press the Align to Bottom button. ReportSmith moves all selected objects (A, B) so
they align with the lower-most selected object (C).
To left-align objects:

section you want to align,
Click to select an object you want to align to the left. Then press Ctrl+click to select
additional objects,
Note
If you only select one object, it aligns to the left of the section its placed in. If you
select a column or a row and another object, the column or the row is the anchor
and doesnt move. The other object aligns with the left edge of the column or row.
Select an entire section and you select all objects in that section.
2 Press the Align to Left button. ReportSmith moves all selected objects (B, C) so they
align with the left-most selected object (A). The left-most selected object serves as the
anchor and doesnt move.
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To center objects horizontally:

Click to select an object that you want to center horizontally. Then press Ctrl+click
to select additional objects,
Note
If you only select one object, it aligns to the horizontal center of the section its
placed in. If you select a column or row and another object, the column or row is
the anchor and doesnt move. The other object aligns to the horizontal center of the
column or the row.
2 Press the Align to Horizontal Center button. ReportSmith moves all selected objects
(A, B, C) so theyre centered horizontally.
To right-align objects:

Click to select an object you want to align to the right. Then press Ctrl+click to select
additional objects,
Note
If you only select one object, it aligns to the right of the section its placed in. If you
select a column or a row and another object, the column or row becomes the
anchor and doesnt move. The other object aligns with the right edge of the
column or row.
2 Choose the Align to Right button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith moves all
selected objects (A, B) so theyre aligned with the right-most selected object (C). The
right-most object serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
To decrease horizontal space among objects:
1 Click the left-mouse button and drag the rubber band around all objects in a section
you want to align, or click to select the left-most object. Press Ctrl+click to select
additional objects you want to move closer to the left-most selected object.
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Creating Reports
2 Press the Decrease Horizontal Space button. ReportSmith moves all selected objects
toward the left-most selected object one pixel for each click of the button. The leftmost object serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
To equalize horizontal space among objects:
you want to align, or click to select the left-most object that you want to space. Press
Ctrl+click to select additional objects.
2 Press the Equalize Horizontal Space button (shown below). ReportSmith adjusts all
selected objects (A, B, C) so theyre equally spaced. The left-most object (A) serves as
the anchor and doesnt move.
To increase horizontal space among objects:
you want to align, or click to select an object from which you want to move other
objects away. Press Ctrl+click to select additional objects.
2 Choose the Increase Horizontal Space button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith
moves all selected objects away from the left-most object, one pixel for each click. The
left-most object serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
To decrease vertical space among objects:
you want to align, or click to select an object to which you want to move other objects
closer. Press Ctrl+click to select additional objects.
2 Choose the Decrease Vertical Space button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith moves
all selected objects up, toward the upper-most selected object, one pixel for each click.
The upper-most object serves as the anchor and doesnt move
To equalize vertical space among objects:
you want to align, or click to select an object that you want to space. Press Ctrl+click to
select additional objects.
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2 Press the Equalize Vertical Space button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith adjusts
all selected objects (A, B, C) so theyre equally spaced. The upper-most object (A)
serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
To increase vertical space among objects:
you want to align, or click to select an object from which you want to move other
objects away. Press Ctrl+click to select additional objects you want to move away from
the upper-most selected object.
2 Choose the Increase Vertical Space button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith moves
all selected objects down from the upper-most object, one pixel for each click. The
upper-most object serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
To align text to a common baseline:
1 Click to select the first field you want to align to a common baseline. This field serves
as the anchor.
2 Press Ctrl+click to select additional fields you want to align to a common baseline.
3 Press the Baseline button. ReportSmith aligns all selected fields to the font baseline of
the anchor field.
To align objects in a row:
1 Click to select the object you want to align all other selected objects with, to create a
row. This object serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
2 Press Ctrl+click to select any other fields you want to align in the row.
3 Choose the Row button on the Align toolbox. ReportSmith aligns the selected objects
(A, C) to the right of the object serving as anchor (B). It places the objects in the row in
the order you select them, and each object touches the one next to it.
To stack objects:
1 Click to select the object under which you want to stack other objects. This object
serves as the anchor and doesnt move.
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Creating Reports
2 Press Ctrl+click to select additional objects you want to stack.

3 Choose the Stack button.
Before stacking objects enlarge the row or section so it is large enough to contain the
set of stacked objects. ReportSmith stacks all selected objects (B, C) underneath the
anchor object (A), in the order theyre selected, so that each object touches the one
above it.
Aligning text
Alignment refers to the placement of the field value within the space allotted for the
field on the report. ReportSmith lets you align text with the Text Alignment toolbox. To
access this toolbox, select the text you want to align, right-click the mouse and choose
Text Alignment from the pop-up format menu. Choose Text Alignment and the toolbox
appears.
To align text:
1 Select the text you want to align.

2 Right-click the mouse. A pop-up format menu appears.
3 Choose Text Alignment. The Text Alignment toolbox appears.
Aligning left
Click Left to place all field values flush left in the space allotted. The first character in the
value is flush against the left margin of the field border. When you select Left,
ReportSmith aligns the first character in each field:
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Aligning center
Click Center to center the values within the space allotted by the border:
Aligning right
Click right to place all values flush right in the space allotted. The last character in the
value is flush against the right margin of the field. When you choose Right, ReportSmith
aligns the last character in each value:
Drawing
ReportSmiths Drawing toolbox helps you accurately draw commonly used shapes such
as lines, circles, boxes and polygons; you can position items in back or in front of each
other. You can type text into your drawings.
To open the Drawing toolbox:

Choose Tools|Drawing. The Drawing toolbox appears.
To move the toolbox, point the cursor in the blue title bar of the toolbox and drag it to
the new location.
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Creating Reports
The Drawing Toolbox

Each tool on the Drawing toolbox is described below.
Name
Icon
Function
Arrow
Select an object.
Box
Draw a box. When the cross-cursor appears, select a starting point and hold
the left mouse button. Drag the cursor until the box is the size you require
and release the mouse button.
Line
Draw a line. When the cross-cursor appears, select a starting point and hold
the left mouse button. Drag the cursor until the line is the size you want,
then release the mouse button.
Polygon
Draw a multi-sided figure. When the cross-cursor appears, select a starting

point and hold the left-mouse button. Drag the cursor until the side is the
desired length and release the mouse. Left-click and drag the cursor to the
next endpoint or move the cursor to the desired endpoint and left-click. To
complete the figure, click the starting point or select another tool, or doubleclick on the final point to automatically connect it to the starting point.
Round
Rectangle
Draw a box with rounded corners. When the cross-cursor appears, select a
starting point and hold down the left mouse button. Drag the cursor until
the box is the size you require and release the mouse.
Circle
Draw a circle. When the cross-cursor appears, select a starting point and
hold the left mouse button. Drag the cursor until the circle is the size you
require and release the mouse.
Polyline
Draw a polyline figure. When the cross-cursor appears, select a starting

point and hold down the left-mouse button. Drag the cursor until the side is
the desired length, then release the mouse. Left-click and drag the cursor to
the next endpoint or move the cursor to the next desired endpoint and leftclick the mouse. To complete the figure, click the starting point or select
another tool, or double-click on the final point.
Text
Insert text into a report. When the Text cursor appears, position it where you
want to place text and left-click the mouse. Type in the text. When youve
finished entering text, click the Text cursor outside the text field or select
another tool.
Group
Group selected objects together. Select the objects you want to group (click
the first object; Ctrl+click to select additional objects.) Click the Group tool
and the objects group automatically. To select one object within the group,
click any object to select the group, then click on the object you want to
select.
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Name
Icon
Function
Ungroup
Ungroup objects and select them individually. Click any object within the
group to select it, then click the Ungroup tool. Objects can now be selected
individually.
Move to
Front
Move a selected object to the front of other objects. Click the object you want
to move to the front, then click the Move to Front tool to place the selected
object on top of all other objects placed in the same position. If you have
several layers of object you may need to press this button more than once.
Move to
Back
Move a selected object to the back of other objects. Click the object you want
to send to the back, then click the Move to Back tool to place the selected
object behind all other objects that are placed in the same position. If you
have several layers of object, you may need to press this button more than
once.
Using report styles

Every ReportSmith report has a style attached to it. A style is a collection of character
and section formats that youve given a name. Suppose youve formatted a report to
look the way you want. Youve changed the font and point size, italicized the title, and
placed colored borders around selected fields to emphasize them. Now you want to
apply this same style to another report. You could create a new report, then reapply
each formatting change to it, but thats extra work. Furthermore, if you decide to change
the formatting, youd have to repeat the formatting steps for each report.
Instead, you can save the formatting as a style by selecting the report youve formatted
and assigning a name to it in Report Styles dialog box. After you save a style, it appears
in the Custom Styles list. To apply the style to a new report just select it from the list.
Youll choose a style in the Report Style dialog box each time you create a new report.
You always choose a style when you first create a report, however you can change the
style using the Report Styles dialog box at any time during report creation.
Use styles to
Ensure consistent formatting throughout your reports.
Save time by quickly applying instant formatting changes.
Make design changes easy to incorporate.
To distribute a report to another user, you must save your style as a system style, then
distribute the system file to that user.
Applying a style
Use the Report Styles dialog box to choose a report style, save or edit a style, assign a
default style to a report, and remove styles you no longer use.
To apply a style :
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Creating Reports
1 Open a report and press the Style button. The Report Styles dialog box appears.
2 Choose a style from the System Styles or Custom Styles list boxes and choose Apply.
3 Select a style and preview it in the Sample box. Choose Apply.
4 To save a style, choose New and enter a name for it.
Assigning a default style

You can assign a style to a report type you use often.
When you create a new report, ReportSmith displays the Create A New Report dialog
box. The default report style appears beside Style.
Default style
To use the default style already assigned, select a report type and press OK and create
your report.
To change the style, choose Style and select a style in the New Report Style dialog
box, and choose Use As Default. The default style appears in the Create A New
Report dialog box when you select the report type to which it has been assigned.
Creating a style
You can save styles you use frequently and apply them instantly. Styles that you create
appear in the Custom Styles list. If youve already formatted a report, most of the work
121
to create a style is behind you. Now all you need to do is assign names to report formats
you like. Alternatively, you can customize a system style.
To save a style:
You can save the current formatting of a selected report as a new style.
1 After applying formatting elements to your report, press the Styles button.
2 Choose New and type a name for your style into the Save As dialog box. If you want,
you can use the default style name ReportSmith assigns, such as Style 1, Style 2,
and so on. Style names can contain up to 24 characters and can include any
combination of characters and spaces. Style names are not case-sensitive;
ReportSmith treats Summary and summary the same. The name you assign a
style must be unique for a particular report. For example, a crosstab can only have
one style named Financial.
3 Press OK to add your style to the Custom Styles list, and press Apply to apply it to
your report.
Modifying a style
After youve defined a style, you can modify it and save it to another style. Redefining a
style updates that style only in the active document, leaving those reports which youve
previously formatted with that same style untouched. To modify other reports that use
the same style, open each report and apply the redefined style.
ReportSmith offers you two methods for modifying a report style:
Modify formatting on the report and save the style
Use the Edit Report Style dialog box
To modify a style on the report surface:
1 Open a report with a style you want to modify.

2 Make formatting changes.
3 Press the Report Styles button, choose New and type a name for your style into the
Save As box. Press OK to exit.
To modify a style with the Edit Report Style dialog box:
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Creating Reports
1 In the Report Styles dialog box, select the style you want to modify and press Edit.
The Edit Report Style dialog box appears.
2 Scroll through the Object list, select the type of object you want to edit, and choose a
formatting button to select options in the associated dialog box. Set options and press
OK, then press OK again to exit the Edit Report Style dialog box. Choose Apply.
ReportSmith applies the style to the report.
Deleting a style
You can delete a custom style, but this affects reports which have been assigned that
style. ReportSmith alerts you with a message reminding you that removing the style
affects any reports with that style. When other reports are affected, you replace their
styles with the basic, non-formatted style. You cannot delete a system style.
1 In the Report Styles dialog box, choose the style you want to delete.
2 Press Delete. ReportSmith displays a message asking you to confirm that you want to
delete the style.
3 Press Yes to delete the style, No to cancel the delete.
4 Choose Close to exit the Report Styles dialog box.
Using the Style Extractor

If youve formatted an item in your report, you can apply that style to other areas within
the report with the Style Extractor. Use it to extract styles you select and instantly apply
them to the item that you click on.
1 Select a field or column whose formatting you want to copy.

2 Press the Style Extractor button. The Style Extractor cursor appears.
3 Move the cursor over a value or column and click the mouse. ReportSmith applies
the style to the selected item.
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This example shows how you can apply three formatting attributes (bold, no
underline, and larger font size) to other fields in your report with just a click.
Extract this style

...and apply it to these fields
Displaying data fields as pictures

Suppose you have an employee table that contains pictures of your employees. File
names are stored in a column in the table point to the directory paths and names of the
graphics files. When you view the table in ReportSmith, file names appear.
To display data fields as pictures:
1 Choose Tools|Options to see the Options dialog box.

2 In the Picture File Search Path, enter the directory path where the graphics files are
located. This is not needed if the full path name is included for each graphic filename
in the table.
3 Create a new report and open the Tables dialog box.
4 Press the Add Table button. The Select Table To Be Added dialog box appears.
5 Choose the table containing the fields with graphic file names and press OK to add it
to your report. The graphics file names appear on your report.
6 Select the column containing graphics file names and choose the Format|Display As
Picture command from the Format menu. The Display as Picture dialog box appears.
7 Select the options you want and press OK. File names in your report now appear as
graphics.
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Creating Reports
Note
ReportSmith takes the first row encountered and shrinks or expands the remaining
rows based on the height of the first row. You can adjust all of the rows by resizing the
row, then the picture.
The following example report contains two columns. The first, NAME, contains the
name of a picture (or .BMP) file. The second, IMAGE, contains the file name of each
picture. Here, well show you how to display the file names in the IMAGE column as
pictures.
To transform file names into pictures:
1 Select the column containing the picture files. In this case, well select the IMAGE
column.
2 Right-click and choose Display as Picture. The Display As Picture dialog box appears.
3 From the Display Field As list, select the type of image file. Our files are bitmaps, or
.BMP files, so we have selected Windows Bitmap.
4 Adjust the Initial Scale option to scale the size of the picture that display on your
report and press OK. ReportSmith locates each file name on the system and displays
the picture stored inside it.
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Creating Reports
Chapter
Graphs
Chapter 6
If you have Microsoft Graph installed on your system you can instantly transform
report data into graphs. You can create any type of graphs including pie, line, area,
column and combination graphs which you can format to suit your needs.
Instantly transform data

into a graph
There are three ways to create a graph:

Select up to three columns and press the Graph button.
Press the Graph button to open Microsoft Graph and define the graph from scratch.
For a crosstab press the Graph button or right-click and select Chart.
Converting a columnar report to a graph

To create a graph using the point and click method:
1 Select one, two, or three columns of data in a report.

2 Press the Graph button.
You can cancel creating a graph by clicking on the left-mouse button when the Nodrop cursor appears or by pressing the ESC key.
3 Move your cursor within the boundaries of a header or footer. The Graph cursor
appears.
Chapter 6, Graphs
127
4 Use the mouse to position the Graph cursor in the header or footer where you want
to place the graph. Click the left mouse button to place the graph.
To create a graph using Microsoft Graph:
1 Make sure nothing is selected in your report and press the Graph button.
2 Click in the header or footer to place the graph. The graph application opens.
3 Create a graph in Microsoft Graph. (Refer to your Microsoft Graph documentation.)
4 When youve finished, choose the Update command on the applications File menu.
This places the graph below the point where you clicked in your report. For OLE 2.0,
click outside the graph.
5 To return to ReportSmith choose File|Exit and File|Return to Report, or click outside
the window.
To reposition a graph within a header or footer:
1 Single-click the graph.

2 Drag it to a new location within a header or footer and release the mouse.
ReportSmith repositions the graph in the new location.
To modify a graph:
1 Double-click the graph. The Graph tool opens. For OLE 2.0, the menus and toolbars
change to show Graph options.
2 Modify the graph.
Select the Update command on Graph tools File menu when youve finished
editing the graph and then choose the Exit command on the File menu to return to
ReportSmith.
Select the Exit and Return to Report command on the graph application File menu
to cancel or save your changes when prompted and return to ReportSmith.
Note
You cannot close your ReportSmith document until you exit Microsoft Graph.
To delete a graph:
1 Select the graph you want to delete.

2 Press the Delete key. ReportSmith deletes the graph from your report.
To create a graph from a crosstab:
1 Select a crosstab.
2 Press the Graph button on the toolbar or right-click and select Chart from the pop-up
menu.
3 Single-click in a header or footer to place the graph in your report.
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Creating Reports
Converting a crosstab to a graph

To create a graph based on a crosstab report:
1 Select the crosstab and Tools|Crosstab to display the Crosstab toolbox.

2 Press the Graph button.
When you move your cursor within the boundaries of a header or footer, the Graph
cursor appears.
3 Drag the mouse to position the Graph cursor in the header or footer where you want
to place the graph and left-click the mouse. ReportSmith places the graph below the
point where you press.
4 Click to select the header or footer if the graph exceeds its boundaries. A box with
sizing handles surrounds the header or footer.
5 Drag a sizing handle until the entire graph falls within the boundaries, then release
the mouse button.
Placing a graph
Where you place the graph controls what data is included and how often it appears in
your report. If you drop the graph into a global region like a page header or report
footer, this creates the graph using all the data in the report and ReportSmith places it in
every page or in the report header or footer. If you drop it into a group header or footer,
the Graph tool creates a graph based on the data in just that group and ReportSmith
places it into that group header or footer. ReportSmith positions the graphs top left
corner where you click the mouse
Chapter 6, Graphs
129
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Creating Reports
Chapter
Crosstabs
Chapter 7
With crosstabs, you can instantly summarize your data in a concise spreadsheet-like
layout. You can create a crosstab directly or generate one from an existing columnar
report. Each time you open your report, ReportSmith automatically updates the
crosstab if data changes.
You can instantly apply formatting styles, resize individual cells, drag and drop fields
and labels, automatically change the value hierarchy, drop fields directly into your
crosstab, use in-cell editing to change total and group headings, and more.
ReportSmith lets you create a crosstab with three methods:
Create a new crosstab and choosing Crosstab from the Create A New Report dialog
box
Create a crosstab based on an existing columnar report and specify rows, columns
and values in the Crosstab Report dialog box
Click to select columns in your columnar report and press the Crosstab button to
instantly transform them into a crosstab
Chapter 7, Crosstabs
131
Parts of a crosstab
Crosstab reports can consist of any number of rows, columns, and values.
Row labels
Column labels
Row
Value
Column
Total heading
Summary values
Types of crosstabs
You can create numerous types of crosstabs, combining multiple rows, multiple
columns, and multiple values. Some common variations are
Value-only
Single-row
Single-row/single-column
Single-column
Double-column
Double-row
Value-only
The Value-only crosstab consists of only two cells: the value field label and the grand
total value.
This report creates a summary total for one data field. The data set can be an entire
report if you place the crosstab in a global header or footer (that is, a page or report) or it
can be a section of the data if you place it in a group header or footer. You can make this
type of crosstab by only specifying one data field as a value in the crosstab.
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Creating Reports
Single-column
The Single-column crosstab consists of a column and values.
It provides summary totals for each field within the column, as well as a grand total of
all value fields. The only difference between this type of report and the Single-row
crosstab is the print direction of the data.
Single-row
The Single-row crosstab consists of a row and values.
It provides summary totals of each unique value in a row, as well as a grand total of all
value fields. The only difference between this type of report and the Single-column
crosstab is the layout of the data.
Single-row and single-column

The Single-row and single-column crosstab provides another level of detail. It includes a
row, a column, and a value. Each summary value is a total based on the row as a subset
of the column.
Column
Row
Row grand
totals
Report grand
total
Column grand totals
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In the example above, CSTMR_NAME is the column and EMP_LNAME is the row. The
values within the crosstab are Blakes total sales for each customer, and Keats total sales
for each customer. There are also column grand totals and row grand totals and a report
grand total that combines the column and row grand totals.
For example, the row totals are the total values for each employee across all customers.
The column totals are the total values for each customer for all salespeople
(EMP_LNAME.) The report grand total adds all the row grand totals and all the column
grand totals.
Double-column
The Double-column crosstab provides an extra level of information within a column. It
consists of two columns and values.
The secondary column you select is a subset of the primary, or first, column you select.
Therefore, the value of each field within a secondary column is calculated based on the
value of each field within the primary column. These can be thought of as grouping
levels in a columnar report.
In this example, DATE is the primary column and EMP_LNAME is the secondary
column. The grand total adds the column totals to come up with total sales for both
salespeople.
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Creating Reports
Double-row
The Double-row crosstab provides an extra level of information within a row. It consists
of two rows and values.
The second row you select is a subset of the primary, or first, row you select. This means
that the value of each field within a secondary row is calculated based on the value of
each field within the primary row.
In the example above, DATE is the primary row and EMP_LNAME is the secondary
row. The report grand total adds the row totals to come up with total sales for both
salesmen.
The Crosstab menu

After you select a crosstab, right-click the mouse to see the pop-up Crosstab menu.
Command
Description
Modify
Styles
Border
Select this option to view the Crosstab Report dialog box and to modify your crosstab.
Choose Styles to create, edit, and apply formatting styles to your crosstab.
Select Border to view the Borders dialog box, where you can customize crosstab
borders.
Choose this option to select everything in your crosstab, including all of the cells,
totals, and headings.
Choose this option to convert the crosstab to a chart using Microsoft Graph.
Choose Invert to swap rows and columns in your crosstab.
Select this option to delete your crosstab.
Choose this option to change general crosstab options.
Select All
Chart
Invert
Delete
Options
The Crosstab toolbox

The Crosstab toolbox makes it easy to create and modify crosstabs and crosstab styles.
To view the Crosstab toolbox, select Crosstab from the Tools menu. Each button on the
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toolbox corresponds to actions you can also perform using the Crosstab menu. This
section describes the functions of each button on the Crosstab toolbox.
To display the Crosstab toolbox:
1 Choose Tools|Crosstab to view the Crosstab toolbox.
Modify
Crosstab styles
Borders
Select All
Graph
Invert
Delete
Note
When you press the Delete button, ReportSmith deletes your crosstab.
Creating a crosstab
There are three methods you can use to create a crosstab:
Choose Crosstab Report in the Create A New Report dialog box to create a crosstab
from scratch.
Specify rows, columns, and values in the Crosstab Report dialog box based on an
existing columnar report.
Click to select columns within a columnar report and press the Crosstab button on
the toolbar. This is called the visual method.
In this section, well show you how to create your crosstab using each of the three
methods.
Method 1: From scratch

To create a crosstab:
1 In the Create A New Report dialog box, choose Crosstab Report.

2 Press OK.
Choose one or more tables for your report and specify any other information in the
dialog boxes such as table columns and links, and press Done. The Crosstab Report
dialog box appears.
You can place fields that you want to appear in your crosstab by dragging fields from
the Name list box and dropping them into the Rows, Values and Columns boxes. If
you decide to use multiple values in a section, the order in which you place these
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Creating Reports
fields is significant; the first field you place in a list box becomes the primary value, the
second field becomes the secondary value, and so on.
Primary value
Secondary value
3 Drag and drop data fields into the Rows, Values and Columns list boxes.
Columns, rows
and values
4 If desired, specify row, value, or column options by choosing the associated Options
button beneath each and press OK.
Depending on the location of your mouse, the cursor becomes either a crosstab or a
No-drop cursor.
5 Move the cursor over the report header and click the mouse to place the crosstab.
Method 2: Based on a columnar report

To create a crosstab from an existing columnar report:
Use this method if you already have a columnar report on which youd like to base the
crosstab and to predefine specifications such as sorting, value hierarchy, and field labels
in the Crosstab dialog box.
1 Open a columnar report with a header or footer. Turn on View|Boundaries.

2 With nothing in your report selected, choose Tools|Crosstab. ReportSmith displays
the Crosstab toolbox.
3 Press the Crosstab button. The Crosstab dialog box appears. The data fields in the
columnar report appear in the Name list box.
4 Drag and drop data fields into the Rows, Values, and Columns list boxes.
5 Specify row, value, or column options and press OK.
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6 Move the crosstab cursor over a header or footer and click the mouse to place the
crosstab.
7 To hide the columnar report, choose Format|Section. The Format Section dialog box
appears.
8 Select the Detail section, check the Hide Section box and press OK. ReportSmith
suppresses the columnar report.
Method 3: Selecting three columns

To create a crosstab using the visual method:
When using this method, you can select up to three columns to create a basic crosstab.
The first column you select is the Row, the second becomes the Column, and the third
becomes the Value. Selecting two columns creates a single row crosstab. Selecting one
column creates a Value-only crosstab.
To choose more than three values for a crosstab, use the Crosstab Report dialog box
discussed in the last section.
1 Open a columnar report that has a header or footer and display the boundaries.
2 Choose Tools|Crosstab to view the Crosstab toolbox.
3 Click to select a column in your report youd like to appear as a crosstab row.
Ctrl+click to select two more columns for the column and values in your crosstab.
4 Press the Crosstab button on the toolbox.
5 Move the cursor into a header or footer and click to place your crosstab. The crosstab
appears on the report.
6 To hide the columnar report, use the Format Section dialog box. The columnar report
disappears and your report displays just the crosstab.
Placing a crosstab
If youve generated it directly, you can place the crosstab anywhere on the report page.
If youve generated the crosstab from a columnar report, when you move over one of
these drop zones, youll see the Crosstab cursor, indicating that you can click to place
the crosstab. If youre over a no-drop zone, such as the report detail, the No-drop cursor
appears, alerting you that you cannot place the crosstab in the current report section.
After you place a crosstab you can move it: double-click to select it, then drag to place it.
To place a crosstab:
1 Create a crosstab using either the dialog or visual methods previously described.
Depending on the location of your mouse, the No-drop cursor or the Crosstab cursor
appears.
2 Use the mouse to position the Crosstab cursor in the header or footer where you want
to place the crosstab and click the mouse.
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Creating Reports
3 If the header or footer isnt big enough to hold the crosstab, the area resizes to fit it.
ReportSmith places the crosstab below the point where you press.
You can expand the header or footer to a full page or more to force a crosstab across
multiple pages vertically.
The type of header or footer within the columnar report that you place a crosstab
controls what values are used in the calculations and how often the crosstab appears in
your report. If you drop the crosstab into a global region such as a report or page header
or footer, it calculates values based on all data in the columnar report and it appears in
every report header or footer. If you place it in a group header or footer, it calculates
values based only on the data in each group and places it only into that group header or
footer.
To reposition a crosstab:
1 Double-click to select crosstab or position the cursor on an inside edge of the crosstab
until the selection finger cursor appears.
2 Drag the crosstab to a new location within a header or footer, then release the leftmouse button.
When you press and hold the mouse after selecting a crosstab, the movement cursor
appears. When you see this cursor, you can move the crosstab horizontally or
vertically. ReportSmith places the crosstab in the new location.
Expanding a boundary
If the crosstab doesnt fit within the header or footer of a columnar report, ReportSmith
suppresses the cells that fall outside the top or bottom boundaries. To expand the
boundary, click on it. Press and drag one of the sizing handles until the entire crosstab
fits within the boundaries. Also, you can stretch a header or footer across pages. This is
helpful if a crosstab is too large to fit on one page. If you stretch the header or footer to
the next page, the crosstab splits across the pages, in the vertical direction only.
To cancel creating a crosstab

You can cancel creating a crosstab before you place it in your report. Left-click mouse
button when the no-drop cursor appears, or press the Escape key.
Selecting crosstab items

After you select an item in a crosstab, you can format or align it like any selected item in
a columnar report.
To select the entire crosstab, double-click in the crosstab.
To select specific fields in a crosstab, you can select rows, columns or individual totals in
a crosstab:
1 Click in a field. A box surrounds the field and all other fields of the same type.
2 Ctrl+click to select additional fields types.
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To select all fields in a crosstab:
1 Double click the crosstab.

2 Right-click the mouse and choose the Select All command from the pop-up Crosstab
menu.
Modifying a crosstab
You can make changes to your report at any time. ReportSmith offers you many ways to
modify your crosstabs. You can use the Crosstab dialog box, drag and drop rows and
columns into place, directly edit crosstab cell values, and use the formatting ribbon and
toolbar.
To display the Crosstab toolbox, choose Tools|Crosstab.
You can modify your crosstab at any time. After you apply them, ReportSmith
regenerates the crosstab with your new changes. To modify a crosstab with the Crosstab
Report dialog box:
1 Double-click a crosstab to select it.

2 Press the Modify button on the toolbox, or right-click the mouse and select Modify
from the pop-up menu.
3 Make the changes you want in the Crosstab Report dialog box and press OK.
ReportSmith applies your changes to the crosstab.
To modify a crosstab directly:
Select some crosstab cells and right-click to see formatting and editing options.
Reselect a cell to enter in-cell editing mode. Click outside the cell to complete editing.
Select the toolbar icons to:
Sort row or column values in ascending or descending order
Create or modify subtotals for rows or columns
Format fonts, alignment or field formats
You can visually modify a crosstab without using the dialog box. Select a row or column
and drag it to where you want it on the report. ReportSmith shows you where you can
and cannot place the items and after you drop items, automatically regenerates the
report.
To drag and drop rows and columns:
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Creating Reports
1 Select an item in your crosstab that youd like to move.
2 Holding the mouse, drag and drop the selected item to another location.
ReportSmith replaces the row as a column.

You can further define a crosstab by choosing row, value, and column options in
their respective Options dialog boxes. Highlight a value and press the Options button
to view the corresponding Options dialog box, where you can specify options such as
labels, headings, calculations, sort order, select an alias and choose custom values.
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Rows
To specify row options, press the Row Options button. The Crosstab Row Options
dialog box appears.
Options
Description
Name
Type
Label
Field name you are setting options for.

Type of field, such as Numeric, Character or Date.
Enter an alternate name for the field into the text box. This is optional. If you leave
this field blank, by default ReportSmith uses the field name as the label.
Enter a heading for the subtotal here. This is optional. If you leave this field blank,
ReportSmith leaves the subtotal heading blank. This appears if youve decided to
show subtotals in your crosstab.
Press the down arrow to view a drop-down list of subtotal calculations for you to
apply to a field.
Click to turn on one of the following options and ReportSmith automatically
regenerates and sorts the crosstab for you: Ascending (A to Z, 1 to 10), Descending (Z
to A, 10 to 1), None, or Custom. If you choose Custom, type the sort order you want
into the Custom Values box.
Enter custom values. Separate values with commas and use single quotes around
each value.
Subtotal Heading
Calculation
Sort Order
Custom Values
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Creating Reports
Values
Specify value options in the Crosstab Value Options dialog box. To view the dialog box,
highlight the value you want to customize and press the Value Options button.
Option
Description
Name
Type
Label
The name of the value field for which youre setting options.
The field data type, such as numeric, character or string.
Enter an alternate label into this box for your value label. This is optional. If you
leave this field blank, ReportSmith uses the field name from within the table as
the default label.
Enter a label for the summary heading. This is optional.
Press the down arrow to view a drop-down list of calculations which you can
perform on this field.
Summary Heading
Calculation
Shown Value Option
Description
Value
Percent of Row
Percent of Column
Percent of Total
The normal calculation.

Percent of total for rows.
Percent of total for columns.
Percent of all values in the crosstab.
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Columns
To specify column options, press the Column Options button. The Crosstab Column
Options dialog box appears.
These options appear for

date fields only.
Option
Description
Name
Type
Label
The name of the field for which youre setting options.

The field type, such as numeric, character, or string.
Enter an alternate label into this box for your column label. This is optional. If you
leave this field blank, ReportSmith uses the field name from within the table as
the default column label.
Enter a label for the subtotal heading. This is optional.
Press the down arrow to view a list of subtotal calculations you can perform on
this column.
Choose Ascending, Descending, None, or Custom for the order of values in the
column. If you choose Custom, enter values by which youd like to sort into the
Custom Values window.
Select the dates of the report youd like to see from the top list box. Choose how
you want the date grouped from the Group By list box: Quarterly, Same Value,
Daily, Monthly, Weekly, or Annually. Choose a format for your date field from
the Format list, such as QTR 1 or FIRST QUARTER. Choose the first month
you want to display data for on your report from the First Month of Year List.
Choose Display Range to display the full range of data for this crosstab.
Subtotal Heading
Calculation
Sort Order
Date Options
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Creating Reports
Crosstab report options

Press the left-most Options button to set general crosstab options, value field
arrangements, and to create an alternate total heading. The Crosstab Report Options
dialog box appears.
Option
Description
Totals
Labels
Fix Cell Size
Format Pct
Display totals in the crosstabs.

Display labels for fields, columns and values.
Use the same cell size for every field value.
Use a % format for percentage values. Overrides any formatting settings in the
associated crosstab style.
Place multiple-column values within crosstab body.
Place multiple-column values all together outside of crosstab body.
Place multiple-row values within crosstab body.
Place multiple-row values all together outside of crosstab body
Lets you specify a composite total heading for multi-valued crosstabs since the
totals can show different calculations.
Inside Columns
Outside Columns
Inside Rows
Outside Rows
Alternate Total Heading
Resizing rows and columns

When you select a crosstab, you can use the sizing handles that appear to resize
individual columns or rows in your crosstab. Alternatively, choose a sizing handle to
resize all rows or columns uniformly.
You can easily hide a column in your crosstab by dragging a column sizing handle left,
reducing the size of the column until it disappears from view. You can enlarge one or
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more columns or rows with these sizing handles also. The crosstab sizing handles are
described below.
Resize columns
Resize rows
Uniform column sizing
Uniform row sizing
Individual rows
Use the row sizing handles on the left side of the crosstab to resize an individual row.
For example, to enlarge the size of two rows containing Rimbaud, shown above, grab
the row-sizing handle just above the cell and pull upward. Do the same for the second
row.
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Creating Reports
Individual columns
Use the column-sizing handles at the top of the crosstab to resize an individual column.
For example, to remove the column Quarter 4, pull the sizing handle above the
column left until Quarter 4 disappears from view.
Below, the column containing Quarter 4 no longer appears. However, it still exists in
your crosstab. To make it reappear, select Edit|Undo, or pull the sizing handle right to
increase the column size.
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Uniform row and column sizing

Use the uniform column- or row-sizing handles located on the right and bottom of the
crosstab. This ensures consist sizing in your report.
To resize rows uniformly, drag the row-sizing handle up or down. All of the rows in
your report resize along with it.
To resize columns uniformly, drag the column-sizing handle left or right. All of the
columns resize along with it.
As you drag the sizing handle, you can use the size of the last column or row as a gauge
for sizing the other columns or rows in your report.
Manipulating data
ReportSmith offers you numerous ways to expand your crosstabs. This section
describes
Grouping
Sorting
Inverting rows and columns
Calculations (including macro-derived fields)
Aliases
Grouping
ReportSmith groups all values by same value except for dates. Dates are automatically
grouped by quarter. You can use the options dialog box to customize grouping for
dates. For example, you can specify a date range, choose to display dates by month,
days or minutes, or you can define the first month of your fiscal year. When grouping
dates, ReportSmith offers you numerous options.
To specify dates in a crosstab:
In the Crosstab Report dialog box, select the DATE field you want to modify and
press the Options button that corresponds to it. An options box appears with settings
for the DATE field.
Option
Description
Name
The name of the field for which youre setting options. DATE should appear
here.
The field type, DATE, Date/Time, should appear here.
Enter an alternate label into this box for your DATE label. This is optional. If
you leave this field blank, ReportSmith uses the field name from within the
table as the default column label.
Enter a label youd like to appear as the subtotal heading.
Press the down arrow to view a drop-down list of subtotal calculations which
you can perform on the DATE field.
Type
Label
Subtotal Heading
Calculation
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Option
Description
Sort Order
Click to turn on one of the following options and ReportSmith automatically

regenerates and sorts by DATE for you: Ascending, Descending, None, or
Custom. If you choose Custom, type the sort order you want into the Custom
Values box.
Enter custom values here. Separate values with commas and use single quotes
around each value.
This lets you select a range of dates that you would like to include in your
crosstab. By default, it includes all dates, but you can limit the data to a specific
date range here.
Press the down arrow to view a drop-down list of options by which you can
group the DATE field.
Custom Values
Date Options
Group By
Group formats translate into field labels in your crosstab. You have the following
choices:
Group
Group Formats
Daily
Monthly
Weekly
Annually
Quarterly
Hourly
Minute
Second
Sunday or Sun
January or Jan
Week #
Year #
Quarter 1, Qtr 1, First Quarter, First Qtr, 1st Quarter, 1st Qtr
Hour #
Minute #
Second #
First Month of Year

If you choose Annually or Quarterly as the Group By option, you can select the first
month of your fiscal year. Press the down arrow to see a drop-down list and choose a
month.
Format
If you select Daily, Monthly, or Quarterly in the Group By option, you can select a label
format and other options. Press the down arrow in the Format box to display a list of
choices. After you choose an option in the Group By box, the grouping options appear
in the dialog box.
The default format for dates is Quarterly with a Qtr 1 format.
Deleting rows, columns or values

You can delete a row, column, or value from your report by selecting the corresponding
Delete button for the list box or by dragging the row, column, or value back toward the
Name box. You can also change the hierarchical order within a list box. Press to select a
row, column, or value and drag it to another position in the list box.
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Sorting
You can reorganize the order of the values within a selected row or column in a
crosstab. You can do this with the Sort options in the Crosstab Row Options or Crosstab
Column Options dialog boxes.
You can also use the Custom Sort option to exclude values you dont want to include in
your crosstab.
To sort fields in a crosstab:

Select some cells in a crosstab and press a sort button on the toolbar.
Select the row or column in the Crosstab Report dialog box and press the
corresponding Options button.
If you select a row, the Crosstab Row Options dialog box appears. If you select a
column, the Crosstab Column Options dialog box appears. In our example, well
sort by the CITY row.
2 Press an option in the Sort Order box. The table below defines your sort choices:
Ascending
Descending
None
Custom
Sorts fields in ascending order. A to Z, 1 to 10. This is the default.

Sorts fields in descending order. Z to A, 10 to 1.
No sort order is specified. This is the default
Allows you to type a custom sort in the Custom Values box. This
lets you arrange the order of values within a selected row or
column. You can also use this option to exclude fields you dont
want in your crosstab.
If you select the Custom option, type a sort list for the fields in the selected row or
column in the Custom Values box. Each value should be separated by a comma. For
instance, if you want to reorder the CITY fields in the example, you could type San
Mateo, Los Altos, Woodside in the Custom Values box.
If you want to exclude a field in your crosstab, dont include it in your sort. For example,
if you dont want to include Woodside in the example crosstab, you would type Los
Altos, San Mateo in the Custom Values box.
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Creating Reports
1 Press OK. Press OK again to exit the Crosstab Report dialog box. ReportSmith
generates the crosstab with the sorted fields.
Inverting rows and columns

Double-click a crosstab and press the Invert button on the Crosstab toolbox, or rightclick the mouse and choose Invert from the pop-up Crosstab menu.
ReportSmith swaps rows with columns.
To undo the Invert command, choose Edit|Undo Command, or select the Invert
command once again.
Calculating fields
ReportSmith enables you to calculate values in a crosstab based on other crosstab values
using ReportSmiths macro language. You can create SQL-derived fields in the Derived
Fields dialog box, and they appear in the crosstab just like regular data fields. However,
to include a macro-derived field in your crosstab, you must define it within the Crosstab
Report dialog box, using the Calculated Column option.
You can only calculate values in a crosstab, not rows or columns.
To create a calculated field:
1 Select the crosstab, right-click the mouse and choose Modify, or select the entire
report and press the Modify button on the Crosstab toolbox.
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The Crosstab Report dialog box appears displaying the rows, values and columns
you have selected to include in it.
2 Under Type, select Calculated Fields. A symbol appears in the Name box, <New>.
3 Drag the <New> symbol from the Name box and drop it into the Values list box.
The Calculated Field dialog box appears, where you will tell ReportSmith what
calculation to perform on the field. The current value fields appear in the left-most list
box.
4 In the Name text box, enter a name for your calculated field. In the example, weve
named our calculated field NewSalary.
5 You can create the calculated field formula by typing it directly into the formula box,
or you can drag and drop items from the list boxes into the formula.
In the example below, weve created a formula which uses the SALARY field and
calculates a 10% raise for each employee.
6 After youve created the formula for your calculated field, press the Test button.
ReportSmith tests your formula and, if you entered it correctly, returns a success
message. If you entered it incorrectly, an error message appears. You need to correct
the formula before continuing.
7 Press OK to exit the Test message box. Press OK to exit the Calculated Field dialog
box. Your calculated field appears in the Values box. We named our sample
calculated field NewSalary. It appears in the Values list box beneath SALARY.
8 Press OK.
Creating a field alias

You can use aliases for fields in a crosstab. For example, suppose youve created a report
using the EMPLOYEE table, which identifies your employees by number. Instead of
using the EMP_ID number you can use aliases to display employee names on your
report quickly without linking to another table.
ReportSmith offers you two methods for creating and using aliases:
Click on a selected cell to enter Text mode and type in the alias
Press the Alias button in an Options dialog box
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Creating Reports
As an example, well change the first EMPLYEE_ID field, E1-23, to J. Smith.
To create aliases in Text mode:
1 Open a crosstab. Click on the field you want to edit, then click on it once again to
activate Text mode.
2 Type the alias over the field.
ReportSmith replaces each occurrence of that field in your report with its alias. Your
database remains unaffected; only the report changes. Now every time ReportSmith
finds E1-23 in this crosstab, it uses J. Smith instead.
Note
You can also create a single alias that includes multiple employees. Employees assigned
the same alias collapse into the same group.
To create aliases using the Options dialog box:
1 Open a crosstab. Select it and choose Modify from the pop-up menu, or double-click
to select the entire crosstab and press the Modify button on the Crosstab toolbox.
The Crosstab Report dialog box appears.
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2 Select the field in the Rows, Columns or Values list boxes that you want to create
aliases for and press the Options button beneath it.
In our example well create an alias for the Account Number field. Well highlight the
field and press the rows Options button The Crosstab Row Options dialog box
appears with the selected field in the Name box.
3 Press the Alias button. The Data Value Aliases dialog box appears. If you have
created any aliases, they appear beside the data value which they represent.
4 Select a data value in the left list box. Click in the text box under the Alias list and
type an alias for it. Press the Assign button. ReportSmith places the alias in the Alias
list box beside its respective value. Repeat these steps for each alias you want to
create.
In this example, we created aliases for each Account Number field:
5 When youve finished creating aliases, press OK. ReportSmith replaces each data
value you assigned aliases to with its alias.
To correct a mistake in an alias:
1 Edit an alias by highlighting it in the list.

2 Retype a new alias for it in the Text box and press Assign.
3 To remove one or all aliases from the list box, press one of the Remove buttons.
Formatting techniques
You can format selected fields in a crosstab. You can change the font and point size, add
borders, patterns, and shadows, align characters, and so on. ReportSmith lets you save
your formatting changes in styles, or you can apply system styles that come with
ReportSmith.
This section describes how to use crosstab styles and how to resize items in a crosstab.
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Creating Reports
Working with crosstab styles

A style is a set of cell formatting information that youve given a name. Suppose
youve formatted a crosstab to look the way you want. Youve changed the font and
point size, italicized the title, and placed colored borders around selected fields to
emphasize them. Now you want to apply this same style to another crosstab. You could
create a new crosstab and then reapply each formatting change to it, but thats extra
work. Furthermore, if you decide to change the formatting youd have to repeat the
formatting steps for each crosstab.
Instead, you can save the formatting as a style by selecting the crosstab youve
formatted and assigning a name to it. After you save a style, it appears in the Custom
Styles list. To apply it to a crosstab, select it. You can apply numerous formats in one
easy step.
Use styles to
Ensure consistent formatting throughout your crosstabs.
Save time by applying formatting changes quickly.
Make design changes easy to incorporate.
With a crosstab selected, press the Styles button on the Crosstab toolbox or select Styles
from the pop-up Crosstab. Pressing this button displays the Crosstab Styles dialog box,
where you can create new styles or apply existing styles.
A list of System Styles that ReportSmith has created for you appears in the System Styles
list. Styles you create appear in the Custom Styles list.
Applying a style
You can apply a style using the ribbon or the Crosstab Styles dialog box.
To apply a style with the Crosstab Styles dialog box:
1 Select a crosstab, right-click the mouse, and choose Styles from the menu. The
Crosstab Styles dialog box appears.
2 Select a style in the System Styles list box or in the Custom Styles list box.
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3 Press Apply.
To apply a style with the ribbon:
1 Select a crosstab. Choose Tools|Crosstab.

2 Press the Styles button, or right-click the mouse to display the pop-up Crosstab menu
and choose Styles. The Crosstab Styles dialog box appears.
3 Choose a style from either the System Styles or Custom Styles list box and press
Apply.
ReportSmith displays the style you select in the Sample box so you can see the
formatting before applying it. ReportSmith applies the style to the selected crosstab.
4 Press Done.
Creating a style
You can create a style based on a formatted crosstab. Styles that you create appear in the
Custom Styles list box. When you select a style, ReportSmith displays it in the Sample
box, so you can preview it. If youve already formatted a crosstab, most of the work to
create a style is behind you. Now all you need to do is assign a name to the style. A style
is created and is available for use with other crosstabs.
Create custom styles using, for example, your company colors. When you delete a
custom style it affects crosstabs which have been assigned that style. ReportSmith alerts
you with a message reminding you that removing the style affects any crosstabs with
that style.
1 Select a crosstab whose formatting you want to save.

2 Choose Tools|Crosstab to see the Crosstab toolbox appears.
You can drag the toolbox out of your way by dragging the title bar and moving it to
where you want it.
3 Press the Style button, or right-click to display the pop-up Crosstab menu and choose
Styles. The Crosstab Styles dialog box appears.
4 Press the New button. Enter a name for your style into the Name text box. Style
names can contain up to 255 characters and can include any combination of
characters and spaces. They are case sensitive and must be unique.
5 Press OK and press Apply to exit the Crosstab Styles dialog box. Now, each time you
open the Crosstab Styles dialog box your new style appears in the Custom Styles list.
After you have defined a style, it appears in the Report Styles dialog box and you can
apply it to any number of crosstabs. Applying a style to a crosstab gives it the same
formatting as the crosstab you used as the model for that style.
Extracting a style
Suppose youve formatted a column, row, or value within your crosstab and youd like
to apply that style to other areas within your report. You can do this with the Style
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Creating Reports
Extractor button on the toolbar. The Style Extractor extracts styles you select and applies
them to columns, rows or values that you click on.
To apply formatting using the Style Extractor:
1 Select a row, column, or value whose formatting you want to copy.

2 Press the Style Extractor button on the toolbar. The Style Extractor cursor appears.
3 Move the cursor over a value you want to apply that style to and click the mouse.
ReportSmith applies the style to all similar rows, columns, or values.
The following illustration shows an example of using the Style Extractor to apply three
formatting changes (bold, italic, and dollar sign) to each Total row value.
We want to apply the formatting of the row Grand Total to all of the total values in the
row. To do this, we selected the Grand Total field.
ReportSmith applies the formatting changes from the Grand Total field to each Total
row value:
When you no longer need a style, you can delete it. When this happens, you replace any
crosstab formatted with this style to the basic, non-formatted style. You cannot delete a
system style.
To delete a custom style:
1 Select the crosstab and choose Tools|Crosstab.
157
2 Press the Styles button on the Crosstab toolbox.

3 Select the style you want to delete from the System Styles or Custom Styles list and
press the Delete button. ReportSmith displays a message asking you to confirm that
you want to delete the style and reminding you that removing the style affects all the
reports with this style.
4 Press Yes to delete the style, or No to cancel the deletion. Press the Close button.
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Creating Reports
Chapter
Macros
Chapter 8
Macros let you enhance your productivity and add complex features to your reports. A
macro is a list of actions you want ReportSmith to carry out for you. You can create a
macro or use one of the macros ReportSmith provides for you to do any of the following
tasks (and many more):
Automatically load and print reports
Customize ReportSmith by creating a custom dialog box, hiding or disabling menu
items, and creating new menu items and DDE topics
Create derived fields
Create customized prompts such as prompting a user for a password
Schedule report timing
Perform complex calculations
This chapter defines macros and shows you how to create and use them to simplify
many ReportSmith tasks. Finally, it describes some advanced macro concepts.
See Appendix B, Macro reference, for more information about macros.
Introduction to macros
In this introductory section, youll learn what macros are and how to use them. Youll
also learn the difference between global and local macros, and how they are used. This
section also provides basic information about using macros with other Windows
applications and about the ReportBasic programming language.
What is ReportBasic?
ReportSmith has licensed the Softbridge Basic Language (SBL) from Mystic River
Software, Inc. in order to provide ReportSmith users with a complete, high-level
Chapter 8, Macros
159
programming language. ReportSmith has also added commands to SBL that were
designed with reporting in mind. This combined command set is called ReportBasic, a
complete programming language designed specifically for report creation.
Because it is a complete programming language, ReportBasic can be used for a variety of
tasks. The following table provides a list of its more common uses.
Use
Description
Calculating derived fields
With ReportBasic, you can create derived fields that are not stored in the database,
but are a result of a calculation using the values stored in your database fields.
ReportBasic lets you highlight a value if it meets a certain criteria in a report. For
example, you might want to display all sales transactions in a report that are greater
than a stated quota to print in a bolder, larger font than those that fall below the
quota. ReportBasic can also be used to warn a report reader that invalid data exists in
a database. Suppose a mailing list database contains a number of null values in the
state field. ReportBasic can print the value NO STATE CODE in place of the null
state code value.
You can use ReportBasic to create custom user interfaces such as dialog boxes that
contain user-entry fields, command buttons, and check boxes. A report user can
build a complex SQL query with a few mouse clicks, with the help of the report
designer who is familiar with ReportBasic. ReportBasic can also be used to add,
remove, or disable ReportSmith menus, menu items and toolbar icons. A report
designer may want to do this to prevent a user from modifying a report or to add
specific menu items that run specific macros. You can create your own DDE topics
and items. Macros can be assigned to run in response to a change in one of the items
or a request for data from another application.
ReportBasic can be used to load a number of reports, send them to a printer and
close those reports when they have printed. A user can link such a macro to a
specific event. A user could cause such a macro to execute in response to a user
keystroke, or other ReportSmith event. Or, a macro might be programmed to run
reports at midnight, when network traffic is low.
Advanced users can create ReportBasic functions that can be called by other
ReportBasic scripts or a ReportSmith event. Users can also call *.DLL functions,
created in other development environments, that can be used within ReportBasic.
ReportSmith, along with ReportBasic, can serve as either a DDE server or client. A
developer may want to build a number of reports with ReportSmith and build DDE
commands within the application that calls ReportSmith or ReportSmith Runtime to
print those reports when the user clicks a button or selects a menu option. This can
easily be done from within applications developed with Delphi. You can perform
DDE executes, pokes and requests and create your own DDE topics and items.
Conditional formatting and

conditional text values
Customized user interface
Automatic report processing
Creating user-defined functions
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
Uses for macros

Macros are programs that you build using the ReportBasic programming language. (See
What is ReportBasic? on page 159.) You do this by creating a macro, then linking it to
an event on which the macro can run. For example, you can display a dialog box that
prompts for options whenever a user opens a report. You can link a macro to a specific
event, such as a keystroke or the opening of a report.
Scoping macros
You can create two kinds of macros: a global macro or a report macro. A global macro
belongs to the ReportSmith application and appears in the active list each time you run
ReportSmith. A report macro belongs to a given report and becomes a part of that report.
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Creating Reports
When you save the report, ReportSmith saves any associated report macros in the .RPT
file.
Global macros
You can create global macros to customize ReportSmith or to automate global tasks. For
example, suppose you want to combine loading, printing, and closing a report into one
step. This same macro can also display a dialog box that prompts the user for the report
names. When you run the macro, it opens, prints, and closes each report the user
specifies in the dialog box.
You can create a global macro that only lets certain people access a given report by
prompting for a password, or one that hides the toolbar or executes a specific menu
command, such as File|Open.
Report macros
A report macro lets you automate tasks that are specific to a certain report. For example,
create a report macro that only lets a certain user access a confidential report by
prompting for a password, or by verifying the value of a DOS variable. For example,
you might have this line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT:
SET USER=John Doe
In this case, the macro opens the report only if the environment variable is set to John
Doe.
' This code will abort the open event if the user is not John Doe
' Get the user name
USER$=ENVIRON$("USER")
IF USER$ <> "John Doe" THEN
' Abort the report's loading
RESUMEEVENT 0
END IF
You can create a report macro that behaves dynamically according to changes in the
information it receives. For example, suppose you have a report that is unusually large,
and you dont want users opening it when network traffic is high (between 4:00 and 5:00
every week day). You can prevent a user from opening the report during peak time, and
display a message explaining why. In this case, the macro behaves differently according
to the time of day.
You can create a report macro that steps through the fields in a report column and
produces a summary field. For example, suppose your Sales Department has a
commission structure with different multipliers for different quotas. You could write a
macro that calculates a sales persons commission based on the commission structure,
and place that value into your report.
Using macros with other applications

Report macros let you extend to other Windows applications. For example, if you have a
report with a column listing part numbers and an Excel spreadsheet with a table listing
these part numbers and their corresponding part names, you can write a macro that
changes the part number to the part name in your report. Youd simply link the macro
Chapter 8, Macros
161
to the Display event and use the FieldText command to change the text of each record.
You can then do a DDE request to your Excel table to locate the corresponding part
name for each part number.
You can also add C functions from a Windows Dynamic Link Library (DLL) into a
report macro. If you have a Windows DLL containing functions that perform
complicated financial computations, you can create a report macro that uses those
functions to calculate the data in your report.
Creating and working with macros

This section shows you how to create a macro. It takes you step-by-step through the
creation of a simple macro and shows you how to link a macro to objects and events.
First, youll create a macro that displays a message box. Then youll link the macro to an
object and an event.
Creating a simple macro

To create a macro:
1 Select Tools|Macro to see the Macro Commands dialog box.

Notice the Global Macros radio button at the bottom left-hand corner is active. This
indicates that youre creating a global macro. (Assuming you dont have any reports
open, the Report Macros button is disabled.)
2 In the Macro Name text box, enter a name for your macro into the Macro Name text
box. For our sample, we entered TEST. This enables the New button.
Note
Your macro name cannot be the same as a Basic reserved word, or errors result.
1 Choose New. The Edit Macro dialog box appears.
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Creating Reports
Note
ReportSmith commands and the Basic commands are listed and described in The
Macro Command Reference in online Help.
You create the macro by inserting the commands you want in the Macro Formula text
box. Since youre creating a macro that displays a message box, youll use the
MsgBox command.
2 In the Basic Functions list box, scroll through the list to display the MsgBox function,
and then drag it to the beginning of the blank line in the formula (between Sub
TEST()and End Sub), then release the mouse button to insert the function into the
routine. (You can also type the command directly in the formula.)
3 In this exercise, you can also use the MsgBox command as a statement, so you must
edit the command by removing the parentheses. Delete the parentheses and commas
after MsgBox.
4 Enter the following into the Macro Code text box: 'This is a sample message.'
5 Choose Test. If you entered the routine correctly, ReportSmith displays a success
message. If your formula is incorrect, ReportSmith informs you of errors and lets you
fix the routine.
6 When you receive a success message, press OK to return to the Macro Commands
dialog box. Now you can run the macro and see the effect.
7 In the Macro Commands dialog box, choose Run. The message you created appears.
8 Press OK in the message box. Press OK again to close the Macro Commands dialog
box. Your macro is complete.
Linking a macro to an event

This section shows you how you can link a macro to an event.
To link a macro to an event:
1 Open the Macro Commands dialog box and select your macro. For our example,
select TEST.
2 Press the Links button. The Macro Links dialog box appears.
If you press the down arrow in the Object Type list box, youll notice that it displays
the Application object only. This is because a global macro (which is the type you just
created) can only be linked to an application object.
3 Open the Events list box. This displays all of the events to which you can link your
macro. Lets link it to the KeyStroke event.
4 Select KeyStroke.
The KeyStroke event has several options for keys. You can choose to use any key on
your keyboard. When an event has several options, ReportSmith displays them in the
scroll box on the right.
Now link the test macro to a specific key.
Chapter 8, Macros
163
5 Scroll through the scroll box until you see [Ctrl+A] and select it. Press the Link button.
ReportSmith links the TEST macro to the [Ctrl+A] keystroke sequence. Notice that the
Link Number field (which originally displayed No Links) now displays 1 of 1.
This indicates you have linked the macro to one event.
If you like, you can link the same macro to more keystrokes or you can link it to
another event.
6 Select Application Startup from the Event list box, and choose Link. The Link
Number field displays 2 of 2, indicating that you have linked two events to your
macro.
Also notice that the scroll box on the right displays No Items. Unlike the KeyStroke
event, the Application Startup event doesnt have items tied to it.
7 To scroll through the links of a given macro, press the Previous Link and Next Link
buttons.
8 Press OK to return to the Macro Commands dialog box.
Saving a macro to a .MAC file

ReportSmith lets you save a macro in a .MAC file. If you save your macros with this
extension you can share the macro with other ReportSmith users. You can also put it on
a disk or send it over a network to another workstation. You may even want to copy it
and use it in another report on your own system. You might want to save macros in this
format for archiving.
Whether you save the macro in a .MAC file or not, ReportSmith saves it within the
macro facility, and you can access it by selecting Tools|Macro. For report macros,
ReportSmith saves the links with the report itself in the .RPT file. For global macros,
ReportSmith saves the links with the ReportSmith application.
When you save a macro in a .MAC file, you save only the macro code itself. Links to
events and objects are not stored in the .MAC file since they might not be appropriate
for other users.
Assuming you want to share your TEST macro (the one you created in the previous
exercises) with other users or reuse it elsewhere, lets save it in a .MAC file.
To save a macro:
1 In the Macro Commands dialog box, choose a macro from the list of active macros.
For our example, select the TEST macro that you created in the previous exercise.
2 Press the Save As button. The Save Macro dialog box appears. Use the Drives list box
and the Directories scroll box to specify the path where you want to store the macro.
3 In the File Name field, enter a name for your macro file.
A macro file name can be up to eight characters and it doesnt have to be the same
name as the macro itself. Characters, numbers, and underscores are allowed but the
first character must be a number or letter.
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Creating Reports
4 Press OK to save the macro under the path and file name you specified and to return
to the Macro Commands dialog box.
5 Press OK to close the Macro Commands dialog box.
Loading a macro
After you save a macro to a .MAC file you might want to edit its routine or bring it into
another report. You can do this by loading the file into the macro facility.
To load a macro:
1 Select Tools|Macro to display the Macro Commands dialog box.

To successfully load a macro, a macro with the same name in the first line of its
routine must not appear in the Active Macros list box. If you attempt to do this,
ReportSmith displays the following error message: Name not unique. Remove test
macro from active list first.
To remove a macro with the same name from the list box, highlight it and press the
Remove button.
2 Press the Load button. The Load Macro dialog box appears.
3 From the scroll box on the left, double-click the macro file you want. The macro you
select becomes the active macro in the Macro Commands dialog box.
4 Choose Edit to display the Edit Macro dialog box. Make a valid change in the Macro
Formula text box. Use the Test button to test for errors.
5 Press OK and press Save to update your macro file. Press OK to exit the dialog box.
Advanced macro concepts

This section discusses advanced concepts for ReportSmiths macro facility, starting with
macro commands.
There are two types of macro commands: Functions and Statements.
Functions return values and must have their arguments surrounded by quotes and use
required parentheses around the list of arguments. Statements have quotes around their
arguments as well, but no parentheses. Statements do not return a value. Some
commands can be used as either functions or statements.
You can use commands as either a function that requires a return value, or a statement,
which does not require a return value. You can use the DataSet control object for various
tasks such as making a connection or setting your selection criteria. Well show you how
to create a DataSet control object and well define methods and properties that you can
use with them.
This section describes using macro commands as functions and statements, using
arguments, calling other macros, using macros with DDE, and using DataSet Control
objects.
Chapter 8, Macros
165
Commands as functions or statements

You can use macro commands as either functions or statements. Although you can use
many of them as both, some can be used only as a function or a statement. A function
must return a value and its argument must be within parentheses; a statement doesnt
use a return value and doesnt use parentheses.
There may be times when youll want to build a macro that does require a return
statement. For example, suppose that every time a user exits ReportSmith, you want a
message to appear asking the user if they really want to quit. Based on the users
response to the message, the macro can either close ReportSmith or cancel the exit. In
this case, you would use the MsgBox command as a function (rather than a statement)
as the following routine shows.
Note
The following piece of code is an example. An apostrophe before a line (') indicates a
comment.
Sub ConfirmExit()
' This is the code to tell MsgBox the message and buttons you want.
x = MsgBox ("Do you really want to Exit ReportSmith",4)
' When used as a function MsgBox returns 7 if the user presses
' the NO button.
If x = 7 then
' This command will tell ReportSmith not to close if this macro is linked to the close
event.
ResumeEvent(0)
End if
End Sub
Using arguments
ReportSmith macros can accept arguments. An argument lets you pass information from
one macro to another and back again. When you insert an argument into a macro, it can
call another macro.
To insert an argument into a macro:
1 Select Tools|Macro. Place the macro in the Macro Name text box.
2 Choose Edit to display the Edit Macro dialog box. The code for the macro you
selected appears in the Macro Formula text box.
3 Enter the arguments you want to insert within the parentheses ( ) that follow the
macro name. Make sure you separate the argument variables with commas.
Now you must tell ReportSmith the default values these variables should take when
you run the macro.
4 Choose Set Default Arguments to display the Edit Macro Arguments dialog box.
5 In the Default Arguments text box, enter the default values (separated by commas)
for the argument variables in the same order as the variables appear in the macro
code. Press OK.
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Creating Reports
6 Press OK in the Edit Macro Arguments dialog box, again on the Edit Macro dialog
box, and again on the Macro Commands dialog box.
Note
You can also use the RunMacro command to provide a string to specify the values for
the argument variables. If you specify a null string, ReportSmith uses the default
arguments.
The following two macros show you how to pass arguments. In this case, you only
have to place the argument in the called macro. If you are going to pass it back again,
you need to place it in the calling macro as well.
Sub calling()
' This variable allows you to pass along the double quotes and the value of the
variable.
q$=chr$(34)
var1$=q$+ "It is Monday"+q$
RunMacro "called",var1$
End Sub
Sub called(var1$)
msgbox "Hey!"+var1$
End sub
Note
For this macro make sure that you press the Set Default Arguments button in the Edit
Macro dialog box. For string arguments, you must place it in double quotes. This
gives it a value when it is first being compiled.
Arguments and events

When you link a macro to events, you can specify alternative values for the argument
variables in that macro for each individual event. If you choose not to supply alternative
values, ReportSmith uses the default values you specified in the procedure above.
To supply values for macros (containing arguments) on a link-by-link basis:
1 Select your macro. In the Macro Links dialog box, choose Links.
2 Use the Previous Link and Next Link buttons to display the event for which you
want to specify argument variables.
3 Press the Set Arguments button to display the Edit Macro Arguments dialog box.
4 In the Default Arguments text box, enter the values (separated by commas) for the
argument variables in the same order as the variables appears in the macro code.
Press OK to return to the Macro Links dialog box. When you run the macro using the
event you highlighted in Step 4, ReportSmith will replace the default argument
values with the values you specified here.
5 To exit the macro facility, press OK in the Macro Links dialog box. Press OK in the
Macro Commands dialog box.
Chapter 8, Macros
167
Calling other macros

After you create a macro (A), you can create a second macro (B) that uses the
functionality of macro A. You can use arguments to pass information between the two
macros. When you do this, ReportSmith replaces the default argument values in macro
A with the argument values supplied by macro B.
To run macro A from macro B, use the RunMacro command. The RunMacro command
lets you run macro B and supply a string that represents the arguments in macro A.
Note
The RunMacro command takes two strings. The first string is the name of the macro you
want to run. The second string is the list of arguments whose values you want to replace
in that macro. If your argument list contains strings, youll need to use chr$(34) to place
the double quotes character within that second string.
The RunMacro command

The RunMacro command takes two string arguments. The first argument is the name of
a macro to call. The second argument is a list of arguments to pass to the macro you are
calling. If you have a macro that takes a string argument, the data for that argument
must be surrounded by double quotes. One way to embed double quotes in a string is to
use the CHR$ function to create the quote character and then use the string
concatenation operator to add it.
For example, to call a macro that takes four string arguments, RunMacro expects a string
that would look like the following (if you display it with the MSGBOX command):
"String One", "String two", "String three", "String four"
You can generate this basic string as follows:

q$=chr$(34)
Arglist$=q$+"String one"+q$+","+
q$+"String two"+q$+","+
q$+"String three"+q$+","+
q$+"String four"+q$
Variables can be passed only to a macro BY VALUE when using the RunMacro
command, so the called macro cannot modify the variable value. You must use the
variable to generate the string. For example, to call a macro named TestMacro that takes
a number and a string as arguments, with the number contained in a variable
(NUMVAR%), and the string contained in a variable (STRVAR$), you can call the macro
with the following code:
q$=chr$(34)
Arglist$=str$(NUMVAR%)+","+q$+STRVAL$+q$
Status=RunMacro("TestMacro",arglist$)
Note that we used the STR$ command to convert the numeric value to a string. Also
note that we embedded quotes around the string variable that we passed. When
executing this code through DDE, you must add carriage return and line feed characters
between each line of code, or alternatively you can use two vertical bar characters (||) .
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Creating Reports
To use DDE to execute an active global macro called TEST_ARGS and pass two string
arguments, ReportSmith expects the following string to be sent to its COMMAND topic:
q$=chr$(34)||RunMacro "Test_ARGS",
q$+"Test String One"+q$+","+
q$+"Test String Two"+q$
The macro TEST_ARGS might look like this:

Sub TEST_ARGS (First_Argument$, Second_Argument$)
Msgbox "The first argument was:"+First_Argument$
Msgbox "The second argument was:"+Second_Argument$
End Sub
Using macros with DDE: Two examples

This section shows two examples for using macros with Dynamic Data Exchange
(DDE):
Loading a Report Through SQLWindows
DDE statement passing a string literal value to a report variable
You can use the following DDE parameters when calling ReportSmith from other
Windows applications. All DDE calls to another application have three basic
parameters: application, topic and item.
The application is always ReportSmith. There are two valid topics: System and
Command. If you use the System topic, the item is a menu specification such as File|
Open. If you use the Command topic, the item is a ReportBasic command such as
LoadReport.
Note
Refer to the calling applications documentation for instructions.

ReportSmiths sample macros are placed into the MACROS directory. You can see a list
of them and a brief description of their functions using the Tools|Macro command. The
following examples are also in the MACRO directory.
Example 1: Loading a report through SQL Windows

This code is from an SQL Windows application which sends macro commands to
ReportSmith through DDE. It runs when a user presses a SQL Windows button called
pb1. The button initializes the values of datafield objects in a dialog box and then
establishes a DDE connection to ReportSmith.
Note
A ! indicates a comment.
Pushbutton: pb1
Message Actions
On SAM_Create
Set dfService ='ReportSmith'
Set dfTopic ='COMMAND'
Set dfItem =' '
Set dfStatus ='Not Started'
Set dfSendit = 'DIM DS as Dataset'|| '||' || 'DS.CONNECT
Chapter 8, Macros
169
12,"","SYSADM","SYSADM","SPA"'|| '||' || 'LOADREPORT'||' '||'"C:\\SPAFON.RPT"'|| ','||'"

"'
! dfService, dfTopic,dfItem,dfStatus,dfSendit are SQL Windows data fields
! dfService can be ReportSmith (if you communicate to
! RPTSMITH.EXE) or
! dfService can be RS_Runtime (if you communicate to RS_RUN.EXE)
! The string c:\\SPAFON.RPT in the dfSendit String is a report file
! USE UPPERCASE CHARACTERS ONLY WITH THE CONNECT COMMAND
! On SAM_Click When the user clicks the pb1 button, Connect toReportSmithCall
SalWaitCursor(TRUE)
If NOT SalDDEStartSession(mlBucket,dfService,dfTopic,dfItem,10000)
Call SalWaitCursor(FALSE)
Call SalMessageBox('Could not connect to ReportSmith','-Title',MB_Ok|MB_IconHand)
Set dfStatus ='Connection failed'
Else
Set dfStatus ='Connected to ReportSmith'
! Runs when a user presses "pb2."
Pushbutton: pb2
Message Actions
On SAM_Click
Call SalWaitCursor(TRUE)
If not SalDDESendExecute(frmMain,dfService,dfTopic,dfItem,10000,dfSendit)
Call SalMessageBox('DDE send to ReportSmith failed',
! Violated!,MB_Ok| MB_IconHand)
Else
Set dfStatus ='Sent DDE data to ReportSmith'
Example 2: Assigning a value to a report variable

This code shows you how to assign a string value to the macro language along with
double quotes. Commands in the macro language require string variable parameters to
contain double quotes. Therefore, when passing string values into the macro language
from DDE, you need to pass the quotes as well.
q$ = Chr$ (34)
' Chr$(34) is the code for double quotes {"}
s$ = "1993-01-30"
e$ = "1993-12-30"
DDECommand$ = "LoadReport" + q$ + "C;\sample.RPT" + q$ + "," + q$ + "@startdate = <" + s$
+">, @enddate = <" + e$ + ">" + q$
Using the Creation event

The creation event can be linked to two objects: Group Header and Group Footer. When
you link a macro to the Header/Footer creation event you must choose the grouping
level of the header or footer you want to link it to.
A macro linked to these events can call the ResumeEvent command with an argument
of 0 to suppress the creation of an individual group header or footer based on the data in
the report.
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Creating Reports
Suppressing a group footer

For example, suppose you have a set of groups and each has a number of records. If one
of these groups has an insignificant number of items, the following macro would
suppress the group footer for that group.
1 Create a new report using the CUSTOMER table.

2 Select the CUST_ID field and press the Footer button on the toolbar to sort and group
by that field.
3 Choose Tools|Macro. Select the Report Macros option and enter a name,
ConditionalFooter, into the Macro Name box. Choose New button to open the Edit
Macro dialog box. ReportSmith inserts the first and last lines of your macro into the
formula for you.
4 Enter the following code between the first and last lines of your formula:
if Field$("CSTMR_ID") = "C17" then ResumeEvent 0
ResumeEvent 0 cancels creation of the C17 footer object, but only when linked to
the Group Footer object Creation event.
5 Test your macro and after you receive a success message, press OK to return to the
Macro Commands dialog box. Press Save and give the macro a name.
6 To link the macro to your report, choose the CUST_ID field from the Data Fields list,
the Creation event from the Events list and the Group Footer from the Object Type
list. Choose Links button, then press OK to return to the Macro Command dialog
box. Press Save to give the macro a name.
7 Press Run to execute the macro in your report. ReportSmith runs the macro and
suppresses the Group footer for the C17 field.
Using the DataSet Control

The DataSet Control lets you define a description of report data. For example, you can
use its properties and methods to make a connection, set a list of tables, set selection
criteria, obtain a list of available tables, get a list of table owners, create a default
columnar report, and refresh a temporary table for a report.
Creating a DataSet Control Object

You can create a DataSet control with Dim and Global statements. For example, to create
a DataSet control called MyData, your code might look like this:
Dim MyData as DataSet
Modular scope
If you want all subroutines in a macro to be able to use your control, place the Dim
statement outside of all subroutines. A macro declared in this way has modular scope
and is destroyed when the macro ends.
Chapter 8, Macros
171
Local scope
If you just want to use the control in a single function, place the Dim statement inside
that function. This gives the control local scope. It is created when the function is
called and destroyed when the function is complete.
This code fragment shows a function which uses a DataSet control to close the active
report and to remove its connection:
Sub CloseActiveReport()
' Make a local DataSet object for the report to be removed.
DIM DoomedData as DataSet
' Associate this DataSet with the Active report
Trouble=DoomedData.SetFromActive()
If Trouble Then
' Let the user know if there is a problem like no active report.
Msgbox DoomedData.Error$
Else
' Otherwise close the report.
CloseReport 1
' And Remove the Connection.
Trouble = DoomedData.DisConnect()
End If
End Sub
Global Scope
You can use the Global statement to create a DataSet control that is known to all macros
in ReportSmith. The Global statement must appear in all modules which refer to the
global DataSet. Before the object is used, the global statement should appear on the first
line of your macro before any subroutines or functions. These two macros, SetName and
GetName, both use a common DataSet control.
Note
Even though the control has the same name in both macro commands, they both must
include the global statement in order to refer to the same Global control.
' Declare a Global Dataset
Global GDS as DataSet
Sub SetName()
GDS.Name$="Global Control"
End Sub
Or,
' Declare a Global Dataset
Global GDS as DataSet
Sub GetName()
MsgBox GDS.Name$
End Sub
Properties and methods

Properties
The DataSet control is used by employing its properties and methods. Properties are
data values that make sense for the control. They are similar to Basic variables and can
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Creating Reports
have any of the Basic variable types. You can access the properties of a control by using
the name of the control, followed by a period and the name of the property.
One property of the DataSet control is Selection$. It is a string variable that defines the
SQL text following the WHERE clause in an SQL statement. You can use this property to
set the selection criteria for a DataSet as in the example below.
' Display the Old Selection Criteria.
Msgbox MyData.Selection$
' Set the New Selection Criteria.
MyData.Selection$ = "SALARY > 40000"
You can access these variables in the same way as you access object methods by using
the object name followed by a . and the property name. You use this just like any other
variable. Some properties are read-only while others can be both read and written.
The following table lists some examples of how properties are used.
Use command
msgbox MyData.name$
Use it in an expression
total_recs=data1.recordcount+data2.recordcount
Assign values to
MyData Name$="My Name"
Methods
Methods are functions or statements that perform actions on the control. The
SetFromActive method associates the DataSet control with the currently active report.
The Save method can be used to store a DataSet control in a DOS file.
Sample macros
ReportSmith provides sample macros in the Video subdirectory. The sample macros
show how you can use the macro language to perform sophisticated menu tasks, like
conditional formatting, creating derived fields, menu customizing, printing and loading
a series of reports.
You can create macros to produce more detailed tasks, such as calculating a percent of
total. Or, you can use macros as wizards to perform commonly requested functions,
like filling list boxes with .RPT files in a given directory, allowing users to run and print
them from the dialog box.
This section documents the actual code for several of the available sample macros. These
samples show you how to:
Create conditional formatting

Prompt for report variables
Load a series of reports
Calculate a persons age
Connect to a database
Display a greeting
Place a line counter field on a report
Chapter 8, Macros
173
Determine a percent of total

Sum the value of another Macro Derived Field
Generate a dialog box using all available functions
Refresh a temporary table with the DataSet object
Each sample includes comments to help familiarize you with the macro process. For
detailed information on the other sample macros, see the README.TXT file.
Note
The first two sample macros are report macros that use the EX_MAC01.RPT sample
report. It displays a list of film titles, the film type, and the price of each film. Before you
review the sample macros, open EX_MAC01.RPT so you can see the effect the sample
macros have on that report.
Example 1: Conditional formatting

The code fragment in this section creates a sample macro that performs conditional
formatting. When you want a macro to do conditional formatting, you create it based on
criteria to which certain values in the report columns can correspond.
This macro changes the color of the data fields to which the macro is linked. The film
type, which is specified in the Film_Type column of the report, determines what color
the data field is. Later you can link the macro to other data fields so you can see how the
same macro can be used to conditionally format more than one column in the same
report.
When you create a conditional formatting macro, you can use the FieldFont and
FieldText macro commands. These commands format the values that fulfill the specified
criteria.
Sub Color_Type()
' Use the Rgb command to make the colors and assign them to variables.
Red = RGB( 255,0,0 )
Blue = RGB( 0,0,255 )
' Get the film type for the current record and store it in a local variable,Film_Type$.
Film_Type$.FILM_TYPE")
' Calling Field Font with a color value of negative one (-1) means don't change color.
Color = -1
' Use different
If Film_Type$ =
If Film_Type$ =
If Film_Type$ =
If Film_Type$ =
' Use the Field
colors for different film types.

"Action"
Then Color = Red
"Drama"
Then Color = Blue
"Science Fiction" Then Color = Green
"Cartoons"
Then Color = Purple
Font function to change the fonts color
FieldFont "",0,-1,Color,-1
End Sub
Example 2: Setting report variables

Report variables let you create prompts or dialog boxes that let a user specify values for
a query before running a report. The report displays data that corresponds to the values
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Creating Reports
specified by the user. Using the scenario from the previous example, suppose you
created a report variable that prompts the user to choose a film type to display in a
report. ReportSmith uses the report variable in the selection criteria to determine the
correct records to display in the report. For example, if the user specifies the foreign
film type, the report displays foreign film types.
In addition, suppose the user wants to display all classic films. To do that, the user
changes the value of the report variable from foreign to classic. In this case,
automating the process of changing the film type is desirable.
You can automate this by creating the following macro and linking it to the Before Report
Load event. This way, you can prompt the user to set all the report variables before
ReportSmith runs the report.
' Asks you what type of movies to include in the report each time you load the report.
Sub Choose_Type()
' Define the dialog box that this macro uses to determine what film types to include in
the report.
Begin Dialog ChooseTypes 120, 130
Caption "Choose Film Types"
CheckBox 15,8,99,12,"Action", .Action
CheckBox 15,20,99,12, "Cartoons", .Cartoons
CheckBox 15,32,99,12,"Clasics", .Classics
CheckBox 15,44,99,12,"Drama", .Drama
CheckBox 15,56,99,12,"Foreign", .Foreign
CheckBox 15,68,99,12,"Musical",.Musical
CheckBox 15,80,99,12,"Science Fiction",.SciFi
OkButton 30,100,60,18
End Dialog
' Create an instance of the ChooseTypes dialog box and call it MovieTypes.
Dim MovieTypes as ChooseTypes
' Execute the MovieTypes dialog box.
DIALOG MovieTypes
' Set the Report Variables for each film type according to
' the state of the checkboxes when the dialog is done.
If MovieTypes.Action Then SetRepVar "Type1"," 'Action' "
else SetRepVar "Type1"," 'Not Included' "
If MovieTypes.Cartoons Then SetRepVar "Type2"," 'Cartoons' "
If MovieTypes.Clasics Then SetRepVar "Type3"," 'Classics' "
If MovieTypes.Drama Then SetRepVar "Type4"," 'Drama' "
If MovieTypes.Foreign Then SetRepVar "Type5"," 'Foreign' "
If MovieTypes.Musical Then SetRepVar "Type6"," 'Musical' "
else SetRepVar "Type 6"," 'Not Included' "
If MovieTypes.SciFi Then SetRepVar "Type7"," 'Science Fiction' "
End Sub
Chapter 8, Macros
175
Example 3: Loading a series of reports

This macro loads a series of reports. Because the macro can affect many reports, its a
global macro, linked to the ReportSmith application. When you run the macro, it
displays a dialog box that prompts users to enter the reports they want to run, separated
by a comma.
For each report you list, you must enter the complete path where the report is located,
including the .RPT file extension.
Sub Report_Loader()
' Get the list of reports from the user.
Reports$ = InputBox$( "Enter the list of reports to run, separated by commas")
' Start with the first report in the list.
ReportNumber = 1
LoadErrors$ = "Multiple Report Loading Result"
' Get the first item in the list of reports, which are separated by commas.
Report$ = GetField$(Reports$,ReportNumber,",")
' When you get to the end of the list, you get a NULL string.
While Report$ <> ""
' Load the report.
Status = LoadReport( Report$, "" )
' If the report failed to load, then build a message to let the user know.
If Status <. 0 Then
LoadErrors$ = LoadErrors$ + Chr$(13) + "Error Loading: "+ Report$
End If
' Get the name of the next report.
ReportNumber = ReportNumber + 1
Report$ = GetField$(Reports$,ReportNumber,",")
Wend
' If the LoadErrors$ String has not changed, no errors occurred, so add a message
If LoadErrors$ = "Multiple Report Loading Result" Then
LoadErrors$ = LoadErrors$ + chr$(13) + "All Reports Opened Successfully!"
End If
' Display the result to the user.
MsgBox LoadErrors$
End Sub
Example 4: Connecting to a database

This macro shows you how to create a connection through the macro language. The
example below connects to an Oracle database.
Sub db_login()
Dim DB as DataSet
DB.Connect 7,"x:orasrv7","system","manager",""
End Sub
Example 5: Displaying a greeting

This macro displays a greeting, using the name stored in the USER environment
variable. You can link it to the opening of ReportSmith, the opening of a specific report,
or both.
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Creating Reports
Sub Greeting()
' Use the Environ function to get the user name and store it in a string variable.
UserName$ = Environ$("USER")
' If the USER environment variable is not defined a null string will be returned.
If UserName$ = "" then
MsgBox " Welcome to the Sample Macro Report ",0," Macro Greeting "
else
MsgBox "Hello" + UserName$ + ", Welcome to the Sample Macro Report ",0,"Personal Macro
Greeting "
End If
Example 6: Creating a counter field

This macro defines a derived field that numbers the records in a report.
Sub RecordNumber()
' Current gets the current record number.
' Str$ converts the number to a string.
' DerivedField sets the string as the value to be used for the derived field.
DerivedField Str$(Current)
End Sub
Example 7: Determining a percent of total

This exercise shows you how to create a macro which determines a percent of a total.
Typically, ReportSmith uses SQL code to get the results of a derived field formula, so
your database calculates the derived data. To derive a percent of a total, you need to
select the Defined by a Macro option to create the derived field locally. This is because
SQL code cant access summary fields, which are calculated locally.
To create a percent-of-total derived field:
1 Enter the name for the percent of total derived field youre creating in the Derived
Field Name box in the Derived Fields dialog box. Turn on the Defined by a Macro
option.
2 Choose Add.
3 Enter a name for the macro in the Macro Name text box and an optional description
of it in the Description box.
4 Choose Edit. The Edit Macro dialog box appears.
5 Enter the macro code in the Macro Formula window:
Sub PerOfTot()
' Calculate the percentage of the total quantity of this
' employee's sales that the current record's quantity of sales represents.
' The Field$ function gets the QUANTITY record as a string.
' The Val( ) function converts it to a number which is stored in the variable
"Quantity".
Quantity = Val(SumField$("SUBTOTAL","c:\rptsmith\samples\invoices.dbf",2,"Sum"))
' The Next line gets the total quantity for the current employee group and assigns it
to a variable. The number 1
Chapter 8, Macros
177
' refers to group level 1 which in this case is the employee group.
' 0 would indicate the sum for all groups.
TotalQuantity = Val(SumField$("SUBTOTAL","c:\rptsmith\samples\invoices.dbf",1,"Sum"))
' Because the above functions may fail, test for a zero value before doing division.
' A divide by zero error will halt macro execution.
If TotalQuantity > 0 then
PercentOfTotal = Quantity/TotalQuantity
' The Derived Field statement sets the derived field value and is only valid in
' macros used to define Derived Fields.
' It takes a string value, so the Str$ Function is used to convert the Number to a
string.
DerivedField Str$(PercentOfTotal)
End If
End Sub
6 Choose OK. The Create a Macro dialog box appears. Choose OK to exit the dialog
box, then press the OK button again to exit the Derived Fields dialog box.
7 Choose Insert|Field to drop the derived field as a column of data in the report.
Our example report shows percent of total sales for William Blake for each of his
customers. We want to show that percentage in the customer group footer next to the
sum of sales for each customer.
8 Select and delete the column for the percent of total derived field and then insert it
into the customer group footer.
9 Use the Percent button on the ribbon to format the derived field.
The following are examples of macro derived fields that sum the values of another
macro derived field. In the examples, substitute the field name of the macro derived
field to be summarized in place of MDF. Also, substitute the name of the field that the
data is grouped on, in place of GROUP, if you are working with grouped data. If the
report is grouped on more than one field and you want a summary for each group,
create a macro derived field for each group.
Example 8: Creating a summary

This macro summarizes the value of another macro derived field in a report with a
group break.
Sub sum_mac_group()
Group$ = Field$("GROUP")
while (Group$ = Field$("GROUP") AND Current() > 1)
TOTAL = TOTAL + Val(Field$("MDF"))
GetPrevious
wend
if (Group$ = Field$("GROUP") AND Current() = 1) then
TOTAL = TOTAL + Val(Field$("MDF"))
end if
DerivedField Str$(TOTAL)
End Sub
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Creating Reports
Example 9: Sample dialog box

This macro generates a dialog box which contains examples of various types of dialog
box functions. The value contained within a variable as a result of selecting a radio
button, push button, list box item, or drop-down list box item is 0 for the first item, 1 for
the second, and so on. The variable value for a Check Box is 0 unchecked, 1 checked. The
variable value for a Text Box is the value typed into the Text Box. To use a dialog box
variable as a part of another ReportBasic statement, the variable name must be preceded
by the dialog box name, for example (Test_Box.RadioValue).
Sub Sample_Dialog_Box()
' Values to populate the list boxes
ListValue$ = "Lucy"+Chr$(13)+"Ricky"+Chr$(13)+"Fred+
Chr$(13)+"Ethel"
' An error routine is necessary for the Cancel Button to function correctly
On Error GoTo Cancel:
' All of the following functions are described in detail in the ReportBasic online help
Begin Dialog Samp_Dialog 275,200
Caption "Sample Dialog Box"
GroupBox 15,10,60,60, "Radio Buttons"
OptionGroup .RadioValue
OptionButton 25,25,40,12,"Larry"
OptionButton 25,37,40,12,"Moe"
OptionButton 25,49,40,12,"Curly"
GroupBox 15,90,60,60, "Check Boxes"
CheckBox 25,105,40,12,"Andy",.AndyValue
CheckBox 25,117,40,12,"Barney",.BarneyValue
CheckBox 25,129,40,12,"Opie",.OpieValue
GroupBox 90,10,100,34, "Text Box"
TextBox 100,22,80,12,.TextValue
GroupBox 90,56,100,46, "List Box"
ListBox 100,69,80,36,ListValue$,.ListValue
GroupBox 90,115,100,35, "Drop Down List Box"
ComboBox 100,128,80,36,ListValue$,.ComboValue
GroupBox 205,10,55,140, "Push Buttons"
ButtonGroup .ButtonValue
Button 215,25,35,15,"Greg"
Button 215,45,35,15,"Peter"
Button 215,65,35,15,"Bobby"
Button 215,85,35,15,"Marsha"
Button 215,105,35,15,"Jan"
Button 215,125,35,15,"Cindy"
OkButton 50,175,50,15
CancelButton 175,175,50,15
End Dialog
DIM Test_Box as Samp_Dialog
' Dialog box execution
Dialog Test_Box
Cancel:
Exit Sub
End Sub
Chapter 8, Macros
179
Example 10: Refreshing a temporary table

This macro prompts a user to refresh the temporary table from which a report has been
built. Link this report level macro to the Before Report Load event.
Sub load_ds()
' Display message box asking user if they want to refresh the temp table data.
refresh = MsgBox("Refresh Temp Table mytable",4,"Temp Table")
' If answered yes, refresh. Otherwise end the macro.
if refresh = 6 then
' refresh table and drop existing data.
execsql "drop table c:\rptsmith\data",55,"dBase","","",""
' Create a DataSet object to hold the temp table values.
dim ds as dataset
' Load in the report definition file that created the temp
' table.
ds.load("c:\rptsmith\test3.rqf")
ds.name$ = "test3"
' Rerun the query to return the newest information.
ds.recalc
' Export the table to the database for this new report to use.
ds.exporttable "c:\rptsmith\data\mytable",55,"dBase","","",""
end if
End Sub
180
Creating Reports
Chapter
Printing a report
Chapter 9
This chapter explains how to print an entire report, a range of report pages, and the
report page displayed in your report window at the time of printing. The printer you
use influences how ReportSmith shows and prints your report.
With ReportSmith, you can decide what data, headers, or footers to display and print in
a report. This is useful when you want to create summary reports. You can also
determine where page breaks occur in a report.
In this chapter, youll learn how to set up the printer and print a report.
Setting up the printer

To prepare for printing, tell the computer what type of printer youre going to use. Not
all printers have the same capabilities. The dialog box that appears when you select the
Print Setup command depends on the type of printer you use.
Most printers can adjust for various paper sizes, different orientations, and paper
sources. You can set the default paper size, and so forth, for your reports with the Page
Setup command on the File menu. You can also use the Print Setup command on the
File menu to do this for specific reports or parts of reports.
The settings in the Page Setup dialog box override the settings in the Print Setup dialog
box if theres a difference between the two.
Chapter 9, Printing a report
181
Selecting the printer

Choose File|Print Setup. The Choose Printer dialog box appears.
1 Choose the printer youll use from the Installed Printers list box.
2 Press OK. The dialog box for the printer you choose appears. Available options
depend on the printer youve selected, but typically you set paper source and paper
size.
3 Select a paper source option. The following options typically appear for most
printers:
Default Tray
Tells the printer to use the default printer tray when printing the
first page of the report.
Upper Tray
Tells the printer to use the upper tray when printing the first page
of the report.
Lower Tray
Tells the printer to use the lower tray when printing the first page of
the report.
Manual Feed
Tells the printer that you want to manually feed each page when
printing the report.
Envelope Feed
Tells the printer that you want to print an address on an envelope

before printing the report.
4 Choose the paper size you want to use from the drop-down list.
Note
Depending on the printer you use, you may have to set other options.
Printing a report
You can print
The current page appearing in a report window
A range of pages from a report
An entire report
Use the Presentation command on the View menu to see how your report looks before
you print it. Before printing, always remember to save your report.
To print the current page :
1 Open your report.
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Creating Reports
2 Choose File|Print. The Print dialog box appears.
3 Select Current Page.

4 Enter the number of copies you want to print in the Copies window. The default is 1.
5 Press OK. ReportSmith prints the page displayed in the report window.
To print a range of pages in a report:

2 Under the Pages option, type the beginning page number into the From Box and the
ending page number into the To box.
3 Enter the number of copies you want to print in the Copies window. The default is 1.
4 Press OK. ReportSmith prints the pages you selected.
To print an entire report:

Under the Print Range, select All. Enter the number of copies you want to print in
the Copies window. The default is 1.
Press the Print button on the toolbar.
3 Press OK. ReportSmith prints the whole report.
To cancel printing, click the Cancel button in the Print dialog box.
Chapter 9, Printing a report
183
184
Creating Reports
Chapter
10
Customizing ReportSmith
Chapter 10
You can customize the ReportSmith environment to suit your needs using the Options
dialog box. Specify whether to load data locally to the client memory or disk, keep it on
the server, or let ReportSmith determine the best method for your report. Additionally,
you can specify units options, tell ReportSmith where to find datasource connections,
and more. This chapter shows you how to set ReportSmiths options, customize
ReportSmiths menu and toolbar, and run a report from an icon.
Chapter 10, Customizing ReportSmith
185
Setting options
To customize ReportSmith options:
1 Choose Tools|Options to open the Options dialog box.

Choose how to load data
Choose startup options

Set rulers to inches
or centimeters
List fields in dialogs alphabetically
Specify a default font type
Specify where to store connections
Specify where to find graphics
2 Specify the settings you want for each option.

Dynamic Data Access
Controls which resources ReportSmith uses to store data.

ReportSmith uses Dynamic Data Access (DDA) to
recognize the size of data and to determine the best
strategy for transferring it into a report.
Program Start-up
Sets what dialog box you see when the ReportSmith

application opens.
Units
Sets the default measurement system ReportSmith uses to

inches or centimeters. You can also set the resolution
(granularity) ReportSmith uses when you place objects in
a report.
List Fields Alphabetically Check this option to see all items in dialog boxes listed in
alphabetical order.
Font Types Listed
186
Creating Reports
Sets the default font types ReportSmith uses to Screen,

Printer, Screen and Printer, or True Type fonts.
Connection File
Sets the directory where ReportSmith stores your named

connections set up with the Connections command on the
File menu.
Picture File Search Path
Points to the location(s) where ReportSmith can find

graphic images to use with the Display Data as Picture
feature. ReportSmith searches this path for any graphic
files you have in your database. Separate multiple
directories with commas, semicolons, or spaces.
Controlling data access

The options you select in Dynamic Data Access parameters control which resources
ReportSmith uses to store and move data. Select from the following parameters:
Option
Description
Client Memory
Click this option if you always want the data loaded into client (meaning your local
machines) memory.
Click this option if you always want the data loaded onto disk. Specify the data path
for the disk in the RPTSMITH.INI file
Click this option and ReportSmith leaves all the records on the server except the
number of records specified in the Buffer option
Click this option to have ReportSmith evaluate where to place the data. Automatic is
the default option. Youll see the following settings when you click this option:
Minimize Report Data Memory Usage Evaluates available disk space and keeps the
data on the server if there isnt enough room on the disk.
Limit Report Data Usage to Percentage of Memory Limits memory usage to 50% by
default. ReportSmith estimates the memory requirements for data storage. If the data
requires more than 50% of the available memory, ReportSmith looks at the available
disk space. If the disk space is insufficient, the data stays on the server. You can
increase or decrease this setting by entering the percentage you want to use.
Limit Report Data Memory Usage to Kilobytes ReportSmith estimates memory
requirements for data storage using the number of kilobytes (KB) you enter for this
option instead of a percentage limit. Enter the number of KB in the text box for this
option.
Buffer Records Controls the size of the buffer when ReportSmith accesses data left
on a server.
Client Disk
On server
Automatic
Choosing start-up options

The options you select in Program Start-up control which dialog boxes appear when
you start the ReportSmith application. Select one of the following:
Option
Description
Open Report
Click this option and ReportSmith automatically displays the Open Report dialog
box when the application opens.
Click this option and ReportSmith automatically displays the Create A New Report
dialog box for you to choose a table and create a new report.
Click this option and ReportSmith opens to the ReportSmith workplace, with no
dialog boxes displayed. You can then select the command you want.
New Report
None
187
Selecting measurements
Use the Units option to set the default measurement system to inches or centimeters.
Option
Description
Inches
Click in this option if you want ReportSmith rulers displayed in inches as the scale of
measurement. This is the default setting.
Click in this option if you want ReportSmith rulers displayed in centimeters as the
scale of measurement.
The Granularity setting determines the finest resolution for placing objects in a
report. Higher granularity gives a finer resolution on the placement of objects in the
report, but limits the maximum size of the page and workspace in the report.
ReportSmith strongly recommends using a granularity of at least 300 for inches, 118
for centimeters. Using a higher granularity is acceptable, but if you use a lower
granularity, its likely to cause problems. You would only use a lower granularity if
you need to display extremely wide or tall pages.
If your report was created with different units options than specified in the Options
dialog box, choose this option to have ReportSmith convert your report to use the
options you specify. (See Granularity, above, for further information.)
Cm
Granularity
Update Units
During File Open
Listing items alphabetically

Check the List Fields Alphabetically option to list all items in dialog boxes in
alphabetical order.
Choosing a font list

The options you select in the Font Types parameters let you specify which list(s) of fonts
you can choose from when using ReportSmith. Whenever you need to select a font in
ReportSmith, the list you are presented with is controlled by this option. Select from the
following parameters:
Option
Description
Screen
Click this option to select screen fonts each time you use ReportSmith. (When you
choose this option, ReportSmith includes TrueType fonts.)
Click this option to select only fonts that are installed on your printer each time you
use ReportSmith.
Click this option to select both screen and printer fonts each time you use
ReportSmith. (When you choose this option, ReportSmith includes TrueType fonts.)
Click this option to use TrueType fonts (scalable fonts that you can change and that
appear exactly as theyll print) each time you use ReportSmith.
Printer
Screen and Printer
True Type
Storing connections
The Connection File option stores the connections you create through File|Connections.
This option sets the location and name of your connection file.
The default Connection file name is RPTSMITH.CON. ReportSmith stores this file in
your Windows directory. If your Windows working directory is on a local area network
(LAN), give the connection file for each workstation a unique file name, with a three-
188
Creating Reports
character .CON file extension. To change this option, place the text cursor in the text box
to enter the drive, directory, and file name for the connection file.
Pointing to graphics files

The Picture File Search Path option sets the locations (directories) that you want
ReportSmith to search for graphics files used in conjunction with the Display As Picture
option.
Enter the drive and directory path of the files you want ReportSmith to search for,
separated by semicolons and backslashes. Instead of searching through all directories,
ReportSmith saves time by only searching through the files you specify here.
Customizing the menu and toolbar

You can easily customize the ReportSmith environment to suit your needs by changing
its menu options or the toolbar. You can use the ReportBasic macro language to add,
enable or disable menu items or toolbar icons.
The following list describes the macro commands you use most commonly to perform
these tasks:
Command
Function
AddMenu
EnableMenu
EnableIcon
IsMenuChecked
IsMenuEnabled
KillMenu
Allows you to add your own commands to ReportSmiths menu.

Enables or disables a menu command.
Enables and disables icons and combo boxes on the toolbar and ribbon.
Lets you determine if a given menu item is turned on.
Lets you determine if a given menu item is enabled or disabled.
Lets you remove one of the ReportSmith menu items.
In the following exercises, well show you how to write a macro that disables the New
command and the New Report button. Then, well show you how to add your own
menu item that automatically loads a report that you use often.
Disabling File|New
Suppose you dont want a user to be able to create a new report (you only want the user
to be able to open existing reports). You can disable the File|New command and the
New Report button on the toolbar. Well show you how to disable these options in the
following example. In it, well create a global macro, CUSTOM_MENU that is linked to
the Application Startup. Each time you start ReportSmith, it runs the CUSTOM_MENU
macro, disabling the New command and toolbar button.
To disable the New command and the New Report button:
1 Open a report and choose Tools|Macro. The Macro Commands dialog box appears.
189
2 In the Macro Name text box, enter a name for your macro. In our example, we named
our macro CUSTOM_MENU.
3 Turn on the Global Macros option.
4 Press the New button. The Edit Macro dialog box appears.
Notice that ReportSmith has placed the first and last lines of your formula into the
text window for you. You do not need to enter them again.
5 Enter the following formula into the Macro Formula text box:
Sub custom_menu()
EnableMenu "File|New",0
EnableIcon 1,1,0
End Sub
Your macro formula should look like this:
6 After youve entered your formula, press OK to return to the Macro Commands
dialog box.
Now, youll link the macro to an event.
7 Press the Links button to open the Macro Links dialog box.
You can link your macro to a variety of events including a keystroke, before printing
a report, or after opening the report. For this example, youll link the macro to the
Application Start Up event.
8 Under Object Type, choose Report. Under Event, choose Before Report Open and
choose Link. ReportSmith displays 1 of 1 in the Link Number text box, indicating
that you have created one link and you have a total of one link. Press OK.
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Creating Reports
Adding a custom menu item

Suppose you want ReportSmith to automatically load a report you use often. You can
write a macro that creates a custom menu item that, when you select it, loads the report
for you. The following example shows you how.
First youll create a global macro and link it to the Application Startup event.
To add a custom menu item:
1 Open a report and choose Tools|Macro.

2 Turn on the Global Macros option.
3 In the Macro Name text box, enter a name for your macro. In this example, we named
our macro BRING_UP_REPORT.
4 Press the New button. The Edit Macro dialog box appears.
Notice that ReportSmith has placed the first and last lines of your formula into the
text window for you.
5 Enter the following formula into the Macro Formula text box:
Sub bring_up_report()
AddMenu "My Report","load_mac","File|New","This loads my report"
End Sub
Your formula tells ReportSmith to add a menu item called My Report after the
New command on the File menu.
Note
For more information on the AddMenu command, see online Help.

When you choose the My Report command, it runs a macro called LOAD_MAC.
LOAD_MAC contains the following code:
Sub load_mac()
LoadReport "c:\before.rpt",""
End Sub
LOAD_MAC tells ReportSmith to load the report called BEFORE.RPT.
6 When youve finished entering your macro formula, press OK.
Running a report from an icon

You can run a report automatically from an icon. To do this, you need to create an icon
which, when selected, starts ReportSmith and points to a specific report.
To load a report from an icon, youll create a new icon in the Windows Program
Manager.
1 In the Windows Program Manager, File|New to open the New Program Object
dialog box.
2 Choose the Program Item option and press OK. The Program Item Properties dialog
box appears.
191
3 In the Description text entry box, type text youd like to appear for your icon. For
example, you could place the name of your report here.
4 Under Command Line, enter the RPTSMITH.EXE, followed by a space and the
location of your report.
For example, you might type the following to run a report called Sales from your
MYRPTS directory:
RPTSMITH.EXE C:\MYRPTS\SALES.RPT
This command automatically starts the ReportSmith application with the sales report
loaded in it.
5 Under Working Directory, enter the directory where the ReportSmith executable is
located.
For example, you might type the following:
C:\RPTSMITH
6 Press OK and your icon appears. You can double-click on it whenever you want to
run your report. When you select the icon it runs the ReportSmith program, so you
should select the icon when ReportSmith is not running.
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Creating Reports
Chapter
11
Runtime Viewer
Chapter 11
The Runtime Viewer lets an unlimited number of users use ReportSmith without
owning the full product. Users can execute, view, and print reports, but they cannot
create or modify reports. The Runtime Viewer supports all functions that ReportSmith
performs through Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and ReportBasic, so you can create
dynamic reports that change according to your users needs.
The Runtime Viewer allows you to:
Set up dialog boxes containing options that end users can fill in to customize their
reports, such as sorting, selections, and range of records, and pass this information to
the Runtime.
Set up multiple buttons in your front-end application, such as a Print Summary
Report button or a Print Sales Report button to automatically print frequently
used reports.
Prompt for report variables, display user-defined dialog boxes, and respond to DDE
messages.
Overview
Follow these steps to set up the Runtime Viewer for your end users.
Install Runtime.
Setup necessary drivers. For Runtime to operate you need to set up the users
environment similar to the environment in which the reports were created in,
including data source names, named connections, Dynamic Data Access options and
global macros.
To make system administration easier and to ensure that Runtime operates smoothly
for the end user, set up ReportSmiths configuration files so they are compatible with
your reports.
Chapter 11, Runtime Viewer
193
Installing the Runtime Viewer

Note
Before installation, we recommend that you create backup copies of disks and that you
install Runtime using these backup copies.
To install Runtime,
1 Insert Disk 1 into your floppy drive.

2 In Windows, choose File|Run from the Program Manager. In the Run dialog box,
type A:\INSTALL (or B:\INSTALL) and choose OK.
3 Follow the instructions in the dialog boxes that appear. If you have questions about
the options in any dialog box, choose Help from that dialog box.
4 When prompted, insert the specified disk into your disk drive and press Enter. You
will be prompted to choose the type of installation you want.
5 After installation, INSTALL prompts you to open the Release Notes. They contain
important information that supersedes the printed documentation. Choose View
Release Notes to read them, or Exit to return to the Program Manager.
Note
To print the Release Notes, use a text editor (such as Notepad).

You are now ready to use ReportSmiths Runtime Viewer.
Using Runtime Viewer

To use Runtime Viewer, double-click on the Runtime Viewer icon in the ReportSmith
program group. The Runtime Viewer appears as shown here displaying a report.
The menus and toolbar contain commands that you can use to open, view, and print
reports. In the Runtime Viewer, you can:
Open multiple reports at one time.
Scroll and page through a report.
Use the Zoom buttons to view reports.
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Creating Reports
Use the Save button to export data to different file formats such as Excel, Lotus, and
ASCII text.
Set Options for the Runtime Viewer. See the following section.
Exporting data
With the Save As feature, you can export data for use in other applications. However,
you cannot save changes to the report format using the Runtime Viewer. To modify a
report, use the full ReportSmith product. To export data, use the Save button, or the
File|Save As command. Choose a file type from the List Files of Type drop-down list.
Choose a location and name for your file and choose OK.
Choose a file type
Setting options
The Runtime Viewer allows you to set Dynamic Data Access (DDA) parameters using
the File|Options command. The Options dialog box is shown below.
The options you specify here are saved in the RS_RUN.INI file in your Windows
directory.
Sample DDE code

The following example allows you to control ReportSmiths Runtime Viewer from
Delphi. Any application that can send DDE commands can also control the Runtime
Chapter 11, Runtime Viewer
195
Viewer. The following code fragment shows you how to drive Runtime using a
VisualBasic application. This code is executed when the end user presses the button
Command 1. It loads and prints MyReport.
Note
The Runtime Viewer must be running for this code to execute.

Sub Command1_Click()
q$-Chr$(34)
' Open a DDE conversation with ReportSmith's system topic.
Label.LinkTopic="RS_RUNTIME|Command"
Label1.LinkMode=2
' Send a DDE Command to ReportSmith using the Service Topic.
' The text in the DDE Command is of the form: LoadReport "MyReport.rpt","
' the second argument is used to initialize report variables.
DDECommand$="LoadReport"+q$+text1.Text+q$+","+q$+q$
' Create the command to print the report.
SecondCommand$="PrintReport0,0,"+q$+q$+","+q$+q$+","+q$+q$
' Create the command to close the report.
ThirdCommand$="CloseReport(0)"
' Multiple commands may be separated by two vertical bar characters.
DDECommand$=DDECommand$+"||"+SecondCommand$+"||"+ThirdCommand$
' Execute the command string that was built above.
Label1.LinkExecuteDDECommand$
End Sub
196
Creating Reports
Chapter
12
Creating and using a data dictionary
Chapter 12
The ReportSmith Data Dictionary allows you to present users with a simplified view of
data. You can filter your data by defining subsets of databases, connection information,
table and field aliases, headings, and groups of functionally related tables.
For example, an end user might typically use data from several SQL Server and dBASE
databases in one working session. You can create a dictionary that stores connection
information, tables and fields, aliases, defined groups, and headings for these databases.
A data dictionary allows you to:
Rename tables and fields with easily recognizable names.
Present users with a subset of the total set of tables and fields within a database to
simplify their interactions.
Present users with defined groups, so they can view various groupings of
functionally related tables.
A data dictionary can contain information about any supported data sources. However,
the data dictionary information must be stored in one of five data sources: ORACLE,
SQL Server, dBASE, SQLBase, or InterBase.
Understanding a data dictionary

A data dictionary enables you to create a unique view of information for a department
based on its reporting needs. For example, the Purchasing, Marketing, and Accounting
departments all view data based on the activity of selling. Each department has its own
needs and requires a different view of the same data. The Purchasing department needs
to see items that need to be restocked, the Marketing department needs customer
information, and the Accounting department needs invoice information.
Chapter 12, Creating and using a data dictionary
197
You can create a data dictionary that presents each department with a customized view
of the data.
Data Source A
Data Source B
Data Source C
DATA DICTIONARY
View 1 View 2 View 3
Purchasing
Marketing
Accounting
Overview
To create a data dictionary, you can:
Select File|New from the administration tool and enter a name, connection type, and
location for your dictionary.
Create a view and associate a view parent.
Choose tables and fields to include in the view.
Group related tables in the view.
Create aliases for tables and fields.
Create headings to appear on the report surface.
In ReportSmith, choose Tools|Data Dictionaries and establish a dictionary in
ReportSmith.
The items listed above are described in detail in the following sections.
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Creating Reports
The data dictionary workplace

The data dictionary workplace is shown below. Press a button at the top of the dialog
box that corresponds to the action youd like to define: Views, Tables, Groups, Aliasing,
or Headings. The dialog box below shows settings for the Tables dialog box.
Since directory information is stored in the data dictionary for local connections, make
sure the tables you add to the data dictionary are in the same place as they will be when
you use them in your production environment.
Creating a view
A view controls what the end user sees. For example, the SALES dictionary can contain
two views, East Coast and West Coast, each containing regional data. A dictionary
can contain numerous views, and you can grant access to more than one view per
department or group.
When creating a view, use the Views dialog box to perform these tasks:
Type a name for your view.
Choose a view parent.
Choosing a view parent

When creating a view, you need to choose a view parent. You have two options:
None: If you do not want to display available tables in the Tables dialog box, choose
this option. You will need to explicitly choose tables and fields in this view to display
199
in ReportSmith. This is less efficient in terms of data dictionary space usage than
Source Databases described below.
Source Databases: When you select Source Databases as the view parent, you get, by
default, all the tables and fields that are normally part of a connection. This option is
the most efficient in terms of data dictionary database usage, since entries are not
made in the data dictionary for each table or field when you want a table or field to be
visible in ReportSmith. All tables and fields are visible in ReportSmith by default,
including new tables and fields that are added at a later time. Records only get
entered into the data dictionary when tables or fields are excluded, aliased, or field
headings defined.
The illustration below shows the Views dialog box.
Enter a name
Choose a
view parent
Options in the Views dialog box are described in the following table:
Option
Description
Data Dictionary View Name

Add
Remove
Copy
The name of your view.

Add a view to the Defined Views list.
Delete a view from the Defined Views list.
Copies the currently selected view to another view. A new name is
prompted for when the command is executed. The new view can be
modified at will without changing the original view. If the view being
copied is large, this command could take some time.
Only tables and fields explicitly included in the data dictionary will be
displayed in ReportSmith.
All the tables and fields that are normally part of a connection are
included by default.
None (exclude all by default)

Source databases
(include all by default)
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Creating Reports
Adding tables and fields

After creating a view, choose the Tables button to specify tables and fields to include in
or exclude from your data dictionary. To enable the Tables button, you must first select
a View.
If youve chosen the Data Source option in the Views dialog box, establish a connection
in the normal manner, and press the Add Data Source to View button. A dialog box
appears requesting a name for the data source. The name you type for the data source
then becomes part of the data dictionary and is associated with the view, and all tables
and fields normally shown when that connection is established are available in
ReportSmith.
You can add multiple data sources to a view. Each data source you add appears in the
Data Sources combo box. Once you add a data source to a view, tables and fields for that
data source appear in black in the list boxes.
The Tables dialog box with a data source defined is shown below:
Dialog boxes contain extended selection list boxes so you can drag the mouse to select
more than one item in a list. To select separate items in a list, use Ctrl+click. When
scrolling through a list, associated list boxes scroll in tandem with you.
Options in the Tables dialog box using the Data Source option are described in the
following table:
Option
Description
Source Database
Delete Source
Add Source Database to View
A name for the data source associated with this view.

Select the data source and press Delete Source to remove it.
Press this button to add a data source to the view.
201
Option
Description
Server Connect
Remote connections require that you click on server connect after

selecting the Type.
List of tables or fields from which you can choose. The contents of this
list varies depending on the option selected: Tables or Fields.
Directory location of table.
Type of database.
Use this list box to navigate to a drive.
Choose a named connection from the list to associate it with this view.
Choose this option to display a list of tables in the dialog box.
Choose this option to display a list of fields in the dialog box.
Press this button to include the selected tables in this view.
Press this button to exclude the selected tables from this view.
Include all tables or fields in this view.
Exclude all tables or fields from this view.
Press this button to set the state of the selected tables as they were when
the data source was added to the view.
Press this button to set the state of all listed tables as they were when the
data source was added to the view.
Files
Directories
Type
Drives
Connections
Tables
Fields
Include
Exclude
Include All
Exclude All
Table Defaults
Default All Tables
Right mouse button menus are generally available over the list boxes, and are a
convenient alternative to the push buttons.
The Tables dialog box that appears using the None option is shown below:
Choose an
option to display
tables or fields
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Creating Reports
Options in the dialog box are the same as those described in the previous table and
include the following options:
Option
Description
Add All Tables to View
This causes all the tables in the Files or Tables list box to be added to the
view. It also adds the fields in the tables to the view. Added tables and
fields are displayed in black. If you just want to add the tables but not the
fields to the view, select Include All Tables.
Displays the list of table owners for this connection.
This causes the selected tables in the Files or Tables list box to be added to
the view. It also adds the fields in the tables to the view. Added fields are
displayed in black. If you just want to add the tables but not the fields to
the view, select Include Tables.
This is a list of the servers found in the ReportSmith connection file. When
making a connection to a remote server, selecting the Type, then the
Server, and then clicking on the Server Connect button causes a
connection to be made. It is more efficient, however, to set up a named
connection with all this information. The named connection will then be
listed in the Connections combo box.
This is a list of the available databases for this connection.
Table Owners
Add Selected Tables to View
Servers
Databases
Creating groups
Use the Groups to group related tables together. This filters what appears in the Table
Open dialog box in ReportSmith. The Groups dialog box is shown below:
203
Options that appear in the Groups dialog box are described in the following table:
Option
Description
Group
Groups List
Add
Enter a name for the group into this text entry box.
Groups you create appear in this list.
Enter a name for the group into the text entry box and choose Add to place it into the
Groups list.
Select a group to delete and choose Remove.
Select tables by which to group and choose Include to include them in a group.
Select one or more tables and choose Exclude to exclude it from a group.
Choose Include All to include all available tables in a group.
Choose Exclude All to exclude all tables from a group.
Remove
Include
Exclude
Include All
Exclude All
Assigning aliases
You can change the field or table name to display a name that pertains to a specific view.
An alias is another name for a field or table, usually one that is easily recognizable by the
department using the view. For example, the Purchasing Department might use the
Vendors table aliased as Sellers, while the Production Department might use the same
with the alias Suppliers.
To assign aliases, choose the Aliasing button to use the Aliasing dialog box, shown
below.
Dialog boxes contain extended selection list boxes so you can drag the mouse to select
more than one item in a list. To select separate items in a list, Ctrl+click. When scrolling
through a list, associated list boxes scroll in tandem with you.
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Creating Reports
Options that appear in the Tables dialog box are described in the following table:
Option
Description
Tables
Table Aliases
Fields
Disable List box
Select a table to which you want to assign an alias.

Table aliases appear in this list box beside their corresponding tables.
Select a field from this list to which you want to assign an alias.
Select this check box to disable the loading of fields in the Fields list box. This
improves performance of this administrative tool when defining table aliases.
Field aliases appear in this list box beside their corresponding fields.
Select a table or field and press this button to remove its alias.
After you enter a table or field alias, press Assign Aliases to add it to the Aliases list
or press Enter.
Field Aliases
Remove Aliases
Assign Aliases
This dialog is designed with the touch typist in mind. When a single table or field is
selected, the input focus is moved to the alias edit window. Then, after the alias is
defined, press Enter to assign it to the field and to select the next item in the list. Also, if
you have a long list of tables or fields, when you get near the bottom of the list, the list
boxes start scrolling automatically.
Creating headings
A heading consists of text that appears at the top of a column as the column label.
Choose the Headings button to create a heading. Headings appear in place of aliases or
field names. You may use spaces.
For example, suppose you have a field, CSTMR_ID, that you would like to appear on
the report surface as Customer ID. You would assign this heading in the Headings
dialog box, shown below.
205
Options in the Headings dialog box are described in the following table:
Option
Description
Tables
Fields
Select a table which contains fields to which you want to assign headings.
A list of fields and/or their aliases associated with the selected table appears in
this list.
The heading assigned to a field appears beside it in this list.
Select a heading and press Remove Heading to delete it from the list.
Select a field and type a heading for it into the text entry box. Choose Assign
Heading to add it to the Headings list, or just press Enter.
Heading
Remove Heading
Assign Heading
Copying a view
The amount of work involved in setting up a view can be considerable. It is possible that
every table and field will need to be renamed and redefined. In addition, when setting
up additional users, it is likely that a view will vary only slightly from an existing view.
For this reason, the data dictionary supports the ability to copy views.
To copy a view,
1 Select a view in the Views dialog box.

2 Choose the Copy button. You will be prompted to enter a view name to which youd
like to copy the view. Enter the name of the new view and choose OK. The new view
appears in the list box containing the view names. You can modify the new view
without changing the original view.
Using a data dictionary from ReportSmith

To enable the use of a data dictionary in ReportSmith you must do the following things,
all of which define the contents of the RS_DD.INI file that resides in your Windows
directory:
Add an entry in the RS_DD.INI file for each dictionary you wish to enable for a user.
This is done automatically by the administrative tool when you create a dictionary. It
can also be done from ReportSmith using the Tools|Data Dictionaries dialog box and
choosing Add.
Set the view for that dictionary. This puts an entry in the RS_DD.INI file for that
dictionary. To set a view, select the Set View button from the Tools|Data Dictionaries
dialog box.
Associate that dictionary with various connections. This puts entries in the
[Connections] section of the RS_DD.INI file. To associate a dictionary with a
connection, select the Associate button from the Tools|Data Dictionaries dialog box.
Whenever the user chooses the connection within ReportSmith, the specified data
dictionary and view are automatically used.
After you have enabled the use of your dictionary by following the above steps, you
can set up additional users by distributing the RS_DD.INI file to each user, or use the
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Creating Reports
Tools|Data Dictionaries command from ReportSmith on each machine for which they
wish to enable data dictionary usage.
Creating a sample data dictionary

This tutorial shows you how to create a data dictionary using the sample dBASE tables
in the VIDEO directory, unless you placed them elsewhere during installation. In this
exercise you will create a data dictionary called Sales that contains a view for the
Purchasing Department.
Note
Make sure you have installed the sample tables.

Double-click on the ReportSmith Data Dictionary icon to open the Data Dictionary. In
the Startup dialog, choose I want to make a new data dictionary and press OK. Or,
choose File|New Dictionary.
Type SALES into the Create Data Dictionary dialog and press OK. This is the name of
your data dictionary.
In the Data Dictionary Location dialog box, choose the type and navigate to the
location in which you want to place the data dictionary. This defines the location of
the data dictionary tables. Choose OK.
In the Views dialog box, type Purchasing in the text entry box. This is the name of
your view.
While you are still in the Views dialog box, choose the Source Databases option.
207
Press Add to place the view name into the Defined Views list box.
In the Tables dialog box, press the Add Source Database to View button and type a
name for the data source into the Database Source Name box. This is a connection
that you have declared to be a part of the data dictionary. The name can reflect the
connection and directory which the data source points to. Type dBASE - VIDEO
into the text entry box and press OK to return to the Tables dialog box.
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Creating Reports
Select the Tables or Fields option in the lower right portion of the dialog box. Choose
tables and fields to display in your view by selecting tables or fields, right-clicking the
mouse, and choosing an option from the pop-up menu, or by pressing the Include
button.
In the Groups dialog box, type a name that pertains to your group into the text entry
box, Purchasing, and press Add. Choose one or more tables from the Tables list
box to include in the group, as shown above. Choose Include Tables.
In the Aliasing dialog box you can create table and field aliases that are easily
recognizable to a particular department. Select a table or field and type an alias
(without spaces) into the text entry box, as shown in the following illustration. An
alias appears in ReportSmith in place of the field or table name. If you do not enter an
alias, the table or field name appears. To assign an alias, select a field or table, type an
alias into the text entry box and press Enter or choose the Assign Alias button.
Use the Headings dialog box to create headings that appear on the report surface.
You may use spaces in heading names, as shown in the following illustration. If you
do not enter a heading for a field, the alias or field name appears in place of the
column label on your report.
After you have created the dictionary, exit the Data Dictionary and open
ReportSmith. You can not open ReportSmith and a Data Dictionary at the same time.
In ReportSmith, choose Tools|Data Dictionaries to see the Data Dictionaries dialog
box.
Select the Data Dictionary you created (SALES-Purchasing) and press the
Associate button. Associating a data dictionary means that whenever the end user
uses a certain connection, for example, dBASE, ReportSmith uses the information
specified in the Data Dictionary.
Select a connection to which you want to associate the Data Dictionary. In this
example we selected the dBASE (ODBC) connection named SALES. It points to the
C:\RPTSMITH\VIDEO directory.
After you have chosen a connection, press OK. Establish the dictionary in
ReportSmith using the Tools|Data Dictionaries command.
209
You are now set up to use the SALES dictionary each time you choose the SALES
connection in ReportSmith.
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Creating Reports
Appendix
A
Using ReportSmith with
other applications
Appendix A
You can use ReportSmith with other Windows applications, combining your work from
several products into one application. ReportSmith supports this function through
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). DDE lets
you call ReportSmith from another application, and vice versa. OLE lets you include
objects from other applications in your ReportSmith reports.
This appendix describes both methods (OLE and DDE), and presents examples for each,
including the following topics:
Using DDE
Initiating DDE conversations

Starting ReportSmith from another application
Sending menu commands to ReportSmith
DDE synchronization
Using OLE 2.0

Dragging information between applications
Using DDE
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) allows two Windows applications to communicate by
sending and receiving data and commands.
ReportSmith can be either a DDE client or a DDE server. A client application makes
requests of another Windows application. In turn, a server application responds to
requests from another application. Requests can be commands or requests for specific
data.
Appendix A, Using ReportSmith with other applications
211
With ReportSmith, you can execute menu commands by Dynamic Data Exchange
(DDE) command from another Microsoft Windows application. DDE is a protocol for
Microsoft Windows that enables two applications to talk to each other. For example,
using DDE, an application can tell ReportSmith to open and print a report, leaving
ReportSmith minimized. This allows another application to present its user interface for
printing previously built reports.
Initiating DDE conversations

Two applications using DDE to pass commands are having a DDE conversation. DDE
establishes a channel between the two applications to transmit information. As shown
in the illustration below, the DDE client is the application that initiates the conversation.
The DDE server is the application that responds to the DDE client. ReportSmith can
function as a client or a server.
Client
Sends DDE command
Server
Responds to DDE command
To begin a DDE conversation, your code must specify:

The name of the server to talk to (the application name.)
The topic of the conversation (the system or command topic.)
The items to be performed.
When ReportSmith receives a request for a conversation about a topic, it opens a
channel. Once you establish a DDE conversation, you cant change topics or
applications. To begin a conversation with a different server or with the same server
about a different topic, you must start a new conversation on a different channel.
After a conversation has begun, the two applications exchange messages concerning
particular items. An item is usually a reference to a piece of data in the topic. Items vary
from topic to topic; each server recognizes different topics. ReportSmith supports the
System topic for passing menu commands. It also supports the Command topic for
passing ReportBasic commands.
Applications
Every Windows-based application that can participate in DDE conversations has a
unique application (or app) name. The table below shows the app names for some
common Windows applications:
212
Application
App name
ReportSmith
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
ReportSmith
MSAccess
Excel
Creating Reports
Application
App name
Program Manager
Word for Windows
ReportSmith Runtime
Progman
WinWord
RS_Runtime
Topics
A topic defines the subject of the DDE conversation and represents some unit of data
meaningful to the DDE server application. ReportSmith supports the System topic and
the Command topic, as well as user-defined topics.
Items
An item is a reference to a piece of data or, in ReportSmiths case, a command to execute.
For example, an item could be a menu command such as File|Open or a ReportBasic
command such as LoadReport.
Note
Strings used for the application name, topic, or item in a DDE conversation arent casesensitive.
Calling ReportSmith
To start ReportSmith from another application:
1 First you must start ReportSmith from within another application. For example, the
following Delphi code starts ReportSmith(minimized and without focus):
x = Shell("c:\rptsmith\rptsmith.exe", 6)
2 You can now execute DDE conversations.

Note
Examples of this are shown in the following sections.
Calling another application

ReportSmith can act as a DDE client. Other Windows applications may be called from a
ReportSmith macro using the Report Basic language. The commands used are listed
below.
Report Basic Command
Description
DdeExecute
DdePoke
DdeRequest
Send a DDE execute command to a DDE server application.

Poke data to a DDE server application.
Get data from a DDE server application.
Refer to the online Help for details on the commands used to call other applications.
213
Sending menu commands

The syntax for a DDE command in ReportSmith consists of the main menu name, a
vertical bar, the menu item, and, optionally, a list of parameters enclosed within
parenthesis.
The illustration below identifies the parts of a DDE command:
view|zoom ( )
Menu name
Command name
You can also specify the option you want to use in the DDE command. For example, if
you want your application to magnify the object in its window up to 150%, you enter the
DDE command as follows:
view|zoom(150)
Following are examples of some other commands:
File|Open(BASIC.RPT)
File|Close
File|Print
View|Zoom(150)
You can send a command to ReportSmith using the following Delphi code examples.
DDE synchronization
The following code is an example of utilizing DDE synchronization to set up a
conversation between Delphi and ReportSmith to tell ReportSmith to display a message.
unit DDEtest;
interface
uses
SysUtils, WinTypes, WinProcs, Messages, Classes, Graphics, Controls, Forms, Dialogs,
StdCtrls, DDEMan;
type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
DDEClientConv1: TDDEClientConv;
Button1: TButton;
Label1: TLabel;
procedure Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
procedure FormCreate(Sender: Tobject);
private
{ Private declarations }
public
{ Public declarations }
end;
var
Form1: TForm1;
214
Creating Reports
implementation
{$R *.DFM}
procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
Var
DDECommand
:PChar;
Success
:Boolean;
RS_Window_Handle
:HWND;
LoadReportDone
:Boolean;
begin
{* Set up DDE Client conversation *}
DDEClientConv1.DDEService := RS_RunTime;
DDEClientConv1.DDETopic
:= Command;
DDEClientConv1.ServiceApplication := RS_RUN;
{* allocate enough space for null-terminated DDE Command string * }
DDECommand
:= StrAlloc(256);
{* Copy command from Pascal string into DDE Command buffer *}
StrPCopy(DDECommand, MsgBox Hello); }
{* Execute DDE command to cause ReportSmith to bring up a message box *}
Success
:= DDEClientConv1.ExecuteMacro(DDECommand, TRUE);
end;
procedure TForm1.FormCreate(Sender:
TObject);
begin
{* change caption of the form and button *}
Caption
:= Delphi - ReportSmith DDE Example;
Button1.Caption := Execute DDE command;
end;
end
Using OLE 2.0

You can include information or objects created in other Windows applications in your
report with ReportSmiths linking and embedding (OLE) features. For example, a
ReportSmith report can contain a Lotus worksheet, or a Microsoft Word document, or
an Excel spreadsheet; these are all examples of objects. To access a linked document
within the application it was created in, double-click an icon representing the object
in your report. For example, a report with an embedded Microsoft Word document
215
displays the Microsoft Word icon on the report. When you double-click on the icon, the
Word document appears.
Double-click the
icon to open the
associated file
The main difference between linking and embedding an object is where you store the
data. When you embed an object in a report you are inserting information into that
report. Embedded objects become a part of the report itself. When you link an object
to your report, the report stores just the location of the object and displays a
representation of the linked data such as an icon. Linked objects are stored in a source
file and retain a connection to the original Windows application.
Use embedding to include information that becomes a part of the report and is always
available, even if the original source file is absent or moved. You can also use
embedding to include a file that may not always be available, such as a file residing on a
network.
Use linking to include data in your report that is maintained in a separate file and to
save space. The ReportSmith report will reflect any changes made to the source file and
always displays the last-saved version. Also, you can use linking to include a very large
file such as a video or sound object in your report.
Embedding objects in a report

To embed an existing object from another application:
1 Create and save the object in its application.

2 Select the object, and use Edit|Copy to copy it to the Clipboard.
3 Return to ReportSmith by minimizing the application or clicking outside the
application window.
4 Select Edit|Paste.
5 With the mouse, position the Object cursor within the header or footer where you
want to place the object. Left-click the mouse. ReportSmith places the object where
you clicked in the report.
6 Double-click the header or footer if the object exceeds its boundaries. A box with
sizing handles surrounds the header or footer. Click and drag one of the corner
216
Creating Reports
handles until you can see the entire object within the header or footer boundaries,
then release the mouse button.
To create an object and embed it in a report:
1 In ReportSmith, select Insert|Object. The Insert Object dialog box appears.

ReportSmith can accept and embed objects from any applications you have installed
on your workstation that fully support OLE. In this example, well insert a Microsoft
Graph into the page header of our report.
2 Double-click the application you want to use to create the object from the Object Type
list box. Alternatively, select the application you want to use and click the OK button.
The Object cursor appears.
want to place the object.
4 Left-click the mouse. The application opens so you can create the object youll embed
in the report. Since we chose Microsoft Graph, Microsoft Graph opens.
5 Create the object.
6 Select the applications Update or Return command from the File menu. ReportSmith
places the object where you click in the report. Click to select the header or footer if
the object exceeds its boundaries. Click and drag one of the four-corner handles until
you can see the entire object within the header or footer boundaries, then release the
mouse button.
The object appears

where you drop it
Editing an embedded object

To edit an object, double-click on the object itself or on the icon representing it. In many
cases, the object is opened in the application in which it was created. You can edit the
object in a separate window, or the applications menu, toolbar and ribbon temporarily
takes the place of ReportSmiths in the original window. The latter is called in-place
activation. To exit back to ReportSmith, choose exit from the file menu of the application.
To edit an embedded object:
1 Double-click the object and ReportSmith opens the application so you can see the
object you want to edit, or single-click the object to select it.
217
2 Select Edit|Object.
Note
The application name appears on the Edit menu, along with the Object command.
For example, Edit Microsoft Graph Object appears as the command name if the object
you select was created in Microsoft Graph. ReportSmith opens the application and
displays the selected object you want to edit.
3 Edit the object.

4 Select the applications Update command from the File menu when you finish
editing and close the application.
Linking objects to a report

To create a link to an object from another application:
1 Create and save the object in its application.

2 Select the object and copy it to the Clipboard with the Copy command on the Edit
menu.
3 Return to the report by minimizing the application or clicking outside the application
window.
Note
Dont close the application from which youre copying the object until youve selected
the Paste Link command. If you close it before, Paste Link command wont be available
on the Edit menu.
1 Select the Paste Link command on the Edit menu.

want to place the object. Click the mouse to place the object in the report and create a
link to the original file in the application. The next time you open your report,
ReportSmith asks if you want to reestablish the links for the report. If you do, answer
yes. ReportSmith updates the object if there have been changes.
To edit a link:
1 Select Edit|Edit Links to open the Links dialog box.

2 Click the link you want to edit in the Links list box. Choose the Update option you
want to use for the link you selected in the Links list box.
Click Manual if you dont want ReportSmith to automatically update the object
when you open your report.
Click Automatic if you want ReportSmith to automatically update the object when
you open your report.
3 Press the Update Now button if you have Manual set as the Update option and you
want to update the object or if the report the object is in was open when changes were
made to the original file. ReportSmith updates the object.
To cancel a link:
218
Creating Reports
1 From the Edit menu choose Edit Links. The Links dialog box appears. The Edit Links
command is available only if youve created links. If you havent, the command is
dimmed on the Edit menu.
2 Click the link you want to cancel in the Links list box.
3 Press the Cancel Link button. ReportSmith cancels the link and the Links options for
that link are dimmed.
To change the location of a link:
1 Select the Edit Links command from the Edit menu. The Links dialog box appears.
The Edit Links command is available only if youve created links. If you havent, the
command is dimmed on the Edit menu.
2 Click the link you moved to a new location.
3 Press the Change Link button. The Change Link dialog box appears.
4 Type in the new path for the linked object. ReportSmith changes the link so it can
continue to update the object if any changes are made.
Dragging data between applications

With ReportSmith, you can drag and drop data or objects from one application to
another. However, in order to use this feature your other application must support OLE
Version 2.0.
To copy data from one application to another:
1 Open ReportSmith and display your report.

2 Open the other application and display it on screen along with ReportSmith. To do
this, use the Windows|Tile command.
Note
It is important that both applications be displayed on screen at the same time.
1 Select the object you want to copy.

2 Drag it across into the other application and drop it into place. ReportSmith copies
the object from the first application and copies it into the second application.
To copy an object to the cursor position in an application:
1 Position the cursor where you want to place the object.

2 In the other application, select the object you want to place.
3 Holding the Shift key, drag and drop the object into the receiving application.
The object appears in the receiving application.
To move an object from one application to another:
1 Select the object you want to move.

2 Holding the Ctrl key, drag the object into the receiving application. ReportSmith cuts
the object, removing it from the first application and pasting it into the second.
219
220
Creating Reports
Appendix
B
Macro reference
Appendix B
This reference chapter consists of two sections:

Macro object reference lists and describes the events to which you can link a macro,
such as Application Start Up. It also describes basic macro conventions and data
types for variables.
Command reference lists and describes each ReportBasic and DataSet Control
command and SoftBridge Basic commands you can use to build ReportSmith macros.
Macro object reference

You can link macros to events. An event is some action in ReportSmith that can trigger
the execution of a macro. This section lists and describe the available events. They are
categorized according to the three object types to which you can link a macro: the
application object for global macros, the report object, and the data field object for report
macros.
For a conceptual understanding of macros and how they link to objects and events, see
Introduction to macros on page 159.
Note
You link macros to events and objects using the Macro Links dialog box.
Basic conventions
When evaluating expressions, ReportBasic gives precedence to operators. To override
the default precedence you can use parentheses. The following table describes each
Appendix B, Macro reference
221
operator. The operators are listed in order of precedence; the first operator is the first to
be evaluated.
Expression
Description
()
.
Array element.
Record memberthe left operand must be a record variable, and the right operand
must be the name of a field.
Implicationoperands can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise.
(A Imp B) is the same as ((Not A) OR B ().
Equivalenceoperands can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise.
(A Eqv B) is the same as (Not (A X or B)).
Exclusive Oroperands can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise.
Inclusive Oroperands can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise.
Andoperands can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise.
Unary Notoperand can be Integer or Long. The operation is performed bitwise
(ones complement).
sequence used by the language specified by the user using the Windows Control
Panel. The result is 0 for FALSE and 1 for TRUE.
Numeric addition and subtraction. The + operator is also used for string
concatenation.
Modulus or Remainder. The operands can be Integer or Long.
Integer division. The operands can be Integer or Long.
Numeric multiplication or division. For division, the result is a Double.
Unary minus and plus.
Exponentiation.
Imp
Eqv
Xor
Or
And
Not
>, <, =, <=, >=, <>
, +
Mod
\
*, /
,+
^
Variable data types

A variable declared inside of a procedure has scope local to that procedure. A variable
declared outside of a procedure has scope local to the module. It is permissible for a
procedure to declare a variable with a name that matches a module variable. When this
happens, the module variable is not accessible by the procedure.
The Shared keyword is included for backward compatibility with older versions of
Basic. It is not allowed in Dim statements inside of a procedure. It has no effect.
Basic allows a variable to be automatically declared, without the use of a Dim statement.
If a variable is first used with a type character as a suffix to its name, the variable is
automatically declared to be a local variable of the specified type. If no type character is
specified, the variable is automatically declared to be a local variable of type Double. It is
considered good programming practice to declare all variables and not make use of this
feature. It is also recommended that you place all procedure-level Dim statements at the
beginning of the procedure.
222
Creating Reports
Numbers
The four numeric types are:
Type
Range
Integer
Long
Single
Double
From 32,768 to 32,767

From 2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647
From 3.402823e+38 to 1.401298e45, 0.0, 1.401298e45 to 3.402823466e+38
From 1.797693134862315d+308 to 4.94065645841247d308, 0.0,
2.2250738585072014d308 to 1.797693134862315d+308
Numeric values are always signed.

Basic has no true boolean variables. Basic considers 0 to be FALSE and any other
numeric value to be TRUE. Only numeric values can be used as booleans. Comparison
operator expressions always return 0 for FALSE and 1 for TRUE.
Integer constants can be expressed in decimal, octal, or hexadecimal notation. Decimal
constants are expressed by simply using the decimal representation. To represent an
octal value, precede the constant with &O or &o (e.g., &o177). To represent a
hexadecimal value, precede the constant with &H or &h (e.g., &H8001).
Example
NumberVar = 5
Strings
Basic strings can be either fixed or dynamic. Fixed strings have a length specified when
they are defined. The length cannot be changed. Fixed strings cannot be 0 length.
Dynamic strings have no specified length. Any string can vary in length from 0 to 32,767
characters. There are no restrictions on the characters which can be included in a string.
For example, the character whose ANSI value is 0 can be embedded in strings. Local
string variable names require a $ at the end of the name of the variable.
Example
MyStringVar$ = "A text string or field"
Records
Record variables are declared by using an As clause and a typeName which has
previously been defined using the Type statement.
The syntax for Records looks like this:
Dim variableName As typeName
Records are made up of a collection of data elements called fields. These fields can be of
any numeric, string, or previously-defined record type.
For details on accessing fields within a record see Type statement on page 354.
Arrays
Arrays are created by specifying one or more subscripts at declaration or Redim time.
Subscripts specifies the beginning and ending index for each dimension. If only an
223
ending index is specified, the properties of the beginning index are based on the Option
Base setting. Array elements are referenced by enclosing the proper number of index
values in parentheses after the array name, for example, arrayname(i,j,k).
The syntax for Arrays can be either of the following:
Dim variable( [ subscriptRange, ... ] ) As typeName
Dim variable_with_suffix([ subscriptRange, ... ])
where subscriptRange is of the format:

[ startSubscript To ] endSubscript
For more information, see Dim statement on page 307.
Example
Dim DS as DataSet 'Declare a DataSet
Dim A(5,2) 'Declare an array
Dim A as Integer 'Declare a variable
Application Data Types (ADTs)

Application Data Types are specific to each application that embeds the macro
language. ADT variables have the appearance of standard Basic records. The main
difference is that they can be dynamic; creating, modifying or querying the ADT or its
elements causes application-specific actions to occur. ADT variables and arrays are
declared just like any other variable, using the Dim or Global statements.
Dialog box records

Dialog box records look like any other user-defined data type. Elements are referenced
using the same recname.elementname syntax. The difference is that each element is tied
to an element of a dialog box. Some dialog boxes are defined by the application, others
by the user.
For more information, see Begin Dialog ... End Dialog statement on page 293.
Conversions
Basic automatically converts data between any two numeric types. When converting
from a larger type to a smaller type (for example, Long to Integer), a runtime numeric
overflow can occur. This indicates that the number of the larger type is too large for the
target data type. Loss of precision is not a runtime error (for example, when converting
from Double to Single, or from either float type to either integer type.)
Basic also automatically converts between fixed strings and dynamic strings. When
converting a fixed string to dynamic, a dynamic string which has the same length and
contents as the fixed string is created. When converting from a dynamic string to a fixed
string, some adjustment can be required. If the dynamic string is shorter than the fixed
string, the resulting fixed string is extended with spaces. If the dynamic string is longer
than the fixed string, the resulting fixed string is a truncated version of the dynamic
string. No runtime errors are caused by string conversions.
224
Creating Reports
No other implicit conversions are supported. In particular, Basic does not automatically
convert between numeric and string data. Use the functions Val and Str$ for such
conversions.
Trappable errors
This table lists the runtime errors which the macro language returns.
These errors can be trapped by the On Error statement on page 337. The Err
function on page 313 can be used to query the error code, and the Error$ function on
page 314 can be used to query the error text.
Error
code
Error text
Error
code
Error text
5
6
7
9
10
11
14
19
20
28
35
48
52
53
54
55
58
61
Illegal function call

Overflow
Out of memory
Subscript out of range
Duplicate definition
Division by zero
Out of string space
No resume
Resume without error
Out of stack space
Sub or function not defined
Error in loading DLL
Bad file name or number
File not found
Bad file mode
File already open
File already exists
Disk full
62
63
64
68
71
74
75
76
102
901
902
903
904
905
906
907
908
910
Input past end of file

Bad record number
Bad file name
Device unavailable
Disk not ready
Cant rename with different drive
Path/File access error
Path not found
Command failed
Input buffer would be larger than 64K
Operating system error
External procedure not found
Global variable type mismatch
User-defined type mismatch
External procedure interface mismatch
Push-button required
Module has no MAIN
Dialog box not declared
Application events
You can link a macro to an action, such as the keystroke event, Ctrl+R, or to an event that
coincides with report loading. You cannot link application macros to report events. For
information on how to link events to specific reports, refer to Report Events on
page 230.
The following sections describe each application event and provide specific scenarios
for real-world applications.
225
KeyStroke
When you link a macro to the KeyStroke event, it can be tied to any key or key
combination on your keyboard. A macro linked to the KeyStroke event runs when you
press the key or key combination you specify.
For example, suppose you want to link a macro to the keystroke, Ctrl+R, so that whenever
you press Ctrl+R, ReportSmith loads a report that you work on often.
If the active report has a report macro linked to the same keystroke, then that report
macro is executed first (see KeyStroke on page 226).
Before new report

A macro linked to this event runs after you choose File|New (or press the New button
to create a new report), but before you choose the tables that you want to include in the
report. This event lets you perform tasks, such as verifying that a user has permission to
create reports.
For example, you can have a global macro display a dialog box that prompts for a
password. If the passwords correct, you can let the user continue with the New
operation. If its incorrect, you can cancel the New operation and display an informative
message describing why the operation is canceled.
After new report

A macro linked to this event runs after you choose File|New to create a new report and
after ReportSmith executes a query based on the tables you choose in this report. You
might want to link to this event to change the default configuration for new reports.
For example, you can specify the display mode (draft or presentation), turn the report
boundaries on or off, turn the grid on or off, and so on.
You can also link to this event to send DDE commands to another Windows application.
For example, suppose you are using PowerBuilder to drive ReportSmith, and
PowerBuilders role is to provide filename conventions. You can link a global macro to
this event and send a DDE message to PowerBuilder informing it to save all new reports
using the filenames it generates.
Application start up
A macro linked to this event runs immediately after you click the ReportSmith icon to
open the application and after ReportSmith displays its splash screen. You can link a
macro to this event to change the default ReportSmith environment or perform other
tasks before you open ReportSmith.
For example, you can add new menu items, disable or remove existing menu items, load
the reports you use on a daily basis, or execute a menu command, such as New or Open
on the File menu.
You can also launch other Windows applications simultaneously, such as Visual Basic,
Excel, and PowerBuilder.
226
Creating Reports
Before executing SQL

This event occurs each time ReportSmith generates a SQL statement, before that
statement executes. You can use it to allow a macro to obtain a copy of the ReportSmith
SQL statement each time it changes.
Note
You can retrieve the last SQL statement using the GetSQL function.
In rare cases, you might find it necessary to modify the ReportSmith SQL statement. To
do this, you can use the macro command, SetSQL, to replace the string generated by
ReportSmith.
Note
Do not modify the query in the Before Executing SQL event. Instead, use the DataSet
Control methods (such as SetUserSQL, AddTable, and IncludeFields). Changes made
during the Before Executing SQL event are lost the next time you generate a SQL
statement. Use the SetSQL command with caution. Use it to make small changes to the
SQL statement to support servers which have unusual or non-standard SQL
requirements.
Before report print

A macro linked to this event runs after you select Print from the File menu, but before
the report is actually sent to the printer. You can link a macro to this event when you
want to perform print-related tasks.
For example, you can have a macro display a dialog box that specifies the printer being
used. Or you might want to display an interactive dialog box that lets the user enter
printer parameters, such as margin specifications, number of copies, page orientation,
paper size, and so on.
You can also link a macro to this event to warn users when a report is large, and then
have the macro display a dialog box that gives them the opportunity to cancel the print.
Before report load

A macro linked to this event runs after you select Open from the File menu and after
you select an .RPT file from the Open Report dialog box. However, it runs before
ReportSmith actually opens and displays the corresponding report. You can use this
event to determine if the report can actually open.
For example, suppose you want to insure that a user has only one .RPT file open at a
given time. You can create a global macro and link it to this event so that it saves and
closes all active reports before allowing any new report to be opened.
After report load

A macro linked to this event runs after you select a report using File|Open, and after
ReportSmith actually opens and displays the selected report.
You can display all reports in draft mode by creating a macro that turns draft mode on
when a report is opened.
227
Or suppose you want to keep track of all report files opened by a given user. A macro
linked to this event can identify the title of each report and write its title and the time it
was opened in an ASCII file.
Before report save

A macro linked to this event runs after you select Save (or Save As) from the File menu,
but before ReportSmith actually saves the active report in an .RPT file. If this is your first
time saving the report or if youre saving an existing report under a different name, the
macro runs before the dialog box prompts you for a filename.
For example, by linking a macro to this event, you can prevent a user from overriding
certain .RPT files that you dont want modified. Suppose you want to prevent users
from modifying all reports created in the month of May. Simply have the macro display
a message indicating that the report cant be modified whenever a user attempts to
modify and save a May report, and then cancel the Save (or Save As) operation. In a
similar way, you can use this event to verify sufficient disk space, and then display a
warning message if sufficient disk space is unavailable.
After report save

A macro linked to this event runs after you select Save (or Save As) from the File menu
and after ReportSmith saves the active report in an .RPT file. A macro linked to this
event can for example, close reports immediately after ReportSmith saves them. In a
similar way, you can use this event to automatically create backup copies of saved
reports in a backup directory.
Before application close

A macro linked to this event runs after you select Exit from the File menu to close
ReportSmith, but before ReportSmith actually closes. You can link a macro to this event
for tasks such as preventing ReportSmith from closing under certain circumstances.
For example, you might not want ReportSmith to close if a driving application, such as
PowerBuilder, is still open. In this case, you can have a macro cancel the close, and then
display a message informing the user to close the driving application first.
You could also link a macro to this event to automatically save all open reports before
ReportSmith closes, rather than have ReportSmith prompt the user to save each open
report individually.
On SQL Error
Each time a SQL execution error occurs, the On SQL Error event is triggered. A macro
linked to this event can execute the LastError function to retrieve error text (usually
from an ODBC driver). It can attempt to fix the error by changing the report query from
which it originated. If that macro executes a ResumeEvent command with an argument
of 0, the FixReport dialog box will not appear and the SQL re-executes.
228
Creating Reports
Note
If the macro does not correct the error in FixReport, this event is called again. Use
caution when using ResumeEvent 0 to avoid being caught in an endless loop.
New File Icon Click

This event is called when the suer presses the New Report button on the toolbar. A
macro linked to this event can call ResumeEvent command passing a 0 (FALSE) value
which would cause the regular new report processing to be aborted. This might be done
to replace the standard new report behavior with custom behavior, defined by a macro.
SQL Icon Click

This event is called when the user selects the SQL button on the toolbar. A macro linked
to this event can call ResumeEvent command passing a 0 (FALSE) value, which would
cause the regular SQL processing to be aborted. This might be done to replace the
standard SQL viewing/editing behavior with custom behavior defined by a macro.
After Report Connects

This event is called after a report connects, before ReportSmith executes the report
query. It is the application level version of the report event, Before Report Open. This
event is useful for macros that wish to modify a reports query before it is run. A dataset
control object could be associated with a loading report with the .SetFromLoading
command.
Before Report Close

This event is called before a report closes.
After Report Close

This event is called after a report closes.
Creation Events
Creation Events can be linked to two objects: Group Header and Group Footer. When
you link a macro to the Header/Footer creation event, you must choose the grouping
level of the header or footer to which you want to link.
A macro linked to these events can call the ResumeEvent command with an argument
of 0 to suppress the creation of an individual group header or footer based on the data in
the report.
229
Report Events
A report macro is linked to a specific report and becomes a part of that report. You link
report macros to report events.
Note
To link events to the ReportSmith application or to reports in general, see Application

events on page 225.
The following section describes each report event and provides specific scenarios to
show you how to use them in common reports.
KeyStroke
A macro linked to the KeyStroke event runs when you press the key or key combination
you specify, and the report to which the macro is also linked is the active report.
Note
If the active report has a report macro linked to the same keystroke, the report macro is
executed first. If the report macro is intended to replace the application macro (linked to
the same keystroke), the report macro should call the ResumeEvent command passing a
value of zero (false). In effect, the ResumeEvent code tells ReportSmith it should not
execute other processes normally tied to that event.
A KeyStroke event linked to a report macro overrides one that is linked to a global
macro.
For more detailed information and for examples of how you can use the KeyStroke
event, refer to KeyStroke on page 226.
Before report open

A macro linked to this event runs after you open a specific report, but before
ReportSmith executes the query to run the report. You can use this event to
automatically set report variables for the reports selection criteria.
Report variables let you create dialog boxes that prompt users for query values before a
report is run. If you create a macro that sets report variables automatically, ReportSmith
knows not to display the dialog box.
If the macro linked to this event calls the set report variable command (refer to
SetRepVar on page 260), it sets the report variables for the report being loaded, rather
than the active report.
After report open

A macro linked to this event runs after you open the specific report that the macro is
linked to, and after ReportSmith runs the query and displays the report. You can use
this event to trigger an action immediately after the report opens.
For example, you can automatically send a specific report to the printer after it first
opens. Or you can have the opening of a specific report trigger the loading of additional,
related reports.
230
Creating Reports
You can also use this event if you want a specific report to appear in a different display
mode than all other reports in your company. For example, suppose all reports are set
up to appear in presentation mode when you first open them, and you want a specific
report to appear in draft mode instead. You can create a report macro and link it to this
event so that only the specific report appears in draft mode every time you open it.
Before SQL Execution

This event is the same as the application level event, except that it applies only to the
report to which the macro is linked.
Before print
A macro linked to this event runs after you select File|Print, but before ReportSmith
actually prints the specific report to which the macro is also linked. Suppose you have a
specific report that is particularly large and you dont want to tie up the departments
printer. You can link a macro to this event to automatically send that report to another
printer, which is not used as often.
You can also use this event to warn the users that the specific report is particularly large,
and that printing it will be a time-consuming process. Then you can give them the
opportunity to cancel the print operation.
Before report save

A macro linked to this event runs after you attempt to save a specific report (to which
the macro is also linked), but before ReportSmith actually saves it in an .RPT file. If this
is your first time saving the report, the macro runs before the dialog box prompts you
for a filename.
By linking a macro to this event, you can prevent a user from overriding a specific report
that you dont want modified. Simply have the macro display a message indicating that
the report cant be modified, and then cancel the save operation. In a similar way, you
can use this event to send a DDE command to the e-mail program your company uses
so that you can notify other users that a new version of a specific report is available.
Before report close

A macro linked to this event runs after you select File|Close to close a specific report,
but before ReportSmith actually closes it. You can link a macro to this event to restore
options set by a macro that was linked to the After Opening the Report event.
For example, suppose the macro that was run after you opened the report changed the
display mode from Presentation to Draft. You can link another macro to this event to
restore the display mode back to Presentation.
231
On SQL error
Each time a SQL execution error occurs, the On SQL Error event is triggered. A macro
linked to this event can execute the LastError function to retrieve error text (usually
from an ODBC driver). It can attempt to fix the error by changing the report query from
which it originated. If that macro executes a ResumeEvent command with an argument
of 0, the FixReport dialog box will not appear, and the SQL will re-execute.
This event applies only to the report to which the macro is linked.
Note
IF the macro does not correct the error in FixReport, this event is called again. Use
caution when using ResumeEvent 0, to avoid being caught in an endless loop.
Selecting a menu item

This event lets you link to specific menu items.
A macro linked to this event runs when you select the menu item to which the macro is
also linked, but before the corresponding action of that menu item takes place. You can
use the ResumeEvent command to determine whether or not the corresponding action
is executed.
Suppose you have your own help file built for a specific report. And you want this file to
appear (rather than ReportSmiths standard help file) whenever you select Index from
the ReportSmith Help menu. You can link a macro to this event to replace the
ReportSmith help file with the new help file for the specific report only.
Data field events

Currently, ReportSmith uses only one data field event called the Display event. A macro
linked to this event runs when ReportSmith generates a value for the data field object to
which the macro is linked.
The primary purpose of the Display event is to allow conditional formatting. To perform
conditional formatting, it must be based on criteria to which values in report columns
can correspond.
When creating a conditional formatting macro, you can use the FieldFont and FieldText
macro commands. These commands let you tell the macro how to format the values that
fulfill the specified criteria.
Header/Footer events
Macros can be linked to the Group Header or Group Footer objects. These objects
currently have one event, the Creation event.
When you link a macro to the Header/Footer event, you must choose the grouping
level of the header or footer to which you want to link. In the Items list box of the Macro
Links dialog box, you can view a list of the groups in the active report. For a macro to
execute each time you create a department group footer, select the Group Footer object,
and the Department group, and press the Link button.
232
Creating Reports
A macro linked to the Header/Footer event can call ResumeEvent, passing an argument
of 0 (FALSE) to suppress the creation of an individual group header or footer based on
the data in the report. The current record in the report is set to the first record of the
group when the macro is called. The current record of the dataset is the first record of
the specified group. For example, if you group by department and want to know what
department header or footer is being called, execute Field$(Dept) to retrieve the
department name.
Command reference
You can use four types of commands when you create a macro: ReportBasic, DataSet
Control commands, Report Control commands written for ReportSmith, and core Basic
commands common to the Basic language.
Data types and type conversion

You can use variables in your macros to ease use and readability. Variables can be
declared implicitly on first reference by using a type character; if no type character is
present, the default type of Double is assumed. Alternatively, the type of a variable can
be declared explicitly with the Dim statement. In either case, the variable can only
contain data of the declared type.
Variables of user-defined type must be explicitly declared. The macro language
supports standard Basic numeric, string, record and array data. The macro language
also supports Dialog Box Records and Application Data Types (which are defined by
the application).
Variables can be used globally or locally in macros. Global variables can be recognized
and used by other macros. Local variables can be used only within the macro that they
are declared.
Global variables are declared before the Sub statement.
Example
Global my_var as Number
Sub My_macro()
End Sub
Local variables are declared within the Sub statement.
Example
Sub My_macro()
Number_var = 55
String_var$ = 'MYNAME'
End Sub
233
ReportBasic command summary

The following table and subsections describe each ReportSmith command.
If a ReportBasic command can be used only as a function or a command the word
function or command appears after it in this table. Otherwise, an item can be used as
both a function and a command.
Command
Description
ActiveTitle$() function
AddMenu
CloseReport
CloseRS
Connect
CreateDDEItem statement
CreateDDETopic statement
Current
CurrentPage function
Date2Str
DateField
DDEExecute
DDEPoke
DDERequest
DerivedField
DoEvents
EnableIcon
EnableMenu
EnableRMenu
ExecuteMenu
ExecSQL
Gets window title of currently active report.

Allows you to add your own commands to the main menu.
Lets you close the active report.
Closes ReportSmith.
Opens a connection to a database server.
Allows you to create a new Dynamic Data Exchange Item in ReportSmiths DDE server.
Allows you to create a new Dynamic Data Exchange topic in Report Smiths DDE server.
Returns the record number to which the data set is pointing.
Returns the page number that is displayed in the active report.
Allows you to convert from a Julian date code to a date string.
Gives you date values.
Lets you send a DDE execute command to a DDE client application.
Lets you perform a DDE Poke string to a DDE client application.
Gets data from a DDE Server application as a string.
Sets the value of a Derived Field.
Allows other Windows applications to process messages.
Enables and disables icons and combo boxes on the Toolbar and Ribbon.
Enables or disables right mouse menus by object type.
Lets you simulate a user clicking one of the ReportSmith menu items.
Allows you to execute stored procedures and execute other SQL strings that dont return a
result set.
Retrieves the value of the specified field for the record number to which the data set of the
currently active report is pointing.
Changes the font type, style attribute, point size, or color of a field in your report.
Changes the display of the field.
Gets a list of the fields available for a given table.
Gets the available data sources as a string list.
Allows you to retrieve the data that a DDE client application would receive in response to
a DDE request to the specified item.
A global filter that returns the column name of the data field.
Gets the default directory for macro included files.
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the next record.
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the record before the current record.
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the record specified by the
RecordNumber% argument.
Gets the total number of records that ReportSmith will download for any loaded or
created report.
Field$
FieldFont
FieldText
GetAllFields$ method
GetDataSources$ method
GetDDEItem function
GetFieldName$ function
GetIncludePath$
GetNext
GetPrevious
GetRandom
GetRecordLimit function
234
Creating Reports
ActiveTitle$ function
Command
Description
GetRepVar
GetSQL()
hWin_Active() function
hWin_RS() function
IsMenuChecked
IsMenuEnabled
KillMenu
LastLoaded$() function
LoadReport
PrintReport
Recalc statement
Retrieves the value of a report variable in the active report.

Returns a string of the text of the last SQL statement executed.
Gets the window handle of the currently active report.
Allows you to get the ReportSmith main window handle.
Lets you determine if a given menu item has a check mark next to it.
Lets you determine if a given item is enabled or grayed.
Removed one of the ReportSmith menu items.
Allows you to get the filename and path of the last .rpt file loaded into ReportSmith.
Loads a report.
Prints the specified pages of the active report to the specified printer.
Re-executes the currently active report to reflect changes made to report variables or with
an associated dataset control object.
Gives the total number of records in the data set belonging to the currently active report.
Lets an event-linked macro determine if the event should be executed or aborted.
Returns a value for the color the FieldFont command uses for its color assignment.
Lets you execute a macro for another macro.
Allows you to specify a macro that will be executed before any datafield column value is
calculated.
Stores a value in a report variable in the active report.
Allows you to set or change the data that a DDE client application will receive in response
to a DDE request to the specified item.
Sets to default directory for macro include files.
Sets the total number of records ReportSmith will download for any loaded or created
report.
Replaces the SQL string that would normally be generated by ReportSmith.
Lets you hide, show, minimize and maximize ReportSmith.
The Str2Date command allows you to convert from a date string to a Julian date code.
Allows you to set the input focus to the report that has the indicated title.
Gives you the value of a summary field.
Returns the number of pages in the currently active report.
RecordCount
ResumeEvent
Rgb
RunMacro
SetDataFilter statement
SetRepVar
SetDDEItem statement
SetIncludePath
SetRecordLimit statement
SetSQL
ShowRS
Str2Date command
SelectReport statement
SumField
TotalPages function
ActiveTitle$ function
Gets the window title of the currently active report.
Syntax ActiveTitle$
Comments For saved reports, the title contains the path name and file name of the
reports .RPT file.
Example
ActiveReport$=ActiveTitle$
Msgbox "Your report is called" + ActiveReport$
235
AddMenu
AddMenu
Allows you to add your own commands to ReportSmiths Main Menu to execute a
macro when the command is chosen.
Syntax AddMenu MenuText$, Macro$, AfterMenu$, HelpText$

Parameters
MenuText$
Macro$
AfterMenu$
A string that specifies the text of the new menu item.

A string that specifies which macro should be run when the menu item is
selected by a user.
A string that specifies which existing menu item the new menu item should
be placed after. You specify this menu name in the following format
(omitting accelerator characters, underlines, and so forth):
(MenuName|SubMenuName)
HelpText$
A string that specifies the text of a help line on the status bar.
Comments You can have ReportSmith execute an active report macro or global macro
by specifying a macro name. (The name that appears in the active macro list in the
macro dialog box.) You can also have ReportSmith execute a .MAC file by passing a
string with a path and file name of the .MAC file you wish to run.
Note
If one of these commands was entered in a global macro that was tied to the Startup of
the application, then the menu would be customized each time ReportSmith is brought
up.
This command can be used to check the state of the menu that is used for new reports by
default by placing an exclamation point (!) before the menu name. This can be done
whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location.
Examples
AddMenu "Open Sales Reports", "LoadSales", "!File|Open"
Or,
AddMenu "Open Sales Reports",
"C:\RPTSMITH\MACROS\LSALES.MAC","File|Open"
CloseReport
Closes the active report.
Syntax CloseReport Conditional%
236
Creating Reports
CloseRS
Parameters
Conditional% If the integer argument is FALSE (zero), the report closes unconditionally.
If CloseReport is called with a non-zero value, reports that were modified

since last opened prompt the user to save the report before closing it and
allow the user to cancel the close.
Returns Returns 0 if the active report was closed successfully. It returns 1 if there is no
active report, or 1 if the user canceled a conditional close.
Comments When you use this command as a function (rather than a statement), you
must enclose its arguments within parentheses. For more information on the differences
between functions and statements, refer to Introduction to macros on page 159.
Example
CloseReport 1
CloseRS
Closes ReportSmith.
Syntax CloseRS Conditional%

Parameters
Conditional% If the argument Conditional% is TRUE (non-zero), then ReportSmith
brings up dialog boxes prompting the user to do certain tasks, such as save
unsaved files. If the argument is FALSE (zero), then ReportSmith closes
without bringing up dialog boxes or allowing the user to cancel the
process.
Returns Returns non-zero if a conditional close was canceled.

between functions and statements, refer to Creating and working with macros on
page 162.
Example
If User_Response$ = 'No'
CloseRS 0
End if
Connect
Opens a connection to a database server.
Syntax Connect Type, Server$, UserId$, Password$, Database$
237
Parameters
Type
Server$
UserId$
Password$
Database$
A number that identifies the type of database to which you are connecting:
0 Named Connection
1 Reserved
2 DBASE
3 EXCEL
4 PARADOX
5 ASCII
6 SQLSRVR
7 ORACLE
8 DB2
10 SYBASE
11 BTRIEVE
12 GUPTA
13 INGRES
16 TERADATA
17 DB2/GUPTA
19 UNIFY
40 DBASE (via ODBC)
41 EXCEL (via ODBC)
42 PARADOX (via ODBC)
48 BTRIEVE (via ODBC)
55 Generic ODBC driver (use this for most ODBC connections)
61 PARADOX (via IDAPI)
62 DBASE (via IDAPI)
67 INTERBASE (via IDAPI)
Identifies the server that will be used to make the connection.
Identifies the user making the connection.
The password of the user making the connection.
The name of the database to connect to or the file name of a local database.
Comments For local databases (such as dBASE), Server$, UserId, Password$, and
Database$ should be set to an empty string. If any of these parameters are not valid for
your connection type, use a null string.
Example
Connect 6, "sqlsvr","myuser","mypassword","mydb"
Creates a new Dynamic Data Exchange item in ReportSmiths DDE server.
Syntax CreateDDEItem TopicName$, ItemName$, RequestMacro$, Pokemacro$
238
Creating Reports
Parameters
TopicName$
ItemName$
RequestMacro$
Pokemacro$
The name of a user-defined DDE topic.

The name of a user-defined DDE item.
The name of a macro to call before a DDE request on this topic is
serviced.
The name of a macro to call after a DDE poke to this topic is serviced.
Comments User options include specifying the name of a macro to execute before data
is requested from this item and specifying another name of a macro to be executed after
data is poked into this item. Those macros could use other commands to retrieve or
change the data in the DDE item. In order for this function to execute successfully, a
Topic must exist that matches the TopicName$ parameter.
This function enables you to create duplicate item names. In this case, only the first item
of a given name can be accessed. At this time, a DDE item remains in effect as long as
ReportSmith is executing. Eventually, functions are added to get a list of available DDE
items and to remove existing items.
Example
CreateDDEItem "MyTopic","MyItem","RequestProc", "PokeProc"
Allows you to create a new Dynamic Data Exchange topic in ReportSmiths DDE server.
After a topic is created, DDE items can be added to it.
Syntax CreateDDETopic TopicName$

Parameters
TopicName$
The name of a user defined DDE topic.
Comments This function allows you to create duplicate topic names. In this case, only
the first topic of a given name can be accessed. At this time a DDE topic remains in effect
as long as ReportSmith is executing. Eventually, functions will be added to get a list of
available DDE topics and to remove existing topics.
Example CreateDDETopic "MyTopic"
Current
Returns the record number to which the data set (belonging to the active report) is
pointing. In other words, it tells you what record number the Field$ function returns
when executed.
Syntax Current
239
Returns This function returns the record number to which the data set of the currently
active report is pointing.
Example
If Current = 1 then
MsgBox "At the beginning"
EndIf
Returns the page number that is displayed in the currently active report.
Syntax CurrentPage
Returns Returns the displayed page number.
Comments This function is useful in changing the active report for functions that work
on the currently active report.
Example MsgBox "The active report is on page: " + str$(CurrentPage)
Date2Str
Converts date from a Julian date code to a date string.
Syntax Date2str$(JulianDate, Format%)

Parameters
JulianDate
Format%
The number of days since January 1, 0000.

Code to indicate the format of the date string returned. The output is a
character string in the format:
1 mmddyy
2 mmddyyyy
3 mm/dd/yy
4 mm/dd/yyyy
Example
Suppose you want to generate a date string for three days before the current
date taking into account Leap Year and month boundaries. You could accomplish this
the following way:
Today$ = Date$
Note
See Date$ function on page 304.

JDate = Str2Date(Today$,1)
ThreeDaysAgo$ = Date2Str(dDate,3)
240
Creating Reports
DateField
DateField
Gives you date values.
Syntax DateField (Field$, Code%)

Parameters
Field$
Code%
A date DataField in your report.

The number from the table in the Comments section below that indicates
the portion of the date you want returned:
1 Gets the number of days since the date field (based on a Julian date).
2 Gets the month of the date as a number.
3 Gets the day of the month.
4 Gets the year.
5 Gets the day of the week.
6 Gets the day of the year out of 365 days.
Any other value returns a zero and indicates an error.
Returns Specific date information.

Comments To use this command, choose a date field from the Data Fields list box and
add a code. The number specifies the type of information you want about the date.
Example
Year_Hired = DateField ("Hire_Date,"4)
DDEExecute
The DDEExecute command lets you send a DDE execute command to a DDE client
application.
Syntax DDEExecute Service$, Topic$, Command$

Parameters
Service$
Topic$
Command$
A string that specifies the DDE service to which you send the Execute
command. (This is usually the name of the application that receives the
command.)
A string that identifies the DDE topic to which you send the command.
(Most applications accept DDE Execute messages that are sent to their
SYSTEM topics.)
A string that identifies the DDE command itself. See the documentation of
the application to which youre sending the DDE command for details of
the DDE Execute commands it accepts.
Returns Zero if the command is sent successfully, or nonzero on error.
241
DDEPoke
page 162.
Example The following line of code will send a DDE Execute command causing Excel
to beep.
Success = DDEExecute("Excel","System","[Beep(0)]")
DDEPoke
Lets you poke a string to a DDE client application.
Syntax DDEPoke Service$, Topic$, Item$, Data$

Parameters
Service$
Topic$
Item$
Data$
A string that specifies the DDE service to which youre going to poke. (This
is usually the name of the application receiving the command.)
A string that identifies the DDE topic to which you send the command.
(Most applications use the topic to identify the document into which you
want to poke the data.)
A string that identifies the DDE item into which you want to poke data.
A string, which is actually the data poked into the other application. See the
documentation of the application to which youre sending the DDE poke
command for details on the accepted DDE poke commands.
Returns Zero if the command is sent successfully or nonzero on error.

page 162.
Example
The following line of code puts the string My Data in the first cell of a
default Excel spreadsheet.
Success = DDEPoke("Excel","Sheet1","R1C1","My Data")
DDERequest
Gets data from a DDE server application as a string.
Syntax DDERequest(Service$, Topic$, Item$)
242
Creating Reports
DerivedField
Parameters
Service$
Topic$
Item$
A string that specifies the DDE service to which youre going to request.
(This is usually the name of the application that receives the command.)
A string that identifies the DDE topic to which youre going to send the
command. (Most applications use the topic to identify the document into
which you want to retrieve the data.
A string that identifies the DDE item into which you want to retrieve data.
Returns A string that has the requested data, or the string <ERROR> if the
operation is not performed successfully.
Comments See the documentation of the application to which youre sending the DDE
poke command for details on the accepted DDE poke commands.
Example The following line of code puts the data in the first cell of a default Excel
spreadsheet into a string variable called Data$.
Data$ = DDERequest( "Excel","Sheet1","R1C1" )
DerivedField
Sets the value of a Derived Field.
Syntax DerivedField Value$

Parameters
Value$
A quoted value or string variable.
Comments The DerivedField command only has an effect in macros you use as
derived fields. It takes a string that is used for the derived field. If the value for the
derived field is a number, convert it to a string using the STR$ function.
Example
DerivedField "Bill Smith"
DoEvents
Allows other Windows applications to process messages.
Syntax DoEvents
Comments Use this function when you want your Basic code to yield processor time
to allow other applications to process messages.
Example
DoEvents
243
EnableIcon
EnableIcon
Enables and disables icons and combo boxes on the Toolbar and Ribbon.
Syntax EnableIcon GroupNo, ItemNo, EnableFlag

Parameters
GroupNo
ItemNo
EnableFlag
Index of the icon group to which the icon or combo box belongs.
Index of the item within the group.
0 is to disable, 1 is to enable.
Example The command below disables the Italic button so that it is not available:
EnableIcon 14,2,0
EnableMenu
Syntax EnableMenu Menu$, EnableCode%

Parameters
Menu$
EnableCode%
The Menu name and menu subname you want to be affected.

Specify 1 to enable, 0 to disable.
Returns Zero if a menu was removed successfully and 1 if a menu of the given name
was not found when used as a function.
Comments This command takes a string that specifies a menu item or a submenu
item. The string uses this format:
"MenuName|SubMenuName"
The names must match our menu commands, not including keyboard accelerators and
ellipsis (...) characters. If you omit the pipe and submenu name, the routine assumes
youre working with a top-level menu. If a top-level menu is disabled, all of its submenu
items are also disabled.
When you use this command as a function (rather than a statement) you must enclose
its arguments within parentheses. For more information on the differences between
functions and statements, refer to Creating and working with macros on page 162.
Example The following line of code disables the ReportSmith File|New menu item.
Success = EnableMenu( "File|New", 0 )
244
Creating Reports
EnableRMenu
EnableRMenu
Enables or disables right-mouse menus by object type.
Syntax EnableRMenu ObjectType, EnableCode%

Parameters
ObjectType
EnableFlag
A code that specifies the object type to disable right mouse menu
items for.
1
Character
2
Border
3
Field Format
4
Text Alignment
5
Display As Picture
6
Column Width
7
Field Height
8
Selection Criteria
9
Translate
0
Disables the menu
Non-zero enables the menu
Comments This command used to check the state of the menu that is used for new
reports by default by placing an exclamation point (!) before the menu name. This can be
done whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location.
Example The following example will disable the right mouse abilities for text fields.
EnableRMenu 1,0
ExecuteMenu
Simulates a user clicking one of the ReportSmith menu items.
Syntax ExecuteMenu Menu$

Parameters
Menu$
The menu name, submenu name, or both that you want to execute.
Returns Zero if a menu was executed successfully, and 1 if a menu of the given name
wasnt found.
Comments This command takes a string that specifies a menu item or a sum menu
item. The string uses this format:
245
ExecSQL
ellipsis (...) characters. If you omit the pipe and submenu name, the routine assumes
youre working with a top level menu.
When you use this command as a function (rather than a statement), you must enclose
Note
This command can be used to check the state of the menu that will be used for new
done whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location.
Example
Execute Menu "File|Exit"
ExecSQL
Executes stored procedures and other SQL strings that dont return a result set.
Syntax ExecSQL SQL$, Type, Server$, UserId $, Password$, Datebase$

Parameters
R
Type
Server$
UserID$
Password$
Database$
The SQL statement to be executed.

A number that identifies the type of database to which you are connecting:
0, 1 Reserved
2
DBASE
3
EXCEL
4
PARADOX
5
ASCII
6
SQLSRVR
7
ORACLE
8
DB2
9
NETSQL
10 SYBASE
11 BTRIEVE
12 GUPTA
13 INGRES
14 DB2GUPTA
15 OCELOT
16 TERADATA
Identifies the server used making the connection.
Identifies the user making the connection.
Identifies the users password.
The name of the database to connect to or the file name of a local database.
Comments For local databases (such as dBASE), Server$, UserID$, and Password$
should be set to an empty string.
246
Creating Reports
ExecuteMenu
Example
ExecuteSQL "sp_my_proc", 10, "mysrvr", "myun", "mypw", "mydb"
ExecuteMenu
Syntax ExecuteMenu Menu$
Definition The ExecuteMenu command lets you simulate a user clicking a
ReportSmith menu item.
Parameters
Menu$
The menu name and/or submenu name that you want to execute.
Returns This function returns 0 if the menu was executed successfully, and -1 if a
menu of the given name wasnt found.
Comments It takes a string that specifies a menu item or a sum menu item. The string
uses this format:
MenuName | SubMenuName
ellipses. If you omit the pipe and submenu name, the routine assumes you are working
with a top level menu.
When you use this command as a function (instead of a statement), it requires the return
value, and you must enclose its arguments within parentheses.
Example Execute Menu View | Zoom
Field$
Retrieves the value of the specified field for the record number to which the data set of
the currently active report is pointing. This statement is always used as a function.
Syntax Field$( FieldName$ )

Parameters
FieldName$
A field in your report that you want the value of.
Returns The value of the specified field as a string regardless of the retrieved fields
data type. If the specified field is not found, returns N\A or <ERROR>.
Comments The name of the field should exactly match the database column name.
You can link two tables together that have one or more column names in common. In
this case, its necessary to use the fully-qualified field name to insure that youre getting
the correct field. The fully-qualified field name includes the table name followed by a
period (.) followed by the field name. You can also use a field or table alias. The best way
247
FieldFont
to get the fully-qualified field name is to drag the field you want from the list box that
appears on the left of the Edit Macro dialog box into the Formula box.
Example NextId$ = Field$("Employee_Id")
FieldFont
Changes the font type, style attribute, point size, or color of a field in your report. This
command is usually used in a macro that is linked to the display event of a field.
Syntax FieldFont Facename$, PointSize, Style, ForColor, BackColor

Parameters
Facename$
PointSize
Style
ForColor
BackColor
The font name.

The point size.
The style code indicating:
1 Text fields
2 Sections
3 Draw windows
4 Crosstabs
5 Crosstab cells
6 General
7 Reserved
The foreground text color.
The background text color.
Comments Add the style codes to combine attributes. For example, a 3 designates
bold italic. (Using the codes on the previous page, 1 + 2 = 3). For the fourth and fifth
arguments, use a color value for the last two color arguments.
You can specify one of 16 million colors using the Rgb command. Windows substitutes
the closest color to the one you select.
Note
If you do not want to change the attribute, point size, or color, use 1 (negative one).
Example The following example changes the font to red, italic, 14 point Arial:
Field Font "Arial", 14, 2, RGB(255,0,0), 1
FieldText
Applies to macro fields that are linked to the text event of a data field object. It changes
the display of the field.
Syntax FieldText Text$
248
Creating Reports
Parameters
Text$
The text used to replace a fields data.
Example If you have a field that contains a persons first name, but would prefer to use
their nickname, use a FieldText command similar to this one:
If field$("FirstName")="James" then
FieldText "Jim"
End If
Gets a list, separated by commas, of the fields available for a given table.
Syntax [object.]GetAllFields (Table$, Database$)

Note
First a connection must be made and the table added to the data set before its field list
can be retrieved.
Parameters
Table$
Database$
The name of the table for which youre getting the list of fields.
The name of the tables database. This applies to tables with databases.
Returns A list of all fields that are available in the given table.
Comments The Table$ parameter is the path and file name for local databases. For
database servers, it takes the form Owner.TableName. For local databases or servers
that dont require that a database be specified the dBASE parameter should be left
blank.
Example MsgBox GetAllField$ ("dbo.emp","Indigo")
GetDataSources$ method
Gets the available data sources, separated by commas, as a string list.
Syntax [object.]GetDataSources
Returns A list of all of the data sources available to ReportSmith, including ODBC
Sources, separated by commas.
Example
MsgBox "The available datasources: "+ GetDataSources$
249
GetDDEItem function
GetDDEItem function
Retrieves the data that a DDE client application would receive in response to a DDE
request to the ReportSmith item.
Syntax GetDDEItem$(TopicName$, ItemName$)

Parameters
TopicName$
ItemName$
The name of user defined DDE topic.

The name of a user defined DDE item.
Returns Data in the DDE item.

Comments A macro that is named as the poke response macro for a user-defined DDE
item can use this function to get the data that a DDE client has poked into the item. You
can use this technique to create a DDE item that will load a report when a DDE client
application pokes the filename of that report into the item.
Example TheData$=GetDDEItem("MyTopic","MyItem")
GetFieldName$ function
This function is a global filter, returning the column name of the data field for which the
filter or conditional formatting macro is being called.
Syntax GetFieldName$()
Returns Returns the column name of the data field.
Comments See also SetDataFilter statement on page 260.
Example CurrentValue$=Field$(GetFieldName$())
GetIncludePath$ command
Gets the default directory for macro include files.
Syntax GetIncludePath$()
Returns A string that is the default path for macro include fields.
Example MsgBox"Looking for include files in"+GetIncludePath$()
GetNext
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the record that comes immediately
after the record to which it is currently pointing.
250
Creating Reports
GetPrevious
Syntax GetNext
Example This example steps through the entire report counting the employees with
the first name John.
Get Random (1)
For x = 1 to RecordCount()
If Field$("First_Name")="John" then
Count=Count+1
Get Next
Next X
GetPrevious
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the record that comes immediately
before the record to which it is currently pointing.
Syntax GetPrevious
Comments The GetPrevious command can be used to change the current record of a
data set. The current record determines what data the Field$, SumField$ and DateField$
functions retrieve. This function could be used in a macro-defined summary field. When
a macro defined summary field is dropped in a group footer the current record is the
last record in that group. For this reason, a macro derived field can step backwards
through the group performing custom summary operations. See also GetNext on
page 250, GetRandom on page 251, Field$ on page 247, Current on page 239.
Example
'Position to the 3rd record
GetRandom 3
'Now go to 2
GetPrevious
GetRandom
Causes the data set in an active report to point to the record specified by the
RecordNumber% argument, if that record number exists.
Syntax GetRandom RecordNumber%

Parameters
RecordNumber%
The number of the record in the data you want to navigate to.
Comments See also GetPrevious on page 251, GetNext on page 250, Field$ on
page 247, SumField on page 264, DateField on page 241, Current on page 239,
and TotalPages function on page 265.
251
Example
'Point to the 23rd record in a set of data
GetRandom 23
Gets the total number of records that ReportSmith will download for any loaded or
created report.
Syntax GetRecordLimit
Comments This limit is set with the function SetRecordLimit.
Example TheLimit=GetRecordLimit
GetRepVar
Retrieves the value of a report variable in the active report. This command is only used
as a function.
Syntax GetRepVar( ReportVariable$ )

Parameters
ReportVariable$ The name of a report variable in your report.
Returns The value of the specified report variable as a string. This function returns
<ERROR> if a report variable of the specified name cannot be found in the active
report.
Comments GetRepVar takes a string argument that specifies the name of the report
variable being retrieved. See also SetRepVar on page 260, Val function on page 355,
and Str2Date on page 263.
Example
Var_name$=GetRepVar("Rep_var_name")
GetSQL
Returns a string that is the text of the last SQL statement that ReportSmith executed.
Syntax GetSQL
Comments This function can be used along with the SetSQL statement in a macro that
is linked to the Before SQL is Executed to change the SQL string On the Fly.
Example
The following stores the last generated SQL statement in a variable called
The_SQL$.
The_SQL$ = GetSQL$
252
Creating Reports
Gets the window handle of the currently active report.
Syntax hWin_Active()
Comments This function can be used along with Windows API functions. You make
the API functions available to ReportBasic through the use of the declare function.
Example
'Force the active report to an Icon
Result=ShowWindow(hWin_Active(),2)
Declare Function ShowWindow Lib "User"(ByVal hWnd As Integer, ByVal nCmdShow As Integer) As Integer
hWin_RS() function
Gets the ReportSmith main window handle.
Syntax hWin_RS()
Comments You can use this function along with Windows API functions. You make
the API functions available to ReportBasic through the use of the declare function.
Example RS_Handle=hWin_RS()
IsMenuChecked
Determines if a given menu item has a check mark next to it. This command is only used
as a function.
Syntax IsMenuChecked ( Menu$ )

Parameters
Menu$
The menu name and/or submenu name that you are interested in.
Returns Returns 1 if the menu is checked, 0 if it isnt checked, and 1 if a menu of the
given name was not found.
Comments This function takes a string that specifies a menu item or a sum menu item.
The string is of the form MenuName|SubMenuName. The names must match our
menu commands, not including keyboard accelerators and ellipsis (...) characters. If you
omit the pipe and submenu names, the routine assumes youre working with a top level
menu.
This function does not correctly return the state of a menu item if it is called before the
menu is visible as in the case of a macro linked to the Application Startup event.
253
IsMenuEnabled
Note
This command can be used to check the state of the menu that is used for new reports by
default by placing an exclamation point (!) before the menu name. This can be done
whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location. Refer to the second
example. Also, refer to EnableMenu on page 244, KillMenu on page 255,
AddMenu on page 236, ExecuteMenu on page 245 and IsMenuEnabled on
page 254.
Example
Success = IsMenuChecked ("View|Boundaries")
Or,
If IsMenuChecked ("!View|Boundaries") = 1 Then
ExecuteMenu "View|Boundaries"
End if
IsMenuEnabled
Determines if a given menu item is enabled or grayed. This command is used only as a
function.
Syntax IsMenuEnabled ( Menu$ )

Parameters
Menu$
The menu name and/or submenu name that you are interested in.
Returns 1 if the menu is enabled, 0 if it is disabled, and 1 if a menu of the given name
was not found.
Comments It takes a string that specifies a menu item or a submenu item. The string
uses this format:
The names must match ReportSmith menu commands, not including keyboard
accelerators and ellipsis (...) characters. If you omit the pipe and submenu name, then
the routine assumes youre working with a top level menu.
Note
This command can be used to check the state of the menu that will be used for new
done whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location. Refer to the
second example. Also, refer to IsMenuChecked on page 253, EnableMenu on
page 244, KillMenu on page 255, AddMenu on page 236 and ExecuteMenu on
page 245.
Example
Success = IsMenuEnabled ("Edit|Cut")
Or,
254
Creating Reports
KillMenu
'Check if the tables Menu is enabled

If IsMenuEnabled ("Tools|Tables") = 1 Then
MsgBox "Tables Menu Enables"
End if
KillMenu
Removes one of the ReportSmith menu items.
Syntax KillMenu Menu$

Parameters
Menu$
The menu name and submenu name, or both, that you are interested in.
Returns 0 if a menu was removed successfully, and 1 if a menu of the given name
was not found.
Comments It takes a string that specifies a menu item or a submenu item. The string
uses this format:
The names must match ReportSmith menu commands, not including keyboard
accelerators and ... characters. If you omit the pipe and submenu name, the routine
assumes youre working with a top-level menu.
This command can be used to change the state of the menu that will be used for new
reports by default by placing an exclamation mark (!) before the menu name. This can be
done whether the menu item is specified by command or relative location. (!) removes
the menu item for all future reports for this session of ReportSmith, instead of just the
active report.
Example
The following code fragment will remove the File|New menu Item from
ReportSmith.
Success = KillMenu( "File|New" )
LastLoaded$ function
Gets the filename and path of the last .rpt field that was loaded into ReportSmith.
Syntax LastLoaded$
Example MsgBox"The last report Loaded was:"+LastLoaded$
255
List RepVar
List RepVar
Syntax ListRepVar$( Index% )
Definition ListRepVar returns the name of the report variable at the specified index in
the active report. If no report variable exists at the given index, then the command
returns a NULL string. If this command is executed in a macro linked to the Before
Report Open event of the Report Object, or the After Data Read event of the application
object, the command will return the report variable names for the loading report.
ListRepVar can be used to get the list of variables in a report and initialize them before
they are prompted.
Parameters
Index%
Index% specifies the report variable name. If there is no report variable at

this index, the function returns a null string.
Example
Put the names of the report variables in an array
dim Variables$(20 )
Allow for a maximum of 20 report variables
while ListRepVar( CurrentVar )<>""
Variables$( CurrentVar ) = ListRepVar( CurrentVar )
CurrentVar = CurrentVar + 1
wend
LoadReport
Loads a report.
Syntax LoadReport Filespec$, InitString$

Parameters
Filespec$
InitString$
The directory path and name of the report (.rpt file) you would like to run.
You can use the InitString argument to set report variables before SQL is
executed. Report variables set in this manner will not prompt the user to
enter their values.
This is the format for the InitString argument:
@Report_Variable1=<Value1>,@ReportVariable2=<Value2>, ...
Specify the report variables you would like to set in the report.
Returns Non-zero on error.

Comments Enter the full path name to the .RPT file in which you want the macro to
load, then make it the active report.
256
Creating Reports
PrintReport
Example LoadReport "c:\summary.rpt", "@Repvar1=<40>,@Repvar2=<'Smith'>"
PrintReport
Prints the specified pages of the active report to the specified printer. This init string
cannot be used to initialize variables that belong to the detail section in master/detail
reports. All arguments are optional.
Syntax PrintReport [StartingPage%], [EndingPage%], [Printer$], [Port$], [Driver$],[Copies%]

Parameters
StartingPage%
EndingPage%
Printer$
Port$
Driver$
Copies%
The number of the page of the report you would like to start printing.
The number of the page you would like to stop printing.
The name of the printer to which you would like to print the report.
The correct port specification.
The correct driver specification.
The number of copies to print.

Comments To print all report pages, use 0 for the start and end page parameters. To
use the default printer, use null strings for the Printer$, Port$, and Driver$ arguments.
To specify a printer, see the Devices section of your WIN.INI file. Youll see printers
listed in this format:
Printer=Driver,Port1,Port2, ...
When you specify the printer, driver and port, use the same text you see in the WIN.INI
file.
Example PrintReport 1,5, "HPLaserJet 4/4M", "LPT3", "HPPCL5E"
Recalc statement
Re-executes the currently active report so that the report surface will reflect changes
made to report variables or changes made with an associated dataset control object.
Syntax Recalc
257
RecordCount
Example The following example sets the starting date report variable to today and
recalculates.
SetRepVar("StartDate",Date$)
Recalc
RecordCount
Gets the total number of records in the data set that belongs to the currently active
report.
Syntax RecordCount
Returns The number of records in the currently active report or 0 if no active report
exists.
Comments Its useful when writing macros that step through the data in a report.
Example
The following code fragment counts all of the customers from the city of
Palo Alto in a customer database and displays the result.
GetRandom 1
For X = 1 to RecordCount
If Field$("CITY") = "Palo Alto" then Count = Count + 1
GetNext
Next X
MsgBox "The total number of customers located in Palo Alto are: "+ Str$(Count)
ResumeEvent
Lets a macro which is linked to an event determine if the event should be executed or
aborted.
Syntax ResumeEvent ResumeCode%

Parameters
ResumeCode%
The code which indicates the event:

0 Abort the event to which this macro is linked.
1 Perform the event as usual. (Default)
Comments This only applies to certain events. For most events, 0 means abort and 1
means proceed. Some events recognize more codes. See the individual event for more
information.
Example
The following example stops an event.
ResumeEvent 0
258
Creating Reports
Rgb
Rgb
Returns a value for the color that the FieldFont command uses for its color assignment.
Syntax Rgb ( Red%, Blue%, Green% )

Parameters
Red%, Blue%, Green%
The intensity of red in color, blue in color, or green in color.
Returns An integer representing the color youve specified.

Comments This command uses three numbers from 0 to 255. The first number
designates the intensity of red, the second number of blue, and the third of green. It
provides 16.5 million color combinations. Windows then chooses the closest match to
the specified color.
Example For example, this tells the FieldFont command to use the color red.
Dim Red as Integer
Red = Rgb (255, 0, 0)
Tip
Use the Custom Color option in the Windows Control Panel to select a color. Take note
of the Rgb settings for the color you select. Then use these values in the Rgb function to
get the color you need.
RunMacro
Executes a macro from another macro.
Syntax RunMacro Macro$, Arguments$

Parameters
Macro$
Arguments$
Specifies the macro thats being run.

The arguments defined in your macro if they exist. If your macro contains
no arguments, just use a null argument ("").
Returns 0 if a macro is found and successfully executed.

Comments The macro language first looks for an active global macro that matches the
name and then searches for active macros that belong to the active report. You can also
specify the file name of a .MAC file. To make sure the correct .MAC file is executed,
specify the full path of the .MAC file.
functions and statements, refer to Introduction to macros on page 159.
259
Examples
RunMacro "c:\rptsmith\macros\greeting.mac",""
RunMacro "two_arguments","1.2"
Executes before any data field column value is calculated. The specified macro can then
use the FieldText and FieldFont functions to change either the text or the appearance of
the data.
Syntax SetDataFilter MacroName$

Parameters
MacroName$
The path and file name of a .MAC file or name of an actual global macro to
be used as the macro data filter.
Comments This function can be costly in performance under some circumstances as

the specified macro is executed once for each field visible on the report surface. The filter
function can be disabled by calling this function with a null macro name.
Example SetDataFilter "FilterMacro"
SelectReport statement
Sets the input focus to the report that has the indicated title.
Syntax SelectReport ReportTitle$

Parameters
ReportTitle$
The title of the report to set focus.
Comments This statement is useful in changing the active report for functions that
work on the currently active report.
Example SelectReport "c:\rptsmith\sales.rpt"
SetRepVar
Stores a value in a report variable in the active report.
Syntax SetRepVar ReportVariable$, Value$
260
Creating Reports
Parameters
ReportVariable$ A string argument that specifies the name of the report variable being set.
Value$
A string argument that specifies what value to set the report value to.

page 162.
Example SetRepVar "Repvar1", "Smith"
Sets or changes the data in one of ReportSmiths DDE items. This could be done in
response to a DDE request to the specified item.
Syntax SetDDEItem TopicName$, ItemName$, Data$

Parameters
TopicName$
ItemName$
Data$
The name of a user defined DDE topic.

The name of a user defined DDE item.
The data to set into a DDE item.
Comments A macro that is named as the request response macro for a user-defined
DDE item can use this function to set the data that a DDE client receives in response to a
DDE request. This technique could be used to create a DDE item that would report the
name of the currently active report or other information that might be useful to a DDE
client application.
Example SetDDEItem "MyTopic","MyItem","Mydata"
SetIncludePath command
Sets to default directory for macro include files.
Syntax SetIncludePath Path$

Parameters
Path$
The path where RS_BASIC expects to find include files.
261
Comments The macro compiler first looks in this directory for include files, then it
looks in the standard search path. The beginning value is the default macro path in the
RPTSMITH.INI file.
Example SetIncludePath "c:\macros\include"
Sets the total number of records that ReportSmith downloads for any loaded or created
report. A value of 0 allows an unlimited number of records to be downloaded.
Syntax SetRecordLimit Limit
Parameters
Limit
The maximum number of records that ReportSmith will download for a single
report.
Comments This statement is helpful for implementing a draft mode where you can
work with a subset of a large report until you are ready to work with the entire report.
Some operations continue to work against the entire result set, such as selections,
sorting, and summary fields, so that for these operations performance does not change.
Example SetRecordLimit 100
SetSQL
Replaces the SQL string that would normally be generated by ReportSmith.
Syntax SetSQL SQL$

Parameters
SQL$
A quoted, valid SQL statement.
Comments The SetSQL statement is only valid in a macro that is linked to the Before
SQL is Executed event. Care should be used when executing this function as the string
is not verified before it is executed. This statement can be used along with the GetSQL
function in a macro that is linked to the Before SQL is Executed event to change the
SQL string On the Fly.
Example SetSQL "Select ENAME, EMP_ID from SCOTT.EMP"
ShowRS
Hides, shows, minimizes, or maximizes ReportSmith.
262
Creating Reports
Str2Date
Syntax ShowRS Code%

Parameters
Code%
The following codes are valid:

0 Hides ReportSmith and passes activation to another window.
1 Activates and displays ReportSmith. If ReportSmith is minimized or
maximized, Windows restores it to its original size and position.
2 Activates ReportSmith and displays it as an icon.
3 Activates ReportSmith and displays it maximized.
4 Displays ReportSmith in its most recent size and position. The window that is
currently active remains active.
5 Activates ReportSmith and displays it in its current size and position.
6 Minimizes ReportSmith and activates the top-level window in the systems
list.
7 Displays ReportSmith as an icon. The window thats currently active remains
active.
8 Displays ReportSmith in its current state. The window thats currently active
remains active.
9 Activates and displays ReportSmith. If ReportSmith is minimized or
maximized, Windows restores it to its original size and position.
Comments You minimize ReportSmith after it opens a modal dialog box, ReportSmith
cannot be used until its brought back to normal size. This may only be possible by
sending another ShowRS command from DDE.
You cannot switch to it or execute any of its commands except through macros and
DDE. ReportSmith can still bring up dialog boxes and do any other activity, but because
its not visible, these actions can only be started by DDE commands or macros which are
already running.
Example
'Force ReportSmith to be an icon
ShowRS 2
Str2Date
Allows you to convert from a date string to a Julian date code.
Syntax Str2Date$(Date$,Type%)
263
SumField
Parameters
Date$
Type%
The date to convert as a string. The date can be provided in one of the following
formats:
MM-DD-YYYY
MM-DD-YY
MM\DD\YYYY
MM\DD\YY
Specifies the data information to be returned:
1 Gets the number of days since the date field (based on a Julian date).
2 Gets the month of the date as a number.
3 Gets the day of the month.
4 Gets the year.
5 Gets the day of the week.
6 Gets the day of the year out of 365 days.
Returns A date value that depends on the Type parameter.

Comments The type argument has the same values as in the DateField$ function.
Example Suppose you wanted to generate a date string for 3 days before a date
provided by a user. You could accomplish this with the following code:
'Get a date from the user
UserDate$=inputbox$"Enter a Date"
'Get the Julian Date Code for the user's date. 1 gets Julian date from a string.
JDate=Str2Date(UserDate$, 1)
'Get a string that represents a date that comes 3 days before the given date
ThreedaysBefore$=Date2Str(JDate-3)
SumField
Gives you the value of a summary field.
Syntax SumField$ (Field$, Table$, GroupLevel, Operation$ )

Parameters
Field$
Table$
GroupLevel
Operation$
The name of the field being summed.

The name of the table being summed.
The group in the report at which the summary is reset.
Summary operation performed on the Field.
Comments You can drag and drop this command from the list box. The best way to
use it is to choose Summary Fields from the first Listbox and then double click on your
Summary Field. ReportSmith uses the SumField$ command and fills in the Parameters
for you.
264
Creating Reports
TotalPages function
Example This is how a Summary Field should be referenced in macros.

my_var$= SumField$("QTY_FIELD","OWNER.TABLE_NAME",0,"Count")
TotalPages function
Returns the number of pages in the currently active report.
Syntax TotalPages
Comments This function is useful in changing the active report for functions that work
on the currently active report.
Example MsgBox "There are" + str$(Totalpages)+"in the current report"
DataSet control methods summary

Methods are functions or statements that perform actions on the control. The
SetFromActive method associates the DataSet control with the currently active report.
The Save method can be used to store a DataSet control in a DOS file.
Method
Description
AddGroup
AddSort
AddSummary
AddTable
Connect
Disconnect
Field$
GetAllFields$
GetColumnAlias$
GetDataSources$
GetFieldList$
GetGroup$
GetSort$
GetSummary$
GetSQL$
GetTable$
GetTableAlias$
GetTableLink$
IncludeFields$
Load
Adds grouping criteria.

Adds a sorting criteria.
Adds a summary field.
Adds a table.
Replaces previous connection information with supplied connection information.
Removes a connection previously set with the Connect method.
Returns the value of the specified data field for the current data set record.
Returns a list of all fields available in the given table.
Returns the alias for the specified field in the specified table.
Returns a list of all data sources available to ReportSmith.
Returns a list of all fields included in the given table.
Returns a string providing information about grouping.
Returns a string indicating the sorting criteria at the given level.
Returns a string providing information about a summary field.
Returns the last SQL statement executed for the data set control object.
Returns a string describing the table at the specified index.
Returns the alias for the specified table.
Returns a string providing information about the table link.
Adds columns from a table to your dataset.
Uses any previous connection information with information from the file specified
by the Filename$ parameter.
Re-executes the SQL for the data set control object.
Removes a grouping criteria from a report.
Recalc
RemoveGroup
265
AddGroup
Method
Description
RemoveSort
RemoveSummary
RemoveTable
RemoveTableLink
ReplaceTable
Save
Removes the sorting criteria at the given level.

Returns a summary field from a report.
Removes the table at the specified index.
Removes the table link at the specified index from the dataset control object.
Replaces one table in a report with another.
Replaces any previous connection information with information from a file
specified by the Filename$ parameter.
Sets or changes the Alias for a column in a table.
Replaces any previous connection information with a reference to the data
description for the currently active report.
Associates the dataset control object with a report being loaded.
Sets or changes the Alias for a table in a report.
Links two tables.
Places the data set control object into user entered SQL mode.
Returns a string telling how many records would be selected with the current
selection criteria.
SetColumnAlias
SetFromActive
SetFromLoading
SetTableAlias
SetTableLink
SetUserSQL
TestSelection$
AddGroup
Adds grouping criteria at the specified level.
Syntax [Object].AddGroup Table$, DataBase$, Field$, Level, Type, [NumRecs]
266
Creating Reports
AddSort
Parameters
Table$,
DataBase$,Field$ Table$, DataBase$ and Field$ serve to identify the field to be grouped
Level
upon.
The level argument specifies the grouping level that you want
information about. If an invalid level is specified, a null string is
returned and the error$ property is set to indicate the error.
The level argument specifies the grouping level that you want
information about where 0 is the entire report group, 1 is the primary
grouping criteria, 2 is the secondary grouping criteria, and so forth.
Type
Valid levels are 1 to 1+ the current number of groups defined

Specifies the type of grouping:
Type Groups on ...
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
NumRecs
Same value
Every n records (n is the NumRecs argument)
Daily
Monthly
Weekly
Annually
Quarterly
Hourly
Every minute
Every second
Second/10
Second/100
Second/100
Types 212 are only valid for date and /or time fields.
When grouping by every n records, this specifies how many records
per group. This is only used with a Type of 1.
Returns 0 on success, a non-zero on error.

Comments If a group exists at the given level, all groups at that level and higher are
adjusted up one level to accommodate the new group.
Example
'Group by DEPT_ID, break on same value
MyData.AddGroup "dbo.emp","hr", "DEPT_ID",1,0,0
AddSort
Adds a sorting criteria to the current dataset at the specified level.
267
AddSummary
Syntax [object].AddSort Table$, Database$, Column$, Ascending, Level

Parameters
Table$
Database$
Column$
Ascending
Level
Defines a string of the form: Owner. TableName or for local databases like
dBASE, the Table$ parameter is the file name of the local data base file.
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be
specified, the Database$ parameter should be set to a null string.
The field that is being sorted.
Set to zero to sort from smallest to largest, non-zero to sort from largest to
smallest.
Indicates its priority among other sorting criteria for this dataset. Valid
values for this argument are 1 to the number of current sorting criteria +1.
Returns If an invalid index is specified the function fails and returns an error. This
function returns a 0 on success, a non-zero on error.
Comments Valid levels are 1 to 1+ the current number of sorting criteria.

Example MyData.AddSort "dbo.emp","HR","DEPT_ID",1,1
AddSummary
Adds a summary field to the specified grouping level and index.
Syntax [object].AddSummary Table$, DataBase$, Field$, Level, Type
268
Creating Reports
AddTable
Parameters
Table$,
DataBase$,Field$
Level
Type
Identifies the field to be summed.

Specifies the grouping level for creating a summary field. The level
argument specifies the grouping level that you want information
about where 0 is the entire report group, 1 is the primary grouping
criteria, 2 is the secondary grouping criteria, and so forth. Valid
values for levels are zero to the number of groups defined.
Type specifies the type of summary:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Sum
Daily
Count
Minimum
Maximum
Average
First
Last
Standard Deviation
Variance
Returns Non-zero value for an error and the Error$ property is set to indicate the
error.
Example MyData.AddSummary "dbo.emo","HR","SALARY",1,1
AddTable
Adds a table to a data set control object.
Syntax [object.]AddTable Table$,DBase$

Parameters
Table$
dBASE$
Note
dBASE, the Table$ parameter is the file name of the local database file.
The dBASE$ parameter is for data servers that require databases. (For servers
that dont require a database, it should be set to a NULL string.)
In 2.0 + this argument can now take the path to a local database file or both path and file
name can be combined in Table$ as before.
Returns 0 on success and a non-zero on error.

Comments Before you can add a table to a data set, you must establish a connection.
269
Connect
Example
'Add the EMP table from the PUBS database with 'the outer dbo
MyDataSet.AddTable "dbo.emp","PUBS"
Connect
Replaces any previous connection information in a DataSet control with the supplied
connection information.
Syntax [object.] Connect Type, Server$, UserId$, Pswrd$, DBase$

Parameters
Type
Server$
UserId$
Pswrd$
dBASE$
The Type parameter can take on the following values

0,1 Reserved
2 DBASE
3 EXCEL
4 PARADOX
5 Reserved
6 SQLSRVR
7 ORACLE
8 DB2
9 Reserved
10 SYBASE
11 BTRIEVE
12 SQL Base
13 INGRES
14 DB2/GUPTA
15 Reserved
16 TERADATA
Name of the data server or local data file name.
Name of the user to make the connection for connections that require a
user ID.
The user password.
The database name for connections that require a database. (Null for
Oracle.)
Returns 0 on success. If it is not zero, the Error$ property contains text that describes
the error.
Comments Note that for Oracle and other connections without databases, the dBASE$
should be set to a Null String.
Using the Connect method clears any previously defined tables or table columns,
sorting and grouping information, and so forth.
270
Creating Reports
Disconnect
Example ErrorCode=MyDataSet.Connect(6,"SQLSRVR","John_Doe","PW","")
Disconnect
Allows you to remove a connection that was previously set with the Connect method.
Syntax [object.]Disconnect
Returns Error if an active report is using the connection. The return code for this
function should be 0 on success. If it is not zero, then the Error$ property contains text
that describes the error.
Comments This function executes successfully only if there are no other DataSet
controls or reports using the same connection.
This command returns an error if any other report or active DataSet object is using the
connection that this object is trying to disconnect.
Example The following example shows you how to:
Create a DataSet control

Add a table
Create a report
Print a report
Close a report
Disconnect the connection
In the following example, we are assuming that we have a server called X:ORASRV, a user
called SCOTT with a password of TIGER.
Sub MakeAReport()
Dim NewData as DataSet
NewData.Connect 7, "X:ORASRV","SCOTT","TIGER"," "
'Add a Table (DataBase is NULL for Oracle)
NewData.AddTable "SCOTT.DEPARTMENT"," "
'Create the Report Object
NewData.Commit
PrintReport 0,0,"",""
CloseReport 0
NewData.Disconnect
End Sub
Field$
Returns the value of the specified data field for the current data set record. You can set
the current record with the data set record property.
Syntax [object].Field$(FieldName$)
271
GetAllFields$
Parameters
The name of the field to return data from.
FieldName$
Returns The value of the specified data field for the current dataset record.
Comments Before data can be retrieved from a data set object a connection must be
made; links must be set and a commit or recalc must be successfully performed.
Example
MyData.record = 5
Salary = val(MyData.Field$("SALARY"))
GetAllFields$
Lists all fields that are available in the given table.
Syntax [object].GetAllFields$(Table$,DBase$)
Parameters
Table$
dBASE$
The Table$ parameter is the path and file name for local databases.
The database that contains the table for connections that have databases.
Comments A connection must first be made and the table added to the dataset before
its field list can be retrieved.
For database servers Table$ takes the form:
Owner.TableName
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified, the dBASE$
parameter should be left blank.
See the GetField$ function on page 319 to get an individual field out of the list of
fields.
Example AvailableField$=MyData.GetAllFields$("dbo.emp", "hr")
GetColumnAlias$
Gets the alias for the specified field in the specified table.
Syntax [object].GetColumnAlias$(Table$, Database$, Column$)
272
Creating Reports
GetDataSources$
Parameters
Defines a string of the form: Owner. TableName or for Local DataBases like
dBASE, this parameter is the file name of the local database file.
The name of the database that contains the table for connections that have
databases.
The column for which to set an alias.
Table$
Database$
Column$
Returns The alias for the specified field in the specified table.
Comments For database servers Table$ takes the form:
Owner.TableName
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified, the
Database$ parameter should be set to a null string.
Example
ColumnAlias$=MyData.GetColumnAlias$("dbo.emp",
"hr","DEPT_ID")
GetDataSources$
Lists all of the data sources available to ReportSmith, including ODBC Sources,
separated by commas.
Syntax [objet.]GetDataSources$
Returns Returns a list of all of the data sources available to ReportSmith.
Example DataSourcesAvailable$=MyData.GetDataSources$
GetFieldList$
Lists all fields that have been included in the given table.
Syntax [object.]GetFieldList$(Table$,DBase$)
Parameters
Table$
dBASE$
Defines a string of the form: Owner. TableName or for Local DataBases

like dBASE and Excel, the Table$ parameter is the File Name of the local
database file.
Contains the table for connections that have databases.
Returns A list of all fields that have been included in the given table.
273
GetGroup$
Comments A connection must be made first and the table added to the data set before
its field list can be retrieved.
For database servers, Table$ takes the form:
Owner.TableName.
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified, the dBASE$
parameter should be left blank.
Example IncludedField$=MyData.GetFieldList$("dbo.emp", "hr")
GetGroup$
Gets a string that provides information about grouping at the specified level.
Syntax [objet].GetGroup$(Level)
Parameters
Level
Specifies the grouping level that you want information about where 0 is the
entire report group, 1 is the primary grouping criteria, 2 is the secondary
grouping criteria, and so forth.
Returns A string that provides information about grouping at the specified level.
Comments If an invalid index is specified, a null string is returned and the Error$
property is set to indicate the error. Valid values for levels are zero to the number of
groups defined.
Example PrimaryGroup$=MyData.GetGroup(1)
GetSort$
Gets a string that indicates the sorting criteria at the given level if one exists.
Syntax [object].GetSort$(Level)
Parameters
Level
Specifies the sorting level that you want information about where 1 is the
primary sorting criteria, 2 is the secondary sorting criteria, and so forth.
Returns A string that indicates the sorting criteria at the given level if one exists.
Comments Valid values for the level argument are 1 to the number of current sorting
criteria. If an invalid index is specified, a null string is returned and the Error$ property
is set to Invalid Index.
Example PrimarySort$=MyData.GetSort$(1)
274
Creating Reports
GetSummary$
GetSummary$
Gets a string that provides information about a summary field at the specified grouping
level and index.
Syntax [object].GetSummary$(Level, Index)

Parameters
Level
Index
Matches the order in which the tables are originally added.
Returns If an invalid index or level is specified a null string is returned and the Error$
property is set to indicate the error.
Example SecondSummary$=MyData.GetSummary(1,2)
GetSQL$
Gets the last SQL statement that was executed for this data set control object.
Syntax [object].GetSQL$
Returns The last SQL statement that was executed for this data set control object.
Example MySQL$=MyData.GetSQL$
GetTable$
Gets a string that describes the table at the specified index if possible.
Syntax [object].GetTable$(Index)
Parameters
Index
Matches the order in which the tables are originally added.
Returns A string that describes the table at the specified index if possible.
Comments If an invalid index is given, this function returns a null string and the
Error$ property is set to an appropriate error message.
Example SecondTable$=MyData.GetTable$(2)
275
GetTableAlias$
GetTableAlias$
Gets the alias for the specified table.
Syntax [object].GetTableAlias$(Table$, DBase$)

Parameters
Defines a string of the form: Owner. TableName or for local data bases like
Table$
dBASE$
Returns The alias for the specified table.

Comments For local databases or servers that dont require that a databases be
specified, the dBASE$ parameter should be set to a null string.
Example TableAlias$=MyData.GetTableAlias$("dbo.emp","hr")
GetTableLink$
Gets a string that provides information about the table link at the given index if one
exists.
Syntax [object].GetTableLink$(Index)
Parameters
Index
The link for which to retrieve information.
Returns A string that provides information about the table link at the given index if
one exists.
Example SecondTableLink$ = MyData.GetTableLink(2)
IncludeFields$
Adds columns from a table to your data set.
Syntax [object.] IncludeFields$,Table$, DBase$, IncludeList$
276
Creating Reports
Load
Parameters
dBASE$
IncludeList$ A list of fields in a table to include as part of a table.
Table$
Comments The field list should be one string with the names of the included fields
separated by commas. The names should be provided exactly as they appear in our
dialog boxes. It is case-sensitive.
Example MyData.IncludeFields "dbo.emp","Pubs","First_Name, Last_Name, Dept, Emp_Id"
Load
Replaces any previous connection information in a DataSet control with information
from the file that is specified by the Filename$ parameter.
Syntax [object.]Load Filename$

Parameters
Filename$
The name of a file that the data set control object should be read from.
Returns 0 on success. If it is not zero, then the Error$ property contains text that
describes the error.
Comments The file must be created with the Save method and can have any extension.
Example MyData.Load("c:\RPTSMITH\MyData.DSC")
Recalc
Re-executes the SQL for this DataSet Control Object.
Syntax [object].Recalc
Comments Because this command is associated with a dataset control, any changes to
the result are not reflected in associated reports until a report level recalc is performed.
This command is generally used with dataset control functions as stand-alone queries
that do not have associated reports.
Example MyData.Recalc
RemoveGroup
Removes a grouping criteria from a report.
277
RemoveSort
Syntax [object].RemoveGroup Level

Parameters
Level
Specifies the grouping level that you want to remove where 0 is the entire
report group, 1 is the primary grouping criteria, 2 is the secondary grouping
criteria, and so forth.

Example MyData.RemoveGroup 1
RemoveSort
Removes the sorting criteria at the given level if one exists.
Syntax [object].RemoveSort Level

Parameters
Level
Specifies the grouping level that you want to remove where 0 is the entire
report group, 1 is the primary grouping criteria, 2 is the secondary grouping
criteria, and so forth.
Returns If an invalid index is specified, a 0 on success, a non-zero on error.

Comments Valid values for the level argument are 1 to the number of current sorting
criteria.
Example
MyData.RemoveSort 1
RemoveSummary
Returns a summary field from a report.
Syntax [object].RemoveSummary Level, Index
278
Creating Reports
RemoveTable
Parameters
Level
Index
Matches the order in which the tables were originally added.
Returns If an invalid index is specified a null string is returned and the Error$
Example MyData.RemoveSummary 1,2
RemoveTable
Removes the table at the specified index if possible.
Syntax [object].RemoveTable Index

Parameters
Index
Matches the order in which the tables were originally added.

Comments The table at any given index can be determined using the GetTable
function.
Example MyData.RemoveTable 2
RemoveTableLink
Removes the table link for the specified index from the dataset control object.
Syntax [object].RemoveSummary Level, Index

Parameters
Level
Index
Specifies the grouping level that the summary is operating on where 0 is the
The index of the link for which to retrieve information.
Example MyData.RemoveSummary 1,2
279
ReplaceTable
ReplaceTable
Replaces one table in a report with another.
Syntax [object].ReplaceTable Table$, Database$, NewTable$, NewDataBase$

Parameters
Path and file name for local databases.
Contains the old table.
NewTable$
The name of the replacement table.
NewDataBase$ Contains the replacement table.
Table$
Database$

Comments Any fields that dont have a direct match in the old table are excluded from
the report and those fields on the report surface should be removed or show #ref.
For database servers this method takes the form:
Owner.TableName
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified, the
Example MyData.ReplaceTable "dbo.emp","hr","dbo.emp2", "new_hr"
Save
Replaces any previous connection information in a DataSet control with information
from the file that is specified by the Filename$ parameter.
Syntax [object.]Save Filename$

Parameters
Filename$
The file to save to.
Returns 0 on success. If it is not zero, then the Error$ property contains text that
describes the error.
Example
MyData.Save "c:\MyData.Dat"
SetColumnAlias
Sets or changes the Alias for a column in a reports table.
Syntax [object].SetColumnAlias Table$, Databases$, Column$, Alias$
280
Creating Reports
SetFromActive
Parameters
The path and file name for local databases.
The database that contains the table.
The name of the field for which to set an alias.
The new alias for the field.
Table$
Database$
Column$
Alias$
Returns
0 on success, a non-zero on error.
Comments
For database servers the Table$ parameter takes the form:
Owner.TableName.
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified the
Example MyData.SetColumnAlias "dbo.emp","hr","DEPT_ID","Departments"
SetFromActive
Replaces any previous connection information in a DataSet control with a reference to
the data description for the currently active report.
Syntax [object.]SetFromActive
Comments Use this method to change a currently active report. It can also be used to
save DataSet information for a report that can then be reloaded, changed and used to
create other reports.
Example
The following example uses the SetFromActive method along with the
Selection$ property to change the selection criteria for the active report.
Sub ChangeActiveSelection()
'Create a DataSet named DS
dim DS as DataSet
DS.SetFromActive
DS.Selection$ = " Department = 'Accounting' "
'Cause the report to update to reflect the change
Recalc
End Sub
SetFromLoading
Associates the dataset control object with a report that is being loaded (before the SQL is
executed for this report).
Syntax [object].SetFromLoading
281
SetTableAlias
Comments This function is only valid when used in the Before report is opened
event.
Example MyData.SetFromLoading
SetTableAlias
Sets or changes the alias for a table in a report.
Syntax [object].SetTableAlias Table$, Database$, Alias$

Parameters
Table$
Database$
Alias$
The path and file name for local databases.

The database that contains the table.
The new alias for the table.

Comments For database servers the Table$ parameter takes the form:
Owner.TableName.
For local databases or servers that dont require that a database be specified the
Example MyDate.SetTableAlias "dbo.emp","hr","Human_Resource"
SetTableLink
Defines a link between two tables.
Syntax [object.]SetTableLink Table1$,DBase1$,Field1$,Table2$,DBase2$,Field2$,Operation, JoinType
282
Creating Reports
SetUserSQL
Parameters
The first table to link.
The database that contains Table1.
The field to link on from the first table.
The second table to link.
The database that contains Table2.
The field to link on from the second table.
The relation between the linked fields. It can have one of the following
values:
Table1$
DBase1$
Field1$
Table2$
DBase2$
Field2$
Operation
0 Field 1 = Field 2
1 Field 1 < Field 2
2 Field 1 <= Field 2
3 Field 1 > Field 2
4 Field 1 >= Field 2
The type of link. It can have one of the following values:
JoinType
0
1
2
3
Inner join
Left outer join
Right outer join
Full outer join
Comments Before a table link can be defined, both tables must be added to the DataSet
control using the AddTable function.
Example This example links the emp table to the dept table by the department id
excluding all unmatched records.
'The following needs to be one line in Basic"
SetTableLink "dbo.emp","Indigo","Dept_Id","dbo.dept","Indigo","Dept_Id",0,0
SetUserSQL
Places the DataSet control object into user entered SQL mode with the provided SQL.
Syntax [object].SetUserSQL SQL$

Parameters
SQL$
The complete SQL string to be used for this dataset query.

Comments You must have a connection to the appropriate server (or local database)
that supports the SQL you generate in order for the SetUserSQL to work properly.
283
TestSelection$
Example
MyData.SetUserSQL"SELECT dbo.emp.First_Name,
dbo.emp.Last_Name FROM dbo.emp"
TestSelection$
Returns a string that tells how many records would be selected or an error message
about the selection criteria.
Syntax [object].TestSelection$
Comments In order to set and test a selection criteria, you must have a connection and
at least one table.
Example
MyData.Selection$="Salary>40000"
Msgbox MyData.TestSelection$()
DataSet Control properties summary

Properties are variables that belong to an object. You can access these variables in the
same way as you access object methods by using the object name followed by a period
(.) and the property name. You use this just like any other variable. Some properties are
read-only while others can be both read and written.
Property
Description
AllDataBases$
AllOwners$
AllTables$
DataBases$
Error$
Returns all the databases available under the current connection.

Returns all owners available under the current connection.
Returns a list of all owners for connections that have owners.
Returns the current database for the current connection.
Contains a string describing the error that occurred in the last dataset control method
executed.
Used to store an integer value.
Links a macro in an active list to the specified Object, Event, and Item.
Returns the current name for the current situation.
Returns the current owner for the current situation.
Returns the current record in the dataset.
Returns the total number of records in the dataset.
Gets or sets the selection criteria for a dataset control object.
Returns a list of tables included in a report.
Id
Link Macro
Name$
Owner$
Record
RecordCount
Selection$
Table$
AllDataBases$
Returns all the databases available under the current connection, separated by commas.
284
Creating Reports
AllOwners$
Syntax [object].AllDataBases$
Comments A connection must be made before the list of all databases can be retrieved
from a DataSet object.
Example ListofDataBases$=AllDataBases$
AllOwners$
Returns all owners available under the current connection, separated by commas.
Syntax [object].AllOwners$
Comments Before the list of all owners can be retrieved from a DataSet object, a
connection must be made.
Example OwnerList$ = MyData.AllOwners$
AllTables$
Returns a list of all tables, separated by commas, for a connection.
Syntax [object.]Selection$ [ =stringexpression]

Comments The table in the string is separated by commas and access to individual
tables can be achieved by using the GetField$ function on page 319.
Example Msgbox " All Tables: " + MyData.AllTables$
DataBase$
Returns the current database for the current connection.
Syntax [object].DataBase$
Comments Before a current database can be retrieved from a DataSet object, a
connection that has databases must be made.
Example CurrentDataBase$=MyData.DataBase$
Error$
Contains a string that describes the error that occurred in the last dataset control method
executed.
Syntax [object.]Selection$ [ =stringexpression]

Comments Use MyData.PS or any other DataSet name. Dataset names must be used
consistently.
285
Id
Example
X=DS.ADDTABLE("INVALID.TABLE","BOGUS")
If x<>0 then msgbox DS.ERROR$
End If
Id
Stores an integer value.
Syntax [object.]Id = [integerexpression]

Comments The Id property function can be used to keep track of some information
related to the DataSet control. As with the Name$ property this value has no meaning to
ReportBasic and it is completely up to the programmer how it is to be used. This
property is read/write at run time.
Example MyData.Id=127
Name$
Returns the current name for the current situation.
Syntax [object.]Name$ = [stringexpression]

Comments This property is read/write at run time.
Example MyData.Name$="Susan's Data"
Owner$
Returns the current owner for the current situation.
Syntax [object].Owner$
Comments Before the current owner can be retrieved from a DataSet object, a
connection that has owners must be made.
Example CurrentOwner$=MyData.Owner$
Record
Returns the current record in the dataset.
Syntax [object].Record
Comments Before the number of records can be retrieved from a DataSet object a
connection must be made, links must be set, and a commit or recalc must be performed
successfully.
286
Creating Reports
RecordCount
Example If MyData.Record = 1 then MsgBox "We are at the beginning"
RecordCount
Returns the total number of records in the dataset.
Syntax [object].RecordCount$
Comments Before the number of records can be retrieved from a DataSet object a
connection must be made, links must be set, and a commit or recalc must be successfully
performed.
Example TotalRecords=MyData.RecordCount$
Selection$
Gets or sets the selection criteria for a DataSet Control Object.
Syntax [object.]Selection$
Comments A table must be added to the data set before the selection criteria can be
written or read. A change in Selection$ does not change the data until a commit method
or a recalc command is executed. This property is read/write at run time.
You can get the individual tables from the list by using the GetField$ function.
Example MyData.Selection$="Salary>40000"
Table$
Returns a list of tables included in a report, separated by commas.
Syntax [object].Table$
Comments By using the GetField$ function you can get the individual tables from the
list.
Example SecondTable$=GetField$(MyData.Table$,2,",")
Report Control Object

Controls reports in the same manner that the DataSet Control Object is used to control
queries. At this time, the Report Control has only a limited number of methods and
properties. New methods and properties will be added in future versions of
ReportSmith.
A report control object is created in the same manner as a dataset control.
Syntax A Dim MyReport as Report
287
Syntax B Global MyGlobalReport as Report

Report Object properties (members)
Name$
Id
Page
TotalPages
Error$
A string that identifies this object. Null by default

A number that identifies this object. Null by default
The current page of the report
Returns the total number of pages in the report ( read only )
Last error returned by a method of this object
Report Object methods
SetFromActive
Recalc
Associates a Report Control Object with the currently active

report.
Just like the general Recalc command, but only affects the
associated report regardless of what report is active.
Basic commands summary

The following table contains a list of available Help topics for standard Basic functions
and statements. Index items are arranged in alphabetical order within each major
category. You can also view these commands in ReportSmiths online Help.
Note
For information on how to use Help, press F1 or choose Using Help from the Help
menu.
Command
Description
Abs
Asc
Assert
Atn
Beep
Begin Dialog... End Dialog
Button
ButtonGroup
Call
CancelButton
Caption
CDbl
ChDir
ChDrive
CheckBox
Chr$
Return the absolute value of a number.

Return an integer corresponding to a character code.
Trigger an error if a condition is false.
Return the arctangent of a number.
Produce a short beeping tone through the speaker.
Begin a dialog box definition.
Define a button dialog box control.
Begin definition of a group of button dialog box controls.
Transfer control to a subprogram.
Define a cancel-button dialog box control.
Define the title of a dialog box.
Convert a number to double-precision floating point.
Change the default directory for a drive.
Change the default drive.
Define a checkbox dialog box control.
Return a string containing a single character that corresponds to a character
code.
Convert a number to an integer by rounding.
CInt
288
Creating Reports
Command
Description
CLng
Close
ComboBox
Command$
Const
Cos
CSng
$CStrings
Convert a number to a long by rounding.

Close a file.
Define a ComboBox dialog box control.
Return the command line specified when the INIT or MAIN sub was run.
Declare a symbolic constant.
Return the cosine of an angle.
Convert a number to single-precision floating point.
Treat backslash in string as escape character in the same way that the C
language does.
Return the current directory for a drive.
Return the current date.
Forward declare a procedure in the same module or in a dynamic link library.
Declare the default data type for variables.
Display a dialog box.
Declare variables for use in a method.
Return a filename which matches a pattern.
Control repetitive actions.
Repeat a block of statements while or until a condition is true.
Return a string from the operating systems environment.
Check for end of file.
Return the line number where a runtime error occurred.
Return a runtime error code.
Set the runtime error code.
Generate an error condition.
Returns a string representing an error.
Cause the current procedure or loop structure to return.
Return the value of e raised to a power.
Return information about an open file.
Return the integer part of a number.
Loop a fixed number of times.
Return the next unused file number.
Return a function.
Retrieve current values for a dialog box.
Return a substring from a delimited source string.
Declare a global variable.
Send control to a line label.
Return a GroupBox in a dialog box.
Return the hexadecimal representation of a number, as a string.
Branch on a conditional value.
Tell the compiler to include statements from another file.
Return a string of characters from a file.
Reads data from a file or from the keyboard.
Display a dialog box which prompts for input.
CurDir$
Date$
Declare
Deftype
Dialog
Dim
Dir$
Do...Loop
Do...While
Environ$
Eof
Erl
Err function
Err statement
Error
Error$ function
Exit
Exp
FileAttr
Fix
For...Next
FreeFile
Function ... End Function statement
GetCurValues
GetField$
Global
GoTo
GroupBox
Hex$
If ... Then ... Else
$Include
Input$ function
Input # statement
InputBox$ function
289
Command
Description
InStr
Int
Kill
LBound
LCase$
Left$
Len
Let (assignment statement)
Line Input #
ListBox statement
Lof
Log
LTrim$
Mid$ statement
Mid$ function
MkDir
MsgBox function
MsgBox statement
Name
$NoCStrings
Oct$
OkButton
On Error
Open
Option Base
OptionButton
OptionGroup
Print
Randomize
ReDim
Rem
Reset
Resume
Right$
RmDir
Rnd
RTrim$
Seek
Seek
Select Case
SetField$
Sgn
Shell
Return the position of one string within another.

Return the integer part of a number.
Delete files from a disk.
Return the lower bound of an arrays dimension.
Convert a string to lower case.
Return the left portion of a string.
Return the length of a string.
Assign a numeric or string value to a variable.
Read a line from a sequential file.
Return a Listbox dialog box control.
Return the length of an open file.
Return the natural logarithm of a value.
Remove leading spaces in a string.
Replace a portion of a string with another string.
Return a portion of a string.
Make a directory on a disk.
Display a Windows message box.
Display a Windows message box.
Rename a disk file.
Tell the compiler to treat a backslash as normal character.
Return the octal representation of a number, as a string.
Return an OK button dialog box control.
Control runtime error handling.
Open a disk file or device for I/O.
Declare the default lower bound for array dimensions.
Return a OptionButton dialog box control.
Begin definition of a group of option button dialog box controls.
Print data to a file or to the screen.
Initialize the random-number generator.
Declare dynamic arrays and reallocate memory.
Treat the remainder of the line as a comment.
Close all open disk files.
End an error-handling routine.
Return the right portion of a string.
Remove a directory from a disk.
Return a random number.
Remove trailing spaces in a string.
Return the current position for a file.
Set the current position for a file.
Execute one of a series of statement blocks.
Replace a substring within a delimited target string.
Return a value indicating the sign of a number.
Run an executable program.
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Creating Reports
Abs function
Command
Description
Sin
Space$
Sqr
Stop
Str$
String$
Sub ... End Sub
Tan
Text
TextBox
Time$
Timer
Type
UBound
UCase$
Val
While ... Wend
Write
Return the sine of an angle.

Return a string of spaces.
Return the square root of a number.
Stop program execution.
Return the string representation of a number.
Return a string consisting of a repeated character.
Return a subprogram.
Return the tangent of an angle.
Return a line of text in a dialog box.
Return a line of TextBox in a dialog box.
Return the current time.
Return the number of seconds since midnight.
Declare a user-defined data type.
Return the upper bound of an arrays dimension.
Convert a string to upper case.
Convert a string to a number.
Control repetitive actions.
Write data to a sequential file.
Abs function
Returns the absolute value of a specified numeric expression.
Syntax Abs( numeric_expression )

Parameters
numeric_expression A field or variable representing a number.
Returns Matches the type of numeric expression. This includes variant expressions
that return a result of the same vartype as input, except vartype 8 (string) is returned as
vartype 5 (double) and vartype 0 (empty) is returned as vartype 3 (long).
Example Value1 and Value2 below are integer variables.

Difference=ABS(Value1-Value2)
Asc function
Converts the first character in a string from character code to an ASCII code number.
Syntax Asc( string_expression$ )
291
Assert statement
Parameters
string_expression$
The string from which to get the first character.
Returns An integer corresponding to the ANSI code of the first character in the
specified numeric expression. The return value is single-precision for an integer,
currency or single-precision numeric expression, double-precision for a long, variant, or
double-precision numeric expression.
Comments Generates an error if the argument is null.

Example MsgBox "The character "%" has the ASCII code:" +Str$(ASC("%"))
Assert statement
Declares a condition that must be true for continued macro execution.
Syntax Assert condition

Parameters
condition
An expression or condition which you want to assert as true.
Comments Triggers an error if the condition is FALSE. An assertion error cannot be

trapped by the ON ERROR statement.
The Assert statement is intended to help ensure that a procedure is performing in the
expected manner.
Example Assert x>0
Atn function
Calculates the arctangent of a numeric expression that indicates a ratio. This can be used
only as a function.
Syntax Atn( numeric_expression )

Parameters
numeric_expression A field or variable representing a number.
Returns Returns the angle (in radians) corresponding to the arctangent of the specified
numeric expression.
Comments The return value is single-precision for an integer, currency or singleprecision numeric expression, double-precision for a long, variant or double-precision
numeric expression.
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Creating Reports
Beep statement
Example x=Atn(0.33)
Beep statement
The Beep statement produces a short beeping tone that can be used to alert a user.
Syntax Beep
Comments The Beep statement produces a single short beeping tone through the
computer speaker.
Example
If Value>Limit then
Beep
MsgBox "The value was greater than allowed"
End If
Begin Dialog ... End Dialog statement

Starts the dialog box declaration for a user-defined dialog box.
Syntax
Begin Dialog dialogName [x, y,] dx, dy
[dialog box definition statements]
End Dialog
Parameters
[x, y,]
dx, dy
The x and y arguments give the coordinates that position the dialog box. These
coordinates designate the position of the upper left corner of the dialog box,
relative to the upper left corner of the client area of the parent window. The x
argument is measured in units that are 1/4 the average width of the system
font. The y argument is measured in units 1/8 the height of the system font.
(For example, to position a dialog box 20 characters in, and 15 characters down
from the upper left hand corner, enter 80, 120 as the x, y coordinates.) If these
arguments are omitted, the dialog box is centered in the client area of the
parent window.
The dx and dy arguments specify the width and height of the dialog box
(relative to the x and y coordinates). The dx argument is measured in 1/4
system-font character-width units. The dy argument is measured in 1/8
system-font character-width units (i.e., to create a dialog box 80 characters
wide, and 15 characters in height, enter 320, 120 as the dx, dy coordinates).
Comments The Begin Dialog statement assumes that if only two arguments are given,
they are the dx (width) and dy (height) arguments. Unless the Begin Dialog statement is
293
Button statement
followed by at least one other dialog box definition statement and the End Dialog
statement, an error results.
The other definition statement must include an OkButton or CancelButton or Button
statement. If this statement is left out, there is no way to close the dialog box, and the
procedure is unable to continue executing.
To display the dialog box, you create a dialog record variable with the Dim statement,
and then display the dialog box using the Dialog statement. In the Dim statement,
dialogName is used to identify the dialog definition.
Example
Begin Dialog MyDialog 120,130
Caption "This is My Dialog"
End Dialog
Button statement
Defines a custom push button. (This allows the use of push buttons other than OK and
CANCEL.) It is used in conjunction with the ButtonGroup statement.
Syntax
Button x, y, dx, dy, text$
Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
text$
The x and y arguments set the position of the button relative to the upper left
corner of the dialog box.
dx and dy set the width and height of the button. A dy value of 14 typically
accommodates text in the system font.
Contains a message that is contained in the push button. If the width of this
string is greater than dx, trailing characters are truncated.
Comments The Button statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
End Dialog statement. A dy value of 14 typically accommodates text in the system font.
Example
Button 10,20,14,14, "Hello User!"
ButtonGroup statement
Begins definition of the buttons when custom buttons are to be used.
Syntax ButtonGroup .field
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Creating Reports
Call statement
Parameters
.field
A variable that contains the number of the button in the group that was
selected. Buttons are numbered by the order they are entered in the dialog
definition.
Comments ButtonGroup establishes the dialog-record field that contains the users
selection. If ButtonGroup is used, it must appear before any Button statement which
creates a pushbutton. Only one ButtonGroup statement is allowed within a dialog box
definition.
The ButtonGroup statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an End
Dialog statement.
Example
Begin Dialog MyDialog 360,260
ButtonGroup.Pressed
Button 20, 130, 150, 30, "Load Report"
Button 20, 130, 150, 30, "Print Report"
End Dialog
'Execute dialog in this code
MyDialog.Pressed
'This will have the value of 1 if load report is pressed and 2 if print report if pressed.
Call statement
Transfers control to a subprogram procedure or application-defined dialog box.
Syntax A
Call subprogram_name [ ( argumentlist ) ]
Syntax B
Subprogram_name argumentlist
Syntax C
Call app_dialog (recordName)
Syntax D
App_dialog {recordName | dotList}
Parameters The Call statement parameter consists of a subprogram and it arguments.

Comments Used to call a subprogram written in Basic or to call C procedures in a
DLL. These C procedures must be described in a Declare statement or be implicit in the
application.
The arguments to the subprogram must match the parameters as specified in the
definition of the subprogram. The arguments can be either variables or expressions.
Arguments are passed by reference to procedures written in Basic. If you pass a variable
to a procedure which modifies its corresponding formal parameter, and you do not
wish to have your variable modified, enclose the variable in parentheses in the Call
statement. This tells Basic to pass a copy of the variable. This is less efficient and should
not be done unless necessary.
295
CancelButton statement
When a variable is passed to a procedure which expects its argument by reference, the
variable must match the exact type of the formal parameter of the function. (This
restriction does not apply to expressions.)
Similarly to subprogram invocation, functions associated with application-defined
dialog boxes can be invoked using Call syntaxes listed as C and D above. In Syntax C,
the name inside the parentheses must be a variable previously Dimmed as an
application-defined dialog record. In Syntax D, the dialog box name can be followed by
either a dialog record variable or a comma-separated list of dialog box fields settings, for
example:
SearchFind .SearchFor="abc", .Forward=1
When calling an external DLL procedure, arguments can be passed by value rather than
by reference. This is specified either in the Declare statement, the Call itself, or both,
using the ByVal keyword. If ByVal is specified in the declaration, then the ByVal
keyword is optional in the call; if present, it must precede the value. If ByVal was not
specified in the declaration, it is illegal in the call unless the datatype specified in the
declaration was Any. Specifying ByVal causes the parameters value to be placed on the
stack, rather than a far reference to it.
Example
Sub Callable (Argument$)
End Sub
Sub Macro
Call Callable "My Argument"
CancelButton statement
The CancelButton statement determines the position and size of a cancel button.
Syntax CancelButton x, y, dx, dy

Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
The x and y arguments set the position of the cancel button relative to the
upper left corner of the dialog box.
dx and dy set the width and height of the button. A dy value of 14 can usually
accommodate text in the system font.
Comments The CancelButton statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and
an End Dialog statement.
The x and y arguments set the position of the cancel button relative to the upper left
corner of the dialog box. dx and dy set the width and height of the button. A dy value of
14 can usually accommodate text in the system font.
If the CancelButton is pushed at runtime, the dialog box is removed from the screen and
an Error 102 is triggered.
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Creating Reports
Caption statement
Example CancelButton 10,20,14,14
Caption statement
Defines the text to be used as the title of a dialog box.
Syntax Caption text$

Parameters
text$
The text you would like to see appear in your caption.
Comments The Caption statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
End Dialog statement.
If no Caption statement is specified for the dialog box, a default caption is used.
Example Caption "Dialog Title"
CDbl function
The CDbl function converts an expression to double-precision floating point. This can be
used only as a function.
Syntax
CDbl ( numeric_expression )
Parameters
numeric_expression
A field or variable representing a number.
Returns Converts an expression to a double-precision floating point.

Comments CDbl accepts any type of expression. Strings that cannot be converted to a
currency results in a Type Mismatch error. Variants containing nulls result in an
Illegal Use of Null error.
To convert an expression to a different data type, see CCur, CInt, CLng, CSng, CStr,
CVDate and CVar.
Example Cdbl("Table.Numberfield1"+"Table.Numberfield2")
ChDir statement
Changes the default directory for the specified drive.
Syntax ChDir pathname$
297
ChDrive statement
Parameters
Pathname$ is a string expression identifying the new default directory.
pathname$
Comments The ChDir statement changes the default directory for the specified drive.
It does not change the default drive. (To change the default drive, use ChDrive).
The syntax for pathname$ is:
[drive:] [\] directory [\directory]
The drive argument is optional. If omitted, ChDir changes the default directory on the
current drive.
Example ChDir "c:\rptsmith\macros"
ChDrive statement
Changes the default drive.
Syntax
ChDrive drivename$
Parameters
drivename$
Drivename$ is a string expression designating the new default drive. This

drive must exist, and must be within the range specified in the
CONFIG.SYS file.
Comments If a null argument () is supplied, the default drive remains the same. If
the drivename$ argument is a string, ChDrive uses the first letter only. If the argument
is omitted, an error message is produced. (To change the current directory on a drive,
use ChDir.)
Example ChDrive "g:"
CheckBox statement
The CheckBox statement places a checkbox within a dialog box.
Syntax CheckBox x, y, dx, dy, text$, .field
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Creating Reports
CInt function
Parameters
x, y
dx
dy
text$
.field
The x and y arguments give the coordinates that position the check box. These
coordinates designate the position of the upper left corner of the check box,
relative to the upper left corner of the dialog box. The x argument is measured
in 1/4 system-font character-width units. The y argument is measured in 1/8
system-font character-height units. (See Begin Dialog ... End Dialog
statement on page 293.)
The dx argument is the combined width of the check box and the text$ field.
Because proportional spacing is used, the width varies with the characters
used. To approximate the width, multiply the number of characters in the
text$ field (including blanks and punctuation) by 4 and add 12 for the
checkbox.
The dy argument is the height of the text$ field. A dy value of 12is standard,
and should cover typical default fonts. If larger fonts are used, the value
should be increased. As the dy number grows, the checkbox and the
accompanying text moves downward within the dialog box.
The text$ field contains the title shown to the right of the check box. If the
width of this string is greater than dx, trailing characters are truncated. If you
wish to include underlined characters so that the check box selection can be
made from the keyboard, the character must be preceded with an ampersand
(&).
The .field argument is the name of the dialog-record field that holds the
current check box setting. If its value is 0, the box is unchecked; if its value
is 1 the box appears grayed; if its value is 1, the box is checked. The macro
language treats any other value of .field the same as a 1.
Comments The CheckBox statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
Example CheckBox 10,10,14,14,"My statement", .check_value-holder
CInt function
Converts the value of expression to an integer by rounding.
Syntax CInt ( numeric_expression )

Parameters
(numeric_expression)
The argument given is any numeric-expression.
Comments Clnt accepts any type of expression. After rounding, the resulting number
must be within the range of 32767 to 32767, or an error occurs.
Strings that cannot be converted to an integer results in a Type Mismatch error.
Variants containing nulls results in an Illegal Use of Null error. To convert a numeric
299
CLng function
expression to a different data type, see the CDbl function on page 297, CLng
function on page 300 and CSng function on page 302.
Example Clnt("table.Decimalfield")
CLng function
The CLng function converts the value of expression to a long by rounding.
Syntax
CLng (numeric_expression)
Parameters
(numeric_expression)
Returns A round long number.

Comments After rounding, the resulting number must be within the range of:
2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647, or an error occurs.
Strings that cannot be converted to a long result in a Type Mismatch error. Variants
containing nulls result in an Illegal Use of Null error.
CLng generates the same result as you would get by assigning the numeric-expression
to a Long variable. To convert a value to a different data type, see the CDbl function
on page 297, CInt function on page 299 and CSng function on page 302.
Example Clng("Table.Numfield"*10000)
Close statement
Closes a file, concluding input/output to that file.
Syntax Close [ [#] filenumber% [ , [ # ] filenumber% ... ]]

Parameters
filenumber%
Filenumber% is an integer expression identifying the file to close. It is the

number used in the Open statement for the file. If this argument is omitted,
all open files are closed.
Comments Once a Close statement is executed, the association of a file with

filenumber% is ended, and the file can be reopened with the same or different file
number.
When the Close statement is used, the final output buffer is written to the operating
system buffer for that file. Close frees all buffer space associated with the closed file. Use
the Reset statement so that the operating system flushes its buffers to disk.
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Creating Reports
ComboBox statement
Example
'Close file number 1
close number 1
ComboBox statement
The ComboBox statement is used to create a combination text box and list box.
Syntax ComboBox x, y, dx, dy, text$, .field

Parameters
x,y
dx,dy
text$
.field
The x and y arguments give the coordinates that position the upper left corner
of the list box, relative to the upper left corner of the dialog box. The x
argument is measured in 1/4 system-font character-width units. The y
argument is measured in 1/8 system-font character-width units. (See Begin
Dialog ... End Dialog statement on page 293.)
The dx and dy arguments specify the width and height of the combo box in
which the user enters or selects text.
The text$ field specifies the name of the string containing the list variables.
The .field argument is the name of the dialog-record field that holds the text
string entered in the text box or chosen from the list box. The string in the text
box is recorded in the field designated by the .field argument when the OK
button (or any pushbutton other than CANCEL) is pushed.
Comments The ComboBox statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and
an End Dialog statement.
Example ComboBox 10,10,14,14,"My Statement",.text_entered_holder
Const statement
You use the Const statement to declare symbolic constants for use in a Basic program.
Syntax [Global] Const constantName = expression [,constantName = expression ]...

Parameters
constantName
expression
The name of the constant being defined.

The value to assign to the constant.
Comments Basic is a strongly typed language. The available data types for constants
are numbers and strings.
301
Cos function
The type of the constant can be specified by using a type character as a suffix to the
constantName. If no type character is specified, the type of the constantName is derived
from the type of the expression.
If Global is specified, the constant is validated at module load time; if the constant has
already been added to the runtime global area, the constants type and value are
compared to the previous definition, and the load fails if a mismatch is found. This is
useful as a mechanism for detecting version mismatches between modules.
Example Const True=1, False=0, User$="John Doe", Pi=3.1415
Cos function
Declares symbolic constants for use in a Basic program.
Syntax Cos( angle )

Parameters
angle
A variable, field, or number representing an angle.
Returns The Cos function returns the cosine of an angle. The return value is between
1 and 1. The return value is single-precision if the angle is an integer or singleprecision value, double precision for a long or double-precision value.
Comments The angle is specified in radians, and can be either positive or negative.
Example
'Calculate the cos of 450
Pi radians = 1800
The_cos = cos(45x3.1415/180)
Note
The mathematical equation in parentheses represents the conversion factor.
CSng function
The CSng function converts the value of expression to a single-precision floating point.
Syntax CSng ( numeric_expression )

Parameters
numeric_expression The argument given is any numeric expression.
Returns A numeric expression.

Comments Accepts any type of expression. The numeric-expression must have a
value within the range allowed for the Single data type, or an error occurs.
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Creating Reports
$CStrings metacommand
Strings that cannot be converted to an integer results in a Type Mismatch error.

Variants containing nulls results in an Illegal Use of Null error.
To convert a numeric expression to a different data type, see the CDbl function on
page 297, CInt function on page 299 and CLng function on page 300.
Example S=Csng(1/3)
$CStrings metacommand
The $CStrings metacommand tells the compiler to treat a backslash character inside a
string (\) as an escape character. This treatment is based on the C language.
Syntax $CSTRINGS
Comments The supported special characters are:
Newline (Linefeed) \n
Formfeed
\f
Horizontal Tab
\t
Backslash
\\
Vertical Tab
\v
Single Quote
\'
Backspace
\b
Double Quote
\"
Carriage Return
\r
Null Character
\0
The instruction Hello\r World is the equivalent of Hello + Chr$(13)+World.

In addition, any character can be represented as a 3 digit octal code or a 3 digit
hexadecimal code:
Octal Code\ddd
Hexadecimal Code\xddd
For both hexadecimal and octal, fewer than 3 characters can be used to specify the code
as long as the subsequent character is not a valid (hex or octal) character.
To tell the compiler to return to the default string processing mode, where the backslash
character has no special meaning, use the $NoCStrings metacommand.
Example '$CStrings
CurDir$ function
This function determines the current directory of the specified drive.
Syntax CurDir$ [ (drivename$) ]
303
Date$ function
Parameters
[ (drivename$) ] Drivename$ is a string expression identifying the drive to return the
default directory of. This drive must exist, and must be within the range
specified in the CONFIG.SYS file. If a null argument () is supplied, or
if no drivename is indicated, the path for the default drive is returned.
Returns The path (including the drive letter) that is current default directory for the
specified drive. The dollar sign, $, in the function name is optional. If specified the
return type is string. If omitted the function returns a variant of vartype 8 (string).
Comments To change the current drive, use ChDrive; to change the current directory,
use ChDir. command from the list box.
Example
'Get the current directory of Drive C
CurrentDir$=CurDir$("C")
Date$ function
Retrieves the system date as a string.
Syntax Date$
Returns A string representing the current date. The dollar sign, $, in the function
name is optional. If specified the return type is string. If omitted the function returns a
variant of vartype 8 (string).
Comments The Date$ function returns a ten character string.

Example Today$=Date$Declare Statement
Declare statement
The Declare statement has two usesforward declaration of a procedure whose
definition is to be found later in this module, and declaration of a procedure which is to
be found in an external Windows DLL or external Basic module.
Syntax A
Declare Sub name [ libSpecification ] [ ( parameter [ As type ] ) ]
Syntax B
Declare Function name [ libSpecification ] [ ( parameter [ As type ] ) ]
Parameters The parameters are specified as a comma-separated list of parameter

names. The data type of a parameter can be specified by using a type character or by
using the As clause. Record parameters are declared by using an As clause and a type
which has previously been defined using the Type statement.
A forward declaration is needed only when a procedure in the current module is
referenced before it is used. In this case, the BasicLib, Lib and Alias clauses are not used.
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Creating Reports
Declare statement
Array parameters are indicated by using empty parentheses after the parameter. Array
dimensions are not specified in the Declare statement.
External DLL procedures are called with the PASCAL calling convention (the actual
arguments are pushed on the stack from left to right). By default, the actual arguments
are passed by far reference. For external DLL procedures, there are two additional
keywords, ByVal and Any, that can be used in the parameter list.
When ByVal is used, it must be specified before the parameter it modifies. When
applied to numeric data types, ByVal indicates that the parameter is passed by value,
not by reference. When applied to string parameters, ByVal indicates that the string is
passed by far pointer to the string data. By default, strings are passed by far pointer to a
string descriptor.
Any can be used as a type specification, and permits a call to the procedure to pass a
value of any datatype. When Any is used, type checking on the actual argument used in
calls to the procedure is disabled (although other arguments not declared as type Any
are fully type-safe). The actual argument is passed by far reference, unless ByVal is
specified, in which case the actual value is placed on the stack (or a pointer to the string
in the case of string data). ByVal can also be used in the call. It is the external DLL
procedures responsibility to determine the type and size of the passed-in value.
Returns A Sub procedure does not return a value. Function returns a value, and can be
used in an expression. Function names must end with a type character.
This specifies the return value of the function. The name argument names the Sub or
Function being declared.
Comments If the libSpecification is of the format:

BasicLib libName
the procedure is to be found in another Basic module named libName. In this case, the
other module is loaded on demand whenever the procedure is called. The macro
language will not automatically unload modules that are loaded in this fashion. The
macro language detects errors of mis-declaration with very high (but not perfect)
reliability.
If the libSpecification is of the format:
Lib libName [ Alias ordinal ]
the procedure is to be found in a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) named libName. The
ordinal argument specifies the ordinal number of the procedure within the external
DLL. If the ordinal is not specified, the DLL function is accessed by name, which can
cause the module to load more slowly. It is recommended that the ordinal be used
whenever possible.
The Softbridge language supports two different behaviors when an empty string () is
passed ByVal to an external procedure. The implementor of the macro language can
specify which behavior by using the macro language API function SetInstanceFlags. In
any specific implementation which uses the macro language, one of these two behaviors
should be used consistently. We recommend the second behavior, which is compatible
with Microsofts VB Language. The following two paragraphs describe the two possible
behaviors.
305
Deftype statement
When an empty string () is passed ByVal to an external procedure, the external

procedure receives a NULL pointer. If you wish to send a valid pointer to an empty
string, use Chr$(0).
When an empty string () is passed ByVal to an external procedure, the external
procedure receives a valid (non-NULL) pointer to a character of 0. To send a NULL
pointer, Declare the procedure argument as ByVal As Any, and call the procedure with
an argument of 0&.
Example
Declare Function ShowWindow Lib
"User" (ByVal hwnd as Integer,
ByVal hwnd CardShow as Integer)as Integer
Deftype statement
Specifies the default data type of a variable specified in varTypeLetters.
Syntax
DefInt varTypeLetters
DefLng varTypeLetters
DefSng varTypeLetters
DefDbl varTypeLetters
DefStr varTypeLetters
Parameters
varTypeLetters
The name of the variable in which you would like to define the
data type.
Comments The varTypeLetters are specified as a comma-separated list of letters. A

range of letters can also be specified. For example, ad indicates the letters a, b, c and d.
The case of the letters is not important, even in a letter range. The letter range az is
treated as a special case. It denotes all alpha characters, including the international
characters.
The Deftype statement only affects the module in which it is specified. It must precede
any variable definition within the module.
Variables defined using the Global or Dim can override the Deftype statement by using
an As clause or a type character.
Example
DefInt MyInt1, Another Int, LastInt
DefStr Name, Caption
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Creating Reports
Dialog
Dialog
Displays a dialog box.
Syntax Dialog DialogName$

Parameters
DialogName$
The name of a user defined dialog box created with the dim statement.
Comments The data for the controls of the dialog box comes from the dialog box
record recordName.
The dialog box recordName must have been declared using the Dim statement. If the
user exits the dialog box by pushing the Cancel button, a runtime error is triggered
which can be trapped using On Error.
The Dialog statement does not return until the dialog box is closed.
Example
Dim The_Diag as UserDiag
Dialog The_Diag
Dim statement
Declares variables for use in a Basic program.
Syntax Dim [ Shared ] variableName [As type] [,variableName [As type]] ...
Comments Basic is a strongly typed language. The available data types are: numbers,
strings, records, arrays, dialog boxes and Application Data Types (ADTs).
If the As clause is not used, the type of the variable can be specified by using a type
character as a suffix to the variableName. The two different type-specification methods
can be intermixed in a single Dim statement (although not on the same variable).
Names
Variable names must begin with a letter and contain only letters, numbers and
underscores. Variable names can also be delimited by brackets, except for other
brackets, any character can be used inside the brackets.
Dim my_1st_variable As String
Dim [one long and strange! variable name] As String
Numbers
Numeric variables can be declared using the As clause and one of the following numeric
types: Currency, Integer, Long, Single, Double. Numeric variables can also be declared
by including a type character as a suffix to the name.
307
Dim statement
Strings
Basic supports two types of strings, fixed-length and dynamic. Fixed-length strings are
declared with a specific length (between 1 and 32767) and cannot be changed later. Use
the following syntax to declare a fixed-length string:
Dim variableName As String* length
Dynamic strings have no declared length, and can vary in length from 0 to 32767. The
initial length for a dynamic string is 0. Use the following syntax to declare a dynamic
string:
Dim variableName$
Or,
Dim variableName As String
Records
Record variables are declared by using an As clause and a typeName which has
previously been defined using the Type statement. The syntax to use is:
Dim variableName As typeName
Records are made up of a collection of data elements called fields. These fields can be of
any numeric, string, variant, or previously-defined record type. See Type for details on
accessing fields within a record.
You can also use the Dim statement to declare a dialog record. In this case type is
specified as:
[ Dialog ] dialogName
where dialogName matches a dialog box name previously defined using Begin Dialog.
The dialog record variable can then be used in a Dialog statement.
Dialog records have the same behavior as regular recordsthey differ only in the way
they are defined. Some applications may provide a number of pre-defined dialog boxes.
Objects
Object variables are declared by using an As clause and a typeName of a class. Object
variables can be Set to refer to an object, and then used to access members and methods
of the object using dot notation.
Dim Ole2 As Object
Set Ole2 = CreateObject("spoly.cpoly")
Ole2.reset
An object may be declared as new for some classes. In such instances, the object variable
does not need to be Set , a new object is allocated when the variable is used.
Note
The class object does not support the new operator.

Dim variableName As New className
variableName.methodName
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Creating Reports
Dir$ function
Arrays
The available data types for arrays are: numbers, strings, variants, objects and records.
Arrays of arrays, dialog box records, and ADTs are not supported.
Array variables are declared by including a subscript list as part of the variableName.
The syntax to use for variableName is:
Dim variable( [ subscriptRange, ... ] ) As typeName
Or,
Dim variable_with_suffix( [ subscriptRange, ... ] )
where subscriptRange is of the format:

If startSubscript is not specified, 0 is used as the default. The Option Base statement can
be used to change the default.
Both the startSubscript and the endSubscript are valid subscripts for the array. The
maximum number of subscripts which can be specified in an array definition is 60. The
maximum total size for an array is only limited by the amount of memory available.
If no subscriptRange is specified for an array, the array is declared as a dynamic array.
In this case, the ReDim statement must be used to specify the dimensions of the array
before the array can be used. A variable declared inside of a procedure has scope local to
that procedure. A variable declared outside of a procedure has scope local to the
module. It is permissible for a procedure to declare a variable with a name that matches
a module variable. When this happens, the module variable is not accessible by the
procedure.
Variables can be shared across modules. See the Global statement for details.
The Shared keyword is included for backward compatibility with older versions of
Basic. It is not allowed in Dim statements inside of a procedure. It has no effect. Basic
allows a variable to be automatically declared, without the use of a Dim statement. If a
variable is first used with a type character as a suffix to its name, the variable is
automatically declared to be a local variable of the specified type. If no type character is
specified, the variable is automatically declared to be a local variable of type Variant. It
is considered good programming practice to declare all variables, and not make use of
this feature. To force all variables to be explicitly declared use the Option Explicit
statement. It is also recommended that you place all procedure-level Dim statements at
the beginning of the procedure. Regardless of what mechanism you used to declare a
variable, you can choose to use or omit the type character when referring to the variable
in the rest of your program. The type suffix is not considered part of the variable name.
Example
Dim My_var as Array
Dir$ function
Returns a file that matches the given directory and/or wild card. Can be used only as a
function.
309
Do...While statement
Syntax Dir$ [(filespec$)]

Parameters
filespec$ A string expression identifying a path or filename. This argument can also
Attrib%
include a drive specification. It may also include wildcard characters (?) and
(*).
An integer expression specifying the file names that need to be added to the
list. The default value for attrib% is 0.
Returns The Dir$ function returns a filename that matches the specified pattern. The
dollar sign ($) in the functions name is optional. If specified the return type is string. If
omitted the function returns a variant of vartype 8 (string).
Comments This argument can include a drive specification. It can also include the
wildcard characters ? and *. Dir$ returns the first filename that matches the
filespec$ argument. To retrieve additional filenames that match the filespec$, call the
Dir$ function again, omitting the filespec$ argument. If no file is found, an empty string
() is returned. For Attrib%, Dir$ returns only files without directory, hidden, system,
or volume label attributes set.
Here are the possible values for attrib%:
Value
Meaning
0
2
4
8
16
Return normal files

Add hidden files
Add system files
Return volume label
Add directories
Example
'Count .rpt files in "c:s"
Count=1
A$=Dir$("C:\.rpt")
While Dir$<>""
Count=Count+1
Wend
Do...While statement
Repeats a block of statements while a condition is true or until a condition becomes true.
Syntax A
Do [ { While | Until } condition]
[ statementblock ]
[ Exit Do ]
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Creating Reports
Environ$ function
[ statementblock ]
Loop
Syntax B
Do
[ statementblock ]
[ Exit Do ]
[ statementblock ]
Loop [ { While | Until } condition]
Parameters
condition Condition is any expression that Basic can determine to be TRUE (nonzero) or
FALSE (0).
Comments Basic repeats the program lines contained in the statementblock(s) as long
as a While condition is true or until an Until condition is FALSE.
When an Exit Do statement is executed, control is transferred to the statement which
follows the loop statement. When used within a nested loop, an Exit Do statement
moves control out of the immediately enclosing loop.
Example
'search to the end of the R&D Group
do GetNext
Loop While Field$("Dept") = "R&D"
Environ$ function
Retrieves strings from the operating systems environment table.
Syntax A Environ$(environment-string$)
Syntax B Environ$( n% )
Parameters
environment-string$ The name of a keyword in the operating system environment. If this
n%
argument is given, it must be entered in uppercase, or it returns a null

string. The value associated with the keyword is returned.
One of the strings from the operating system environment.
This can be any numeric expression, but it is rounded to a whole
number by Environ$. If this argument is used, Environ$ returns the
nth string from the environment table. This string is in the form
keyword = value.
Returns A string from the operating systems environment table.
311
Eof function
Comments The argument of the Environ$ function can be either a string

(environment-string$) or an integer ( n%). A null string is returned if the specified
argument cannot be found.
Example
'Get the Users Path
My Path = Environ$("Path")
Eof function
Indicates if the end of a file has been reached.
Syntax Eof (filenumber%)

Parameters
The filenumber% is the number used in the Open statement of the file.
filenumber%
Returns
A value indicating whether the end of a file has been reached.
Comments The Eof Function returns a (1) if the end-of-file condition is true for the
specified file.
Example The following fills a string-array from a file. (!= means not equal.)
While Eof(2)!=1
Input#2, A$(x)
x=x+1
Wend
Erl function
Gets the line number of the last trapped error. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Erl
Returns The line number where an error was trapped.
Comments Using the Resume or On Error statements resets the Erl value to 0. If you
want to maintain the value of the line number returned by Erl, you should assign it to a
variable.
The value of the Erl function can be set indirectly through the Error statement.
Example MsgBox "Error on Line:" + str$(Erl)
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Creating Reports
Err function
Err function
Determines the last run time error code. It can be used only as a function.
Syntax Err
Returns The runtime error code for the last error that was trapped.
Comments Using the Resume or On Error statements resets the Err value to 0. If you
want to maintain the value of the error code returned by Err, you should assign it to a
variable.
The value of the Err function can be set directly through the Err statement, and
indirectly through the Error statement. See Trappable errors on page 225.
Example MsgBox "Error #" + Str$(Err)
Err statement
Sends error information between procedures.
Syntax Err = n%
Parameters
An integer that contains the code of the error.
n%
Comments The argument n% must be a 0 (indicating that no runtime error has been
trapped) or an integer expression indicating a runtime error code (having a value
between 1 and 32,767).
This statement can be used with Error$ to generate application specific errors.
Example
'Set to user error number 276
Err=276
Error statement
Error errorcode% simulates the occurrence of a macro language or user-defined error.
Syntax Error errorcode%
313
Error$ function
Parameters
Represents the error code, must be an integer between 1 and 32,767.
errorcode%
Comments If an errorcode% is one which the macro language already uses, the Error
statement simulates an occurrence of that error.
User-defined error codes should employ values greater than those used for standard
macro language error codes. To help ensure that non-macro language error codes are
chosen, user-defined codes should work down from 32,767.
If an Error statement is executed and there is no error-handling routine enabled, the
macro language produces an error message and halts program execution. If an Error
statement specified an error code not used by the macro language, the message Userdefined error is displayed.
Example Generate an error using a code of 7.

Error 7
Error$ function
Returns an error message for the given error code. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax
Error$ [(errorcode%)]
Parameters
errorcode%
A number from 132,767
Returns The error message that corresponds to the specified error code.
Comments If the errorcode% is omitted, Basic returns the error message for the
runtime error which has occurred most recently.
If no error message is found to match the errorcode null string() is returned. See
Trappable errors on page 225.
Example MsgBox "Error #75 is" + Error$(75)
Exit statement
Allows the program flow to escape from a loop function or subroutine.
Syntax Exit {Do | For | Function | Sub}
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Creating Reports
Exp function
Parameters
Do | For
Function | Sub
Terminate loop statements.

Transfer control from the current procedure back to the original calling
procedure.
Comments Exit Do can be used only within a Do...Loop statement. Exit For can be
used only within a For...Next statement. In both cases, control is transferred to the
statement which follows the loop statement. When used within a nested loop, an Exit
statement moves control out of the immediately enclosing loop.
The Exit Function and Exit Sub statements transfer control from the current procedure
back to the original calling procedure. Exit Function must be used in a function
procedure. Exit Sub can be used only to exit from a Sub procedure.
Example
'Wait until 11am
Do
If time$="11:00" then Exit Do
Loop
Exp function
Returns the value e raised to the numeric-expression power.
Syntax Exp( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression The numeric-expression is the value to raise Eulers number to.
Returns The value e raised to the numeric-expression power.

Comments The return value is single-precision for an integer or single-precision
numeric expression. It is double precision for a long or double-precision numeric
expression.
Example
The following example finds the value of e2.333.
value = Exp(2.333)
FileAttr function
Returns information about an open file.
Syntax
FileAttr ( filenumber%, attribute% )
315
Fix function
Parameters
The number used in the Open statement to open the file.
Either a 1 or 2. If attribute% is 2, FileAttr returns the operating system
handle for the file.
filenumber%
attribute%
Returns The FileAttr function returns information about an open file. Depending on
the attribute chosen, this information is either the file mode or the operating system
handle. The following table lists the return values and corresponding file modes if
attribute% is 1. See the following table.
Value
Mode
1
2
8
Input
Output
Append
Example
The following example gets the DOS file handle of the second open tile
report.
handle=FileAttr(2,2)
Fix function
Returns the integer part of a numeric expression.
Syntax Fix (numeric-expression)

Parameters
numeric-expression
Returns The integer part of a numeric-expression. The return type matches the type of
numeric expression. This includes variant expressions which return a result of the same
vartype as input. Except vartype 8 (string) is returned as vartype 5 (double) and vartype
0 (empty) is returned as vartype 3 (long).
Comments The argument given is any numeric expression. Fix removes the fractional
part of the expression and returns the integer part only for both positive and negative
numeric expressions. See the CInt function on page 299 and Int function on page
326.
Examples The following returns 6:
Fix (6.2)
The following returns 6:

Fix (6.2)
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Creating Reports
For...Next statement
For...Next statement
Repeats the statement block a fixed number of times, determined by the values of start,
end, and step.
Syntax
For counter = start TO end [STEP increment]
[ statementblock ]
[ Exit For ]
[ statementblock ]
Next [ counter ]
Parameters
start
end
increment
counter
statementblock
The initial value.

The maximum value of the count before the loop is executed.
The amount to add to the counter each time through the loop.
A variable to hold the count.
Basic functions, statements, or methods to be executed in the loop.
Comments In order for a For...Next loop to execute, the start and end values must be
consistent with increment. If end is greater than start, increment must be positive. If end
is less than start, increment must be negative. Basic compares the sign of (end-start) with
the sign of Step. If the signs are the same, and end does not equal start, the For...Next
loop is entered. If not, the loop is omitted in its entirety.
With a For...Next loop, the program lines following the For statement are executed until
the Next statement is encountered. At this point, the Step amount is added to the
counter and compared with the final value, end. If the beginning and ending values are
the same, the loop executes once, regardless of the Step value. Otherwise, the Step value
controls the loop as follows:
Step Value
Loop Execution
Positive
If counter is less than or equal to end, the Step value is added to counter. Control
returns to the statement after the For statement and the process repeats. If counter is
greater than end, the loop is exited; execution resumes with the statement following
the Next statement.
The loop repeats until counter is less than end.
The loop repeats indefinitely.
Negative
Zero
Within the loop, the value of the counter should not be changed, as changing the
counter makes programs more difficult to edit and debug.
For...Next loops can be nested within one another. Each nested loop should be given a
unique variable name as its counter. The Next statement for the inside loop must appear
before the Next statement for the outside loop. The Exit For statement can be used as an
alternative exit from For...Next loops.
317
FreeFile function
If the variable is left out of a Next statement, the Next statement matches the most recent
For statement. If a Next statement occurs prior to its corresponding For statement, Basic
returns an error message.
Multiple consecutive Next statements can be merged together. If this is done, the
counters must appear with the innermost counter first and the outermost counter last.
Example
For i = 1 To 10
[ statementblock ]
For j = 1 To 5
[ statementblock ]
Next j, i
FreeFile function
Used when you need to supply a file number, and want to make sure that you are not
choosing a file number which is already being used.
Syntax
FreeFile
Returns The lowest unused file number.

Comments The value returned can be used in a subsequent Open statement.
Example
FileNumber=FreeFile
Open for output as filenumber "Temp.txt"
Function ... End Function statement

Defines a function procedure. It can be used only as a function. The purpose of a
function is to produce and return a single value of a specified type.
Syntax
Function name [ ( parameter [ As type ] ... ) ]
name = expression
End Function

names. The data type of a parameter can be specified by using a type character or by
using the As clause. Record parameters are declared by using an As clause and a type
which has previously been defined using the Type statement.
Array parameters are indicated by using empty parentheses after the parameter. The
array dimensions are not be specified in the Function statement. All references to an
array parameter within the body of the function must have a consistent number of
dimensions.
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Creating Reports
GetField$ function
Returns You specify the return value by assigning it to the function name as if it were
a variable or parameter. If no such assignment occurs, the value returned is 0 for
numeric functions and the empty string () for string functions. The function returns to
the caller when the End Function statement is reached or when an Exit Function
statement is executed.
Comments Recursion is supported.

In the Function statement, the name of the function can end with a type character, which
specifies the type that the function returns. When calling the function, you need not
specify the type character.
Basic procedures use the call-by-reference convention. This means that if a procedure
assigns a value to a parameter, it modifies the variable passed by the caller. This feature
should be used with great care.
Use Sub to define a procedure which has no return value.
Example
Function = triangle(leg1 as double,leg2 as double)
Triangle = (leg1^2+leg2^2)^.5
End Function
GetField$ function
Returns a substring from a delimited string. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax
GetField$( string$, field_number%, separator_chars$
Parameters
The source string is considered to be divided into fields by separator
characters.
field_number%
The number of the substring to fetch.
separator_chars$ The character that is used to separate the fields. E.g., in a comma
delimited string it would be ,.
string$
Returns A substring from a source string.

Comments Multiple separator characters can be specified. The fields are numbered
starting with one.
If field_number is greater than the number of fields in the string, the empty string is
returned.
Example
GetField$("value1, value2, value3,",2,",")
would return "value2"
319
Global statement
Global statement
Declares global variables for use in a Basic program.
Syntax Global variableName [As type] [,variableName [As type]]

Parameters
variableName The name of your variable.
type
A valid data type to assign your variable. (See Variable data types on
page 222 for a list of valid data types.)
Comments Basic is a strongly typed language. The available data types are: numbers,
strings, records, arrays, dialog boxes, and Application Data Types (ADTs).
Global data is shared across all loaded modules. If an attempt is made to load a module
which has a global variable declared that has a different data type than an existing
global variable of the same name, the module load fails.
If the As clause is not used, the type of the global variable can be specified by using a
type character as a suffix to the variableName. The two different type-specification
methods can be intermixed in a single Global statement (although not on the same
variable).
Regardless of which mechanism you use to declare a global variable, you can choose to
use or omit the type character when referring to the variable in the rest of your program.
The type suffix is not considered part of the variable name.
Example Global A as string
GoTo statement
Changes a program flow by branching to a label.
Syntax
GoTo Label
Parameters
Label
The name of a label to navigate to.
Comments GoTo sends control to a label. The macro language does not support the
use of line numbers.
A label has the same format as any other Basic name. To be recognized as a label, a name
must begin in the first column and be followed immediately by a colon (:). Reserved
words are not valid labels.
GoTo cannot be used to transfer control out of the current function or sub.
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Creating Reports
GroupBox statement
GoTo is not recommended. While_Loops, Do_Loops, Select_Case statements for loops

and subroutines can be used instead.
Example
Start:
If Value>Limit then GoTo Done
value=value+somemore.
GoTo Start
Done:
GroupBox statement
Sets up a box that encloses sets of items, such as option boxes and check boxes that you
wish to group together in a dialog box.
Syntax GroupBox x, y, dx, dy, text$

Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
text$
The x and y arguments set the position of the group box relative to the upper
left corner of the dialog box.
dx and dy set the width and height of the box.
The text$ field contains a title that is embedded in the top border of the group
box.
Comments The GroupBox statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
In the text$ field, trailing characters are truncated if text$ is wider than dx. If the text$
argument is an empty string (), the top border of the group box will be a solid line.
Example GroupBox 10,10,80,50, "My Group"
Hex$ function
Converts from a decimal to a hex string.
Syntax Hex$( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression
A decimal or integer to convert.
Returns A hexadecimal representation of a numeric-expression, as a string.
321
Comments If the numeric expression is an integer, the string contains up to four

hexadecimal digits; otherwise, the expression is converted to a long integer, and the
string can contain up to 8 hexadecimal digits.
Example MsgBox "The hexadecimal representation of 175 is:" + Hex$(175)

Organizes alternative actions into separate blocks of code.
Syntax A
If condition Then
then_statement [Else else_statement ]
Syntax B
If condition Then
statement_block
[ ElseIf expression Then
statement_block]...
[ Else
statement_block ]
End If
Note
The syntax in both formats above, including the placement and organization of items on
each line, must be followed exactly.
Comments The resulting action depends on the logical value of one or more
conditions expressed in the structure.
The condition can be any expression which is evaluated as TRUE (non-zero) or FALSE
(zero).
In the single-line version of the If statement, the then_statement and else_statement can
be any valid single statement. Multiple statements separated by colons (:) are not
allowed. When multiple statements are required in either the Then or Else clauses, use
the block version of the If statement.
In the block version of the If statement, the statement_blocks can be made up of zero or
more statements, separated by colons (:) or on different lines.
Example
If total>limit then
MsgBox "over limit"
Else
MsgBox "under limit"
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Creating Reports
$Include metacommand
$Include metacommand
Tells the compiler to include statements from another file.
Syntax $Include: "filename"

Parameters
filename
A file with Basic source code to compile along with the current source.
Comments Comments which include metacommands are only recognized at the

beginning of a line. For compatibility with other versions of Basic, you can use single
quotes () to enclose the filename.
A file extension of .SBH is suggested for the macro language include files. This is only a
recommendation, and any other valid file extension can be used. If no directory or drive
is specified, the compiler searches for filename on the source file search path.
Example I$ Include "MYLIB.BAS"
Input$ function
Reads a specified number of characters from a file. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Input$ (numchars%, [#]filenumber%)

Parameters
numchars%
filenumber%
The numchars% argument contains the number of characters (bytes) to

read from the file.
The filenumber% argument is an integer expression identifying the open
file to read from.
Returns A string containing the characters read.

Comments The file pointer is advanced the number of characters read. Unlike the
Input # statement, Input$ returns all characters it reads, including carriage returns, line
feeds, and leading spaces.
This function is useful when you want to read in characters like carriage returns,
commas, or other characters that are used as delimiters for the Input$ statement.
Example The following example reads 20 characters from File2.

Input$ (20,#2)
Input # statement
Reads data from a sequential file and assigns the data to variables.
323
InputBox$ function
Syntax
Input [#] filenumber%, variable, [variable]
Input [prompt$,] variable, [variable]
Parameters
filenumber%
prompt$
variable
An integer expression identifying the open file to read from. This is the
number used in the Open statement to open the file.
An optional string that can be used to prompt for keyboard input.
Lists the variables that are assigned the values read from the file. The list of
variables is separated by commas.
Comments If filenumber is not specified, the user is prompted for keyboard input
with a question mark ?, unless prompt$ is specified.
Examples Open "c:\MyFile.Txt" for input as 1
Or,
input #2, Name$, age, address$
InputBox$ function
Displays a dialog box containing a prompt.
Syntax InputBox$(prompt$[,title$ [,default$ [,xpos%,ypos%]]])
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Creating Reports
InStr function
Parameters
A string expression containing the text to be shown in the dialog box.
The length of prompt$ is restricted to 255 characters. This figure is
approximate and depends on the width of the characters used. Note that
a carriage return and a line-feed character must be included in prompt$
if a multiple-line prompt is used.
title$,default$ The caption that appears in the dialog boxs title bar. Default$ is the
string expression that is shown in the edit box as the default response. If
either of these arguments is omitted, nothing is displayed.
xpos%, ypos%
Numeric expressions, specified in dialog box units, that determine the
position of the dialog box. Xpos% determines the horizontal distance
between the left edge of the screen and the left border of the dialog box.
Ypos% determines the horizontal distance from the top of the screen to
the dialog boxs upper edge. If these arguments are not entered, the
dialog box is centered roughly one third of the way down the screen. A
horizontal dialog box unit is 1/4 of the average character width in the
system font; a vertical dialog box unit is 1/8 of the height of a character
in the system font.
prompt$
If you wish to specify the dialog boxs position, you must enter both of
these arguments. If you enter one without the other, the default
positioning is set.
Returns After the user presses Enter, or selects the OK button, InputBox$ returns the
text contained in the input box. If the user selects Cancel, the InputBox$ function returns
a null string.
Comments Once the user has entered text, or made the button choice being prompted
for, the contents of the box are returned.
Example The following example should appear in your code on one line.
Street$=InputBox$("Enter Street Name","MyTitle","Default Exp",15,15)
InStr function
Finds the occurrence of a substring in a string. The InStr function can be used only as a
function.
Syntax InStr ( [position%,] string$, substring$ )
325
Int function
Parameters
position%
string$
substring$
Indicates the index of the character within string$ where the search should
start. If not specified, the search starts at the beginning of the string
(equivalent to a position% of 1).
The string being searched.
The string being looked for.
Returns An integer representing the position of the first occurrence of a substring

within another string.
Comments These arguments can be string variables, string expressions, or string

literals.
If the position% argument is greater than the length of the substring, if the string$
argument is a null string, or if the substring$ cannot be located, InStr returns a zero. If
the substring$ argument is a null string, then the position% argument is returned.
The index of the first character in a string is 1.
Example The following starts at the first character, searches for JR. in the field
Last_Name from the Employee table.
Instr(1,"Employee.Last_Name","JR.")
Int function
Returns the integer portion of a number. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Int ( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression The argument given is any numeric-expression.
Returns The integer part of a numeric-expression.

Comments For positive numeric-expressions, Int removes the fractional part of the
expression and returns the integer part only. For negative numeric-expressions, Int
returns the largest integer less than or equal to the expression.
Example For example, Int (6.2) returns 6; Int(6.2) returns 7. See the CInt function
on page 299 and Fix function on page 316.
Kill statement
Deletes files from disk.
Syntax Kill filespec$
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Creating Reports
LBound function
Parameters
A string expression that specifies a valid DOS file specification. This
specification can contain paths and wildcards.
filespec$
Comments Kill deletes files only, not directories. Use the RmDir function to delete
directories.
Example Kill "c:\Temp.Txt"
LBound function
Declares the number that represents the first element of an array. Can be used only as a
function.
Syntax LBound ( arrayVariable [, dimension ] )

Parameters
arrayVariable
dimension
The name of the array to declare a lower bound for.

The number that represents the first element of an array.
Returns The lower bound of the subscript range for the specified dimension of the
arrayVariable.
Comments The dimensions of an array are numbered starting with 1. If the dimension
is not specified, 1 is used as a default.
LBound can be used with UBound to determine the length of an array.
Example
'Start employee array at element 5
LBound (Employee, 5)
LCase$ function
Converts the characters in a string to lower case. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax LCase$ ( string$ )

Parameters
string$
The string to convert.
Returns A copy of the source string, with all upper-case letters converted to lower
case.
327
Left$ function
Comments The translation is based on the country specified in the Windows Control
Panel.
Example The following example changes First Street to first street.

Lower_Case = LCase$("First Street")
Left$ function
Returns the left n characters of a string. It can be used only as a function.
Syntax Left$ ( string$, length%)

Parameters
string$
length%
The string to characters from.

The number of characters to return.
Returns A string of a specified length copied from the beginning of the source string.
The dollar sign ($) in the function name is optional. If specified the return type is string.
If omitted the function typically returns a variant of vartype 8 (string). If the value of
expression is null a variant of vartype 1 (null) is returned.
Comments If the length of string$ is less than length%, Left$ returns the whole string.
Left$ accepts expressions of type string and any type of expression including numeric
values and converts the input value to a string.
Example The following will return C:\

left$ ("c:\RPTSMITH",3)
Len function
Returns the length of a string or the number of bytes used to store a non-string value.
Can be used only as a function.
Syntax
Len ( string$ )
Len ( non-string )
Parameters
string$,non-string If the argument is a string, the number of characters in the string is
returned; otherwise, the length of the built-in datatype or userdefined type is returned.
Returns The length of the argument.
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Creating Reports
Comments The argument can be of any type. If the argument is a string, the number of
characters in the string is returned. If the argument is a variant variable the number of
bytes required to represent its value as a string is returned. If not, the length of the builtin datatype or user-defined type is returned.
Example The following example returns a value of 8.
Length_Var = Len ("Thursday")

Stores a value in a Basic variable. The keyword Let is optional.
Syntax [ Let ] variable = expression

Parameters
Let
Used to assign to a numeric, string or record variable. You can also use the Let
statement to assign to a record field or to an element of an array.
Comments You can also use this statement to assign to a record field or to an element
of an array. When assigning a value to a numeric or string variable, standard conversion
rules apply.
Example
Let A =1
Let Name$ = "John"
Line Input # statement

Reads a line from a sequential file into a string variable or brings up a dialog box with
an edit control that allows you to enter a string.
Syntax
Line Input [#] filenumber%, variable$
Line Input [prompt$,] variables
329
ListBox statement
Parameters
Line Input [#]
filenumber%
prompt$
variable$
The Line Input # statement reads a line from a sequential file into a
string variable.
An integer expression identifying the open file from which to read. This
is the number used in the Open statement to open the file.
An optional string that can be used to prompt for keyboard input.
A string variables into which the line from the input file is read.
Comments If filenumber is not specified, the user is prompted for keyboard input
with a question mark (?) unless prompt$ is specified.
Example Line Input #1, A$
ListBox statement
Used to create a list of choices.
Syntax A ListBox x, y, dx, dy, text$, .field

Syntax B ListBox x, y, dx, dy, stringarray$(),.field
Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
text$
.field
Give the coordinates that the upper left corner of the list box, relative to the
upper left corner of the dialog box. The x argument is measured in 1/4
system-font character-width units. The y argument is measured in 1/8
system-font character-width units. (See Begin Dialog ... End Dialog
Specify the width and height of the list box.
A string containing the selections for the list box. This string must be defined,
using a Dim statement, before the Begin Dialog statement is executed.
The name of the dialog-record field that holds the selection made from the list
box. When the user selects OK (or selects the customized button created using
the Button statement), a number representing the selections position in the
text$ string is recorded in the field designated by the .field argument. The
numbers begin at 0. If no item is selected, it is 1.
Comments The ListBox statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
When syntax A is used, the text$ argument is a string containing the selections for the
list box. This string must be defined, using a Dim statement, before the Begin Dialog
statement is executed. Where dimname is the name of a String variable defined in a Dim
statement, listchoice is the text that appears as a selection in the list box, and Chr$(9) is
the function call that produces a tab character. Note that multiple selections can be
specified in text$ by separating the list choices with tab characters, as shown above.
330
Creating Reports
Lof function
Example
The arguments in the text$ string are entered as shown in the following
example.
dimname =
"listchoice"+Chr$(9)+"listchoice"+Chr$(9)
+"listchoice"+Chr$(9)... ,.Selection_Holder
Lof function
Determines the length of a file in bytes. It can be used only as a function.
Syntax Lof (filenumber%)

Parameters
filenumber%
An integer expression identifying the open file from which the file length
is read.
Returns The length in bytes of the file specified by filenumber%.

Comments The filenumber% is the number used in the Open statement of the file.
Example MsgBox = "c:\Sample.txt is"; Lof (7); "Bytes Long"
Log function
Determines the natural logarithm of an expression. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Log( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression Determines the natural log of an expression.
Returns The value natural logarithm of numeric-expression.

numeric expression, or double precision for a long or double-precision numeric
expression.
Example MsgBox "The natural log of 12,000 is:" + Str$ (log(12,000))
LTrim$ function
Returns a copy of the source string with all leading characters removed.
Syntax
LTrim$ ( string$ )
331
Mid statement
Parameters
string$
The string to strip leading spaces from.
Returns A copy of the source string, with all leading space characters removed. The
dollar sign ($) in the function name is optional. If specified the return type is string. If
omitted the function typically returns a variant of vartype 8 (string). If the value of
Comments LTrim$ accepts expressions of type string and any type of expression
including numeric values and converts the input value to a string.
Example The following example results in October 7.
LTrim$(" October 7")
Mid statement
Replaces part of a string with another string.
Syntax Mid (string$, position%[, length%] ) = subst-string$

Parameters
string$
position%
length%
subst-string$
The string expression into which the substring is placed.

The character in a string where substring is inserted.
The number of characters for the substring to insert at the string.
A string to insert in another string.
Returns The specified substring in string$ with substring$.

Comments If the length% argument is left out, or if there are fewer characters in a
string than specified in length%, then Mid$ replaces all the characters from the
position% to the end of the string. If position% is larger than the number of characters in
the indicated string$, then Mid$ appends subst-string% to string$.
Example
A$ = "One rotten day"
Mid$ (A$, 5, 6) = "Happy"
Will leave A$ equal to "One happy day"
Mid$ function
Returns a substring of a specified length% from a source expression, starting with the
character at the specified position%. Can be used only as a function.
332
Creating Reports
MkDir
Syntax Mid$ ( string$, position%[, length%] )

Parameters
string$
position%
length%
The string expression from which a sub-string is taken.

The start of the sub-string.
The length of the sub-string.
Returns A substring of a specified length% from a source string$, starting with the
character at the specified position%.
If omitted the function typically returns a variant of vartype 8 (string). If the value of
Comments If the length% argument is left out, or if there are fewer characters in a
string than specified in length%, then Mid$ returns all the characters from the position%
to the end of the string. If position% is larger than the number of characters in the
indicated string$, then Mid$ returns a null string.
To modify a portion of a string value, see Mid statement on page 332.
Example
The following example returns press.
Return_value = Mid$ ("expression", 3,4)
MkDir
Makes a new directory.
Syntax MkDir pathname$

Parameters
pathname$
A string expression identifying the new default directory.
Comments The syntax for pathname$ is:

The drive argument is optional. If omitted, MkDir makes a new directory on the current
drive. The directory argument is a directory name.
Example The following example creates a directory called 2ndQrt under the
RptSmith directory.
MkDir "c:\RptSmith\2ndQrtr"
333
Msgbox function
Msgbox function
Displays a message in a dialog box. It can be used only as a function.
Syntax Msgbox( message$[,type%[, caption$] ] )

Parameters
message$
type%
A string to display to the user.

Governs the icons and buttons that are displayed in the dialog box. This
argument is the sum of values describing the number and type of radio
buttons that appear, the icon style, and the default button. One selection can
be made from each group.
Note: If type% is omitted, a single OK button appears.
Group 1: Buttons
0 OK only
1 OK, Cancel
2 Abort, Retry, Ignore
3 Yes, No, Cancel
4 Yes, No
5 Retry, Cancel
Group 2: Icons
16 Critical Message (STOP)
32 Warning Query (?)A
64 Information Message (i)
caption$
Group 3: Defaults
0
First button
256 Second button
512 Third button
Appears on the message dialog box. Caption% is a string expression that
appears in the dialog boxs title bar.
Returns An integer value indicating which button the user selected.

The return values for the Msgbox function are:
OK
Retry
Cancel
Ignore
Abort
Yes
Comments The message displayed must be no more than 1024 characters long. A
message string greater than 255 characters without intervening spaces is truncated after
the 255th character. Once the user has selected a pushbutton, MsgBox returns a value
indicating the users choice.
334
Creating Reports
Msgbox statement
Example Button_Pressed=Msgbox("Please pick Yes or No",4,"Title")
Msgbox statement
Displays a message in a dialog box.
Syntax MsgBox message$[ ,type%[ , caption$] ]

Parameters
type%
Governs the icons and buttons that are displayed in the dialog box. This
argument is the sum of values describing the number and type of radio
buttons that will appear, the icon style, and the default button. One
selection should be made from each group. If type% is omitted, a single OK
button appears.
Group 1: Buttons
0 OK only
1 OK, Cancel
2 Abort, Retry, Ignore
3 Yes, No, Cancel
4 Yes, No
5 Retry, Cancel
Group 2: Icons
16 Critical Message (STOP)
32 Warning Query (?)
48 Warning Message (!)
64 Information Message (i)
caption$
Group 3: Defaults
0
First button
256 Second button
512 Third button
A string expression that appears in the dialog boxs title bar.
Comments A message can be no longer than 1024 characters in length. Messages

longer than 255 characters which contain no intervening spaces are truncated after the
255th character.
Examples Msgbox "Do you want to Retry or Cancel?",5
Or,
Msgbox "Have a nice day!"
335
Name statement
Name statement
Renames a file. It can also be used to move a file from one directory to another.
Syntax Name oldfilename$ As newfilename$

Parameters
oldfilename$,newfilename$
String expressions that designate, respectively, the file to

rename and the new name for that file.
Comments A path can be part of the filename$. If the paths are different, the file is
moved to the new directory.
If the file oldfilename$ is open, Basic generates an error message. A file must be closed
in order to be renamed. If the file newfilename$ already exists, Basic generates an error
message.
Example rename "win.ini" as "win.bak"
$NoCStrings metacommand
Tells the compiler to treat a backslash inside a string as a normal character. This is the
default.
Syntax
$NocStrings
Comments You can use the $CStrings metacommand to tell the compiler to treat a
backslash character inside of a string as an escape character.
Example '$NocStrings
Oct$ function
Returns an octal representation of a number. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Oct$( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression A decimal number to convert to octal.
Returns An octal representation of a numeric-expression, as a string. If the numeric

expression is an integer, the string contains up to six octal digits; otherwise, the
expression is converted to a long integer, and the string can contain up to 11 octal digits.
If omitted the function typically returns a variant of vartype 8 (string).
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Creating Reports
OkButton statement
Comments The octal value is returned as a string of characters.

Example MsgBox "The octal representation of 175 is " + oct$(175)
OkButton statement
Determines the position and size of an OK button.
Syntax OkButton x, y, dx, dy [,.id]

Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
id
Set the position of the OK button relative to the upper left corner of the dialog
box.
Set the width and height of the button.
An optional identifier used by the dialog statements that act on this. A dy
value of 14 typically accommodates text in the system font.
Comments The OkButton statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an
Example OkButton 10,10,90,20
On Error statement
Enables an error-handling routine, specifying the location of that routine within
procedure.
Syntax ON [Local] Error {GoTo label [ Resume Next ] GoTo 0}

Parameters
Local
GoTo label
Resume Next
GoTo 0
Keyword allowed in error-handling routines at the procedure level. Used

to ensure compatibility with other variants of Basic
Enables the error-handling routine that starts at label. If the designated
label is not in the same procedure as the On Error statement, Basic
generates an error message.
Establishes that when a runtime error occurs, control is passed to the
statement which immediately follows the statement in which the error
occurred. At this point, the Err function can be used to retrieve the errorcode of the runtime error.
Disables any error handler that has been enabled.
Comments On Error can also be used to disable an error-handling routine. Unless an

On Error statement is used, any runtime error will be fatal. The Softbridge language
(SBL) will terminate the execution of the program.
337
Open statement
When it is referenced by an On Error GoTo label statement, an error-handler is enabled.

After this enabling occurs, a runtime error results in program control switching to the
error-handling routine and activating the error handler. The error handler remains
active from the time the runtime error has been trapped until a Resume statement is
executed in the error handler.
If another error occurs while the error handler is active, the SBL searches for an error
handler in the procedure which called the current procedure (if this fails, the macro
language looks for a handler belonging to the callers caller, and so on). If a handler is
found, the current procedure terminates, and the error handler in the calling procedure
is activated.
It is an error (No Resume) to execute an End Sub or End Function statement while an
error handler is active. The Exit Sub or Exit Function statement can be used to end the
error condition and exit the current procedure.
Example On Error Goto ErrorProc
Open statement
Enables I/O to a file or a device.
Syntax Open filename$ For mode As [#] filenumber% [Len=reclen]

Parameters
filename$
mode
filenumber%
reclen
The argument filename$ is a string expression specifying the file to open.

Mode is a keyword that specifies one of the following: Input (sequential
input mode), Output (sequential output mode), or Append (sequential
output mode).
Filenumber% is an integer expression with a value between 1 and 255.
Specifies the record length for files opened in random mode. It is ignored
for all other modes.
Comments A file must be opened before any input/output operation can be

performed on it.
The FreeFile function can be used to return the next available filenumber.
Example Open "Data.txt" for input as 1
Option Base statement

Specifies the default lower bound to be used for array subscripts.
Syntax Option Base lowerBound%

Comments The lowerBound must be either 0 or 1. If no Option Base statement is
specified, the default lower bound for array subscripts is 0.
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Creating Reports
OptionButton statement
The Option Base statement is not allowed inside a procedure, and must precede any use
of arrays in the module. Only one Option Base statement is allowed per module.
Example
'All arrays start at element
Option Base 5
OptionButton statement
Used to define the position and text associated with an option button. There must be at
least two Option Button statements. They are used in conjunction with the
OptionGroup statement.
Syntax OptionButton x, y, dx, dy, text$

Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
text$
Set the position of the button relative to the upper left corner of the dialog box.
Set the width and height of the button. A dy value of 12 typically
accommodates text in the system font.
Contains the caption that appears to the right of the option button icon. If the
width of this string is greater than dx, trailing characters are truncated.
Comments The OptionButton statements can be used only between a Begin Dialog
and an End Dialog statement.
If you want to include underlined characters so that the option selection can be made
from the keyboard, the character must be preceded with an ampersand (&).
Example OptionButton 10,10,110,20,"Sales Reports"
OptionGroup statement
Used in conjunction with OptionButton statements to set up a series of related options.
Syntax
OptionGroup .field
Parameters
.field
The name of the dialog box field that contains the index of the selected options
button.
Comments The OptionGroup statement begins definition of the option buttons and
establishes the dialog-record field that contains the current option selection. .Field
contains a value 0 when the choice associated with the first OptionButton statement is
selected, a value of 1 when the choice associated with the second OptionButton
statement is chosen, and so on.
339
Print statement
The OptionGroup statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an End
Dialog statement.
Example OptionGroup .selected_option
Print statement
Outputs data to the specified filenumber%.
Syntax Print [ # filenumber%, ] expressionlist [ { ; | , } ]

Parameters
filenumber%
expressionlist
An integer expression identifying the print destination.

The values that are printed. The argument can contain numeric or string
expressions.
Comments If the expressionlist is omitted, a blank line is written to the file.

Filenumber% is optional. If this argument is omitted, the Print statement outputs data to
the screen.
Expressions are separated by either a semicolon (;) or a comma (,). A semicolon indicates
that the next value should appear immediately after the preceding one without
intervening white space. A comma indicates that the next value should be positioned at
the next print zone. Print zones begin every 14 spaces.
The optional [{;|,}] argument at the end of the Print statement determines where output
for the next Print statement to the same output file should begin. A semicolon places
output immediately after the output from this Print statement on the current line; a
comma starts output at the next print zone on the current line. If neither separator is
specified, a CR-LF pair is generated and the next Print statement prints to the next line.
The Print statement supports only elementary Basic data types.
Example Print #1, MyData$, Index, Amount
Randomize statement
Seeds the random number generator.
Syntax Randomize [ numeric-expression% ]

Parameters
numeric-expression%
An integer value between 32768 and 32767.
Comments If no numeric-expression% argument is given, Basic uses the Timer

function to initialize the random number generator.
340
Creating Reports
ReDim statement
Example Randomize Timer
ReDim statement
Changes the upper and lower bounds of a dynamic arrays dimensions.
Syntax ReDim [Preserve] variableName ( subscriptRange, ... ) [As[ New] type] ,...
Parameters
variableName
subscriptRange
An array to re-dimension.
New dimensions.
Comments Memory for the dynamic array is reallocated to support the specified
dimensions, and the array elements are reinitialized. ReDim can not be used at the
module levelit must be used inside of a procedure.
The Preserve option is used to change the last dimension in the array while maintaining
its contents. If Preserve is not specified the contents of the array will be reinitialized.
Numbers are set to zero. String variants are set to empty.
A dynamic array is normally created by using Dim to declare an array without a
specified subscriptRange. The maximum number of dimensions for a dynamic array
created in this fashion is 8. If you need more than 8 dimensions, you can use the ReDim
statement inside of a procedure to declare an array which has not previously been
declared using Dim or Global. In this case, the maximum number of dimensions
allowed is 60.
The available data types for arrays are: numbers, strings, and records. Arrays of arrays,
dialog box records, and ADTs are not supported.
If the As clause is not used, the type of the variable can be specified by using a type
character as a suffix to the name. The two different type-specification methods can be
intermixed in a single ReDim statement (although not on the same variable).
The ReDim statement cannot be used to change the number of dimensions of a dynamic
array once the array has been given dimensions. It can change only the upper and lower
bounds of the dimensions of the array. The LBound and UBound functions can be used
to query the current bounds of an array variables dimensions.
Do not use the ReDim statement on an array in a procedure that has received a reference
to an element in the array in an argument. The result is unpredictable.
The subscriptRange is of the format:
If startSubscript is not specified, 0 is used as the default. The Option Base statement can
be used to change the default.
341
Rem statement
Example
'dimension to a 2x13 array
Redim DynaList (3 to 5, 7 to 20)
Rem statement
Inserts a comment in a Basic program. Everything from Rem to the end of the line is
ignored.
Syntax Rem arbitrary text

Comments The single quote () can also be used to initiate a comment. Metacommands
(e.g., CSTRINGS) must be preceded by the single quote comment form.
Example
Rem this comment line is not compiled.
'This statement is also not compiled. It is a comment.
Reset statement
Closes all disk files that are open, and writes any data still remaining in the operating
system buffers to disk.
Syntax Reset
Example Reset
Resume statement
Halts an error-handling routine.
Syntax
Resume Next
Resume label
Resume [ 0 ]
342
Creating Reports
Right$ function
Parameters
When used, control is passed to the statement which immediately follows
the statement in which the error occurred.
Resume label When used, control is passed to the statement which immediately follows
the specified label.
Resume [ 0 ] When used, control is passed to the statement in which the error occurred.
Resume Next
Comments The location of the error handler which has caught the error determines
where execution resumes. If an error is trapped in the same procedure as the error
handler, program execution resumes with the statement that caused the error. If an error
is located in a different procedure from the error handler, program control reverts to the
statement that last called out the procedure containing the error handler.
Example The following example goes to the Reset Procedure after an error.
Resume Reset_Proc
Right$ function
Returns a string of a specified length.
Syntax Right$ ( string$, length% )

Parameters
string$
length%
The string from which to copy characters.

The number of characters to copy.
Returns A string of a specified length copied from the right-most length characters
from the string$.
Comments If the length of string$ is less than length%, Right$ returns the whole
string.
Example
The following example returns RptSmith.
Return_Var$ = Right$("c:\RptSmith",8")
RmDir statement
Removes a directory.
Syntax RmDir pathname$
343
Rnd function
Parameters
A string expression identifying the directory to remove.
pathname$
Comments The syntax for pathname$ is:

The drive argument is optional. The directory argument is a directory name. The
directory to be removed must be empty, except for the working ( . ) and parent (...)
directories.
Example
'Remove a temporary directory under ReportSmith
RmDir "c:\RptSmith\Temp"
Rnd function
Generates a random number between 0 and 1.
Syntax Rnd [ (number!) ]

Parameters The following table summarizes the valid values for number.
number
<0
>0
=0
Omitted
Same random number for a given number

Next random number
Last random number
Next random number
Returns A single precision random number between 0 and 1.

Comments The same sequence of random numbers is generated whenever the
program is run, unless the random number generated is re-initialized by the Randomize
statement.
Example
The following example generates a random number between 1 and 100
x = (RND*100) +1
RTrim$ function
Removes trailing spaces.
Syntax RTrim$ ( string$ )
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Creating Reports
Seek function
Parameters
string$
A string from which to remove spaces.
Returns A copy of the source string, with all trailing space characters removed.
Example
RTrim$ ("John ") + RTrim$ (" Doe") = "John Doe"
Seek function
Determines the current position in a file.
Syntax Seek (filenumber%)

Parameters
filenumber%
Filenumber% is an integer expression identifying the open file from which

to read the file position.
Returns The current file position for the file specified by filenumber%. For files
opened in Random mode, Seek returns the number of the next record to be read or
written. For all other modes, Seek returns the file offset for the next operation. The first
byte in the file is at offset 1, the second byte is at offset 2, and so on. The return value is a
Long.
Comments
See Open statement on page 338 for more details.
Example Position1 = Seek(1)
Seek statement
Sets the position within a file for the next read or write.
Syntax
Seek [#] filenumber%, position&
Parameters
filenumber%
position&
Filenumber% is an integer expression identifying the open file to Seek in.

Position& is a numeric expression that indicates where the next write or
read occurs. Value must be between 1 and 2,146,483,647.
Comments If you write to a file after seeking beyond the end of the file, the file length
is extended. Basic returns an error message if a Seek operation is attempted which
specifies a negative or zero position.
Example The following example positions the cursor to Record 50.
Seek #1, 50
345
Select Case statement
Select Case statement

Executes one of a series of statement blocks, depending on the value of an expression.
Syntax
Select Case testexpression
[Case expressionlist
[statement_block] ]
[Case expressionlist
[statement_block] ]
.
.
.
[Case Else
[statement_block] ]
End Select
Parameters
testexpression
Any numeric or string expression for which you test. Each

statement_block can contain any number of statements on any number
of lines.
Comments The expressionlist(s) can be a comma-separated list of expressions of the

following forms:
expression
expression To expression
Is comparison_operator expression
The type of each expression must be compatible with the type of testexpression.
When there is a match between testexpression and one of the Case expressions, the
statement block following the Case clause is executed. When the next Case clause is
reached, execution control passes to the statement which follows the End Select
statement.
Note that when the To keyword is used to specify a range of values, the smaller value
must appear first. The comparison_operator used with the Is keyword is one of: <, >, =,
<=, >=, <>.
Example
Select Case price
Case is > 100
MsgBox "Too expensive"
Case 50 to 99
MsgBox "Good price"
Case is < 50
MsgBox "Sale!"
End Select
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Creating Reports
SetField$ function
SetField$ function
Sets a value in a list of values whose fields are all separated by the same character.
Syntax SetField$( string$, field_number%, field$, separator_chars$ )

Parameters
string$
field_number%
field$
separator_chars$
A string that is the list of items to update.

The number if the item in the list to update.
The new item to be placed in the list.
The character that is used to separate individual items in the list.
Returns A string created from a copy of the source string with a substring replaced.
Comments The source string is considered to be divided into fields by separator
characters. Multiple separator characters can be specified. The fields are numbered
starting with one.
If field_number is greater than the number of fields in the string, the returned string is
extended with separator characters to produce a string with the proper number of fields.
If more than one separator character was specified, the first one is used as the separator
character.
It is legal for the new field value to be a different size than the old field value.
Example The following returns "one\2\three.

SetField ("one\two\three",2,"2","\")
Sgn function
Determines the sign of a number. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Sgn (numeric-expression)

Parameters
numeric-expression The number for which to get the sign.
Returns A value indicating the sign of the numeric expression. The value that the Sgn
function returns depends on the sign of the expression:
For numeric-expressions > 0, Sgn (numeric-expression) returns 1.
For numeric-expressions = 0, Sgn (numeric-expression) returns 0.
For numeric-expressions < 0, Sgn (numeric-expression) returns 1.
347
Shell function
Example The following example makes a number positive.

number_sign = number * sgn(number)
Shell function
Runs an executable program.
Syntax
Shell (commandstring$, [windowstyle%])
Parameters
commandstring$
windowstyle%
The name of the program to execute. It can be the name of any valid
.COM, .EXE., .BAT, or .PIF file. Arguments or command line switches
can also be included.
The style of the window in which the program is to be executed. It can
be one of the following:
1Normal window with focus
2Minimized with focus
3Maximized with focus
4Normal window without focus
5Minimized without focus
If windowstyle% is not specified, the default of windowstyle% = 1 is
assumed (normal window with focus).
Returns A unique number that identifies the running program.

Comments If commandstring$ is not a valid executable file name or if Shell cannot
start the program, an error message is generated.
Example The following command launches Excel.
Task_id = Shell("c:\Excel\Excel.Exe",1)
Sin function
Calculates the sine of an angle specified in radians. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Sin( angle )

Parameters
angle
Returns
The angle in radians to compute the sin for.
The sine of an angle. The return value is between 1 and 1. The return value
is single-precision if the angle is an integer or single-precision value, double precision
for a long or double-precision value.
348
Creating Reports
Space$ function
Comments The angle is specified in radians, and can be either positive or negative.
Example The following calculates the sin of 60 degrees.
Value = sin ((60x3.1415)/180)
Space$ function
Generates a string with the given number of spaces. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax
Space$( numeric-expression )
Parameters
numeric-expression
Indicates the number of spaces which the returned string contains.
Returns A string of spaces.

Comments Any numeric data type can be used, but the number is rounded to an
integer. The numeric expression must be between 0 and 32,767.
Example The following example evaluates to One_ _ _ _ _Two_ _ _ _ _Three.
"One" + Space$(5) + "Two" + Space$(5) + "Three"
Sqr function
Calculates the square root of a number. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Sqr( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression
Number for which to get the square root.
Returns The square root of numeric-expression.

numeric expression, or double precision for a long or double-precision numeric
expression. A negative value causes a runtime illegal function call error.
Example Z = Sqr (x^2 + y^2)
Stop statement
Halts program execution.
Syntax Stop
349
Str$ function
Comments Stop statements can be placed anywhere in a program to suspend its

execution. While the Stop statement halts program execution, it does not close files or
clear variables.
Example If Resume Code = 0 Then Stop
Str$ function
Converts a number to a string. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Str$( numeric-expression )

Parameters
numeric-expression
A number to be converted to a string.
Returns The Str$ function returns a string representation of a numeric-expression.

Comments The returned string is single-precision for an integer or single-precision
numeric expression, double precision for a long or double-precision numeric
expression.
Example MsgBox "The value is:" + Str$ (value)
String$ function
Creates a string of the given character repeated the given number of times. Can be used
only as a function.
Syntax
String$( numeric-expression, charcode% )
String$ (numeric-expression, string-expression$ )
Parameters
numeric-expression
charcode%
string-expression$
Specifies the length of the string to be returned. This number must

be between 0 and 32,767.
A decimal ANSI code of the character that is used to create the
string. It is a numeric expression that Basic will evaluate as an
integer between 0 and 255.
A string argument, the first character of which becomes the
repeated character.
Returns The String$ function returns a string consisting of a repeated character.

Example DerivedField String$ (10,"=")
350
Creating Reports
Sub ... End Sub statement
Sub ... End Sub statement

Defines a subprogram procedure.
Syntax Sub name [(parameter [As type] , ...)] End Sub

names. A parameters data type can be specified either by using a type character or by
using the As clause.
Record parameters are declared by using an As clause and a type which has previously
been defined using the Type statement.
Array Parameters are indicated by using empty parentheses after the parameter. The
array dimensions are not specified in the Sub statement. All references to an array
parameter within the body of the subprogram must have a consistent number of
dimensions.
Returns Returns to the caller when the End Sub statement is reached or when an Exit
Sub statement is executed.
Comments A call to a subprogram stands alone as a separate statement. (See Call

Recursion is supported.
Basic procedures use the call-by-reference convention. This means that if a procedure
assigns a value to a parameter, it modifies the variable passed by the caller. This feature
should be used with great care.
The MAIN subprogram has a special meaning. In many implementations of Basic,
MAIN is called when the module is run. The MAIN subprogram is not allowed to
take arguments.
Example
Sub Hello()
MsgBox "Hello"
End Sub
Tan function
Returns the tangent of an angle. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax
Tan( angle )
351
Text statement
Parameters
The angle, in radians, for which to calculate the tangent.
angle
Returns The tangent of an angle. The return value is single-precision if the angle is an
integer or single-precision value, or double precision for a long or double-precision
value. The angle is specified in radians, and can be either positive or negative.
Example Find the tangent of pi/6.

value=tan (3.14159265359/6)
Text statement
Sets up line(s) of text in a dialog box.
Syntax Text x, y, dx, dy, text$

Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
text$
Set the position of the upper left hand corner of the text area relative to the
Set the width and height of the text area.
Contains the text that appears to the right of the position designated by the x/
y coordinates. If the width of this string is greater than dx, the spillover
characters wrap to the next line. This continues as long as the height of the
text area established by dy is not exceeded. Excess characters are truncated.
Comments The Text statement can be used only between a Begin Dialog and an End
Dialog statement.
By preceding an underlined character in text$ with an ampersand (&), you enable a user
to press the underlined character on the keyboard and position the cursor in the combo
or text box defined in the statement immediately following the Text statement.
Example Text 10,10,180,20 "This is my text"
TextBox statement
Creates a box, used within a dialog box, in which the user can enter and edit text.
Syntax TextBox x, y, dx, dy, .field
352
Creating Reports
Parameters
x, y
dx, dy
.field
Set the position of the upper left hand corner of the text box relative to the
Set the width and height of the text area. A dy value of 12 will usually
accommodate text in the system font.
The name of the dialog record field that will hold the any text entered in the
text box. When the user selects the OK button, or any pushbutton other than
cancel, the text string entered in the text box is recorded in the field.
Comments The TextBox statement can only be used between a Begin Dialog and an
Example Textbox 10,10,130,20 .MyData
Time$ function
Gets the current system time as a string. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Time$
Returns A string representing the current time.
Comments
The Time$ function returns an eight-character string. The format of the
string is
"hh:mm:ss"
where hh is the hour, mm is the minutes, and ss is the seconds. The hour is specified in
military style and ranges from 0 to 23.
Example CurrentTime$ = Time$
Timer function
Returns the number of seconds that have elapsed since midnight. Can be used only as a
function.
Syntax Timer
Returns The number of seconds that have elapsed since midnight.
Comments The Timer function can be used in conjunction with the Randomize
statement to seed the random number generator.
Example
Use the number of seconds since midnight to seed the random number
generator.
Randomize Timer
353
Type statement
Declares a user-defined type which can then be used in the DIM statement to declare a
record variable. Such a user-defined type is also sometimes referred to as a record type
or a structure type.
Syntax
Type userType
field1 As type1
field2 As type2
End Type
Parameters
Fieldn
Typen
Each field for which to declare a type.

A valid data type. (See Variable data types on page 222 for a list of data
types.)
Comments Between the Type and Type End you may define a number of elements
known as fields. Each field can be a string (either dynamic or fixed), number (integer,
long, single or double), or a previously-defined record type; it cannot be an array.
However, arrays of records are allowed.
The Type statement is not valid inside a procedure definition.
To access the fields of a record, use notation of the form:
recordName.fieldName.
To access the fields of an array of records, use notation of the form:

arrayName( index ).fieldName
Example
Type car
engine size as integer
number of cylinders as integer
color as string
make as string
model as string
End Type
Dim Honda as car
Honda.Color = "red"
UBound function
Determines the largest valid index for a particular dimension of an array. Can be used
only as a function.
354
Creating Reports
Syntax UBound ( arrayVariable [, dimension ] )

Parameters
array
dimension
The name of the array to check.

The number of the dimension to check.
Returns The upper bound of the subscript range for the specified dimension of the
arrayVariable.
Comments The dimensions of an array are numbered starting with 1. If the dimension
is not specified, 1 is used as a default.
LBound can be used with UBound to determine the length of an array.
Example The following example sets the last element of this array to an end marker.
Data$ (1, UBound (Data,2)) = "*End"
UCase$ function
Converts the characters of a string to upper case. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax UCase$ ( string$ )

Parameters
string$
The string to convert.
Returns A copy of the source string, with all lower case letters converted to upper
case. The translation is based on the country specified in the Windows Control Panel.
Example The following example returns the value STOP.

Upper_case = UCase$("Stop")
Val function
Converts a string to a number. Can be used only as a function.
Syntax Val( string$ )

Parameters
string$
The string or string field to convert.
Returns Returns a numeric value corresponding to the first number found in the
specified string. Spaces in the source string are ignored. If no number is found, 0 is
returned.
355
Example The following example turns a string into a number and sets the number
variable to that result.
Num_var = Val("123.4")
While ... Wend

Controls a repetitive action.
Syntax
While condition
statementblock
Wend
Comments The condition is tested, and if TRUE, the statement block is executed. This
process is repeated until the condition becomes FALSE.
The While statement is included in the macro language for compatibility with older
versions of Basic. The Do statement is a more general and powerful flow control
statement.
Example
While InputBox$ ("Type the secret word") <> "Secret"
MsgBox "That's not it"
Wend
Write statement
Writes data to a sequential file. The file must be opened in output or append mode.
Syntax Write [#] filenumber% [,expressionlist]

Parameters
filenumber%
expressionlist
An integer expression identifying the open file to write to.

Specifies one or more values to be written to the file.
Comments An expression must be string and/or numeric expressions, separated by

commas. If expressionlist is omitted, the Write statement writes a blank line to the file.
(See Input$ function on page 323 or Input # statement on page 323.)
Example Write #1, A$, B
356
Creating Reports
Index
A
Abs function 291
Access 12
ActiveTitle$() function 234
AddGroup method 266
AddMenu command 236
AddSort method 267
AddSummary method 268
AddTable method 269
aliases
column aliases 43
field aliases in crosstabs 152
aligning
Align Toolbox 111
characters 95
objects 110117
text 117118
AllDataBases$ property 284
AllOwners$ property 285
AllTables$ property 285
application events 225228
Asc function 291
Assert statement 292
assigning aliases 203
assigning column aliases 43
Atn function 292
Avery label styles 91
B
BASIC conventions
application data types 224
arrays 223
conversions 224
dialog box records 224
numbers 223
records 223
strings 223
trappable errors 225
Beep statement 293
Best Fit feature 96
bitmaps (.BMP files) 125
Btrieve 13
building a report
adding
graphs 127
tables 39
without using a join 41
choosing
columns 41
visually 43
with a dialog box 42

report styles 35
report types 34
creating crosstabs 136
entering text 100
formatting 85124
grouping 53
after loading data 53
on the server 55
joining tables 39
using dialog boxes 40
visual joins 39
linking to a macro 163
report query, description
of 37
sorting 52
using
direct SQL 43
Report Query dialog
boxes 37
the ribbon 52
the toolbar 52
with direct SQL 47
ButtonGroup statement 294
C
$CStrings metacommand 303
Call statement 295
calling applications from
ReportSmith 213
CancelButton statement 296
Caption statement 297
CDbl function 297
character sizing 94
ChDir statement 297
ChDrive statement 298
CheckBox statement 298
choosing
columns
for use in query only 43
value only 43
defined connections 39
parts of a report 85
records 59
CInt function 299
CLng function 300
Close statement 300
CloseReport command 236
CloseRS command 237
columns
adjusting width 96
choosing 41
column mode 86, 96

excluding automatically 42
form mode 86
including automatically 42
inverting in crosstabs 151
moving 86, 96
using Best Fit 96
selecting 86
blocks of 42
fields in 87
multiple 87
visually 43
ComboBox statement 301
Commit method 270
Connect command 237
connection types
IDAPI 9
native 10
ODBC 10
connections
creating 8
defined 7
deleting 8
saving 7, 8
storing 188
to graphics files 189
Const statement 301
conventions
keyboard 3
text 3
converting
a columnar report to a
graph 127
to SQL 46
copying a view 206
copying data between
applications 219
Cos function 302
CreateDdeItem statement 238
CreateDdeTopic statement 239
Creating a simple macro 162
Creating and working with
macros 162
crosstabs
aliases 152
based on a columnar
report 137
calculating fields 151
columns 144
creating by selecting
columns 138
creating from scratch 136
dates 148
Index
357
deleting items 149

field aliases 152
grouping 148
inverting rows and
columns 151
manipulating data 148
modifying 140
values 143
parts of 132
positioning 138
reports 145
resizing rows and
columns 145148
rows 142
selecting items in 139140
sorting 150
styles 155
types of 132135
values 143
CSng function 302
CurDir$ function 303
Current command 239
CurrentPage Function
command 240
customizing ReportSmith 185
alphabetically listing
items 188
connection file 188
Dynamic Data Access 187
fonts 188
menu and toolbar 189
picture file search path 189
rulers 188
start-up options 187
D
data
bringing into a report 37
copying 219
grouping 53
manipulating in a report 51
sorting 52
data dictionary
adding tables 201
creating a view 199
headings 205
overview 198
tutorial 207
using from ReportSmith 206
workplace 199
data sources
connecting to 9
diagram 9
PC through IDAPI 1112
PC through ODBC 1224
358
Creating Reports
SQL through IDAPI 24

SQL through native
connections 2430
supported (table) 10
supported list of 10
DataBase$ property 285
databases
Access 5
Btrieve 5
connecting to 5
DB2 5
dBASE 5
defining connections 39
deleting connections 8
Excel 5
FoxPro 5
Informix 5
INGRES 5
InterBase 5
ODBC drivers 5
ORACLE 5
Paradox 5
Raima 5
saving
connection information 7
connections to 8
SQLBase 5
SQLServer 5
storing connections 188
Sybase 5
Teradata 5
Unify 5
used with ReportSmith 5
Watcom SQL 5
DataSet control 171
methods 173
properties 172
scope 171
date formats 97
Date$ function 304
Date2Str command 240
DateField command 241
dates
creating custom 100
formats for 97
formatting columns 98
in crosstabs 148
dBASE 11
dBASE/xBASE 15
DdeExecute command 241
DdePoke command 242
DdeRequest command 242
Declare statement 304
defining connections 39
Deftype statement 306
deleting graphs 128
Derived fields
macro-derived 68
sample macro derived
field 69
derived fields
creating 66
macro-derived fields 66
SQL-derived fields 66
uses for 67
DerivedField command 243
Dialog boxes
Macro Commands 162
Dialog statement 307
Dim statement 307
Dir$ function 309
Disconnect method 271
Do...While statement 310
DoEvents command 243
drawing objects 118
Dynamic Data Access
options 187
Dynamic Data Exchange
(DDE) 211
application names 212
conversations 212
items 213
synchronization 214
topics 213
E
EnableIcon command 244
EnableMenu command 244
EnableRMenu command 245
entering text 100
Environ$ function 311
Eof function 312
Erl function 312
Err function 313
Err statement 313
Error statement 313
Error$ function 314
Error$ property 285
Excel 17
ExecSQL command 246
ExecuteMenu command 245
Exit statement 314
Exp function 315
F
field labels 106
formatting 97
Field$ command 247
Field$ method 271
FieldFont command 248
fields
calculating in crosstabs 151

creating 66, 71
creating aliases 204
data fields, inserting 103
derived fields, inserting 104
form mode 86
inserting 103
inserting labels for 106
macro-derived 66
moving 86
numeric 99
renaming in a data
dictionary 204
report variables 104
resizing field height 108
selecting 87
field labels 85
SQL-derived 66
summary fields 105
suppressing in groups 55
system fields 105
FieldText command 248
FileAttr function 315
files installed 3
Fix function 316
For...Next statement 317
formatting
adding borders 101
bitmaps 125
for background, list of 92
characters 94
creating styles 121
crosstabs 154158
dates 97, 100
default report styles 121
drawing objects 118
extracting styles 123
field labels 97
fonts 94
inserting fields 103
labels 91
margins 90
modifying styles 122
null values 99
numbers 97
numeric fields 99
orientation 90
paginating 110
patterns 102
point size 94
report styles 120
resizing objects 88
ribbon 95
setting
margins 89
paper size 90
shadow borders 102
techniques 93
time formats 98
using
page setup 89
the grid 93
the ribbon 52
wallpaper 92
FoxPro 19
FreeFile function 318
Function...End Function
statement 318
G
GetAllField$ method 272
GetAllFields$ method 249
GetColumnAlias$ method 272
GetDataSources$ method 249,
273
GetDdeItem function 250
GetField$ function 319
GetFieldList$ method 273
GetFieldName$ function 250
GetGroup$ method 274
GetIncludePath$ command 250
GetNext command 250
GetPrevious command 251
GetRandom command 251
GetRecordLimit function 252
GetRepVar command 252
GetSort$ method 274
GetSQL command 252
GetSQL$ method 275
GetSummary$ method 275
GetTable$ method 275
GetTableAlias$ method 276
GetTableLink$ method 276
Global statement 320
GoTo statement 320
graphics
bitmaps (.BMP files) 125
pointing to files 189
graphs
converting a columnar
report 127
creating 127
deleting 128
modifying 128
positioning 128
grid 93
GroupBox statement 321
grouping 53
after loading data 53
crosstabs 148
database grouping 55
inserting a header or
footer 57
on the server 55
report grouping 53
suppressing fields 55
H
headers and footers
inserting 57
list of types 107
placing items in 107
headings, adding to data
dictionary 205
Hex$ function 321
hiding a report section 109
hWin_Active() function 253
hWin_RS() function 253
I
$Include metacommand 323
icons, running reports from 191
Id property 286
If...Then...Else statement 322
IncludeFields$ method 276
Informix 24
Ingres 25
Input # statement 323
Input$ function 323
InputBox$ function 324
installation
files installed 3
InStr function 325
Int function 326
InterBase 24
Introduction to macros 159
IsMenuChecked command 253
IsMenuEnabled command 254
J
joining tables 39
before loading into a
report 40
modifying links 40
removing a join 41
visually 39
K
Kill statement 326
KillMenu command 255
L
labels
Avery label codes 91
choosing a report type 32
Index
359
field 97
setting up 91
LastLoaded$() function 255
LBound function 327
LCase$ function 327
Left$ function 328
Len function 328
Let Assignment statement 329
Line Input # statement 329
linking
macros to events 163
objects to a report 218
removing a join 41
tables 39, 41
ListBox statement 330
Load method 277
LoadReport command 256
Lof function 331
Log function 331
LTrim$ function 331
M
Macro Commands dialog
box 162
Macro derived fields 68
sample creation of 69
Macros
creating (simple) 162
creating and working
with 162
introduction 159
refreshing a temporary
table 180
macros 221
advanced concepts 165173
application events 221, 225
228
arguments 166
command reference 233
DataSet control 171
functions and statements 166
linking to an event 163
loading 165
object reference 221
report events 230
sample macros 173180
saving as a .MAC file 164
scoping 160
uses for 160
using Dynamic Data
Exchange 169
margins
setting 89, 90
master/detail report 33
Menu commands
Tools|Derived Fields 69
360
Creating Reports
Tools|Macro 162
menus, customizing 189
Mid statement 332
Mid$ function 332
MkDir statement 333
modes
column 86
form 86
moving
columns 86, 96
column mode 96
data using the grid 93
objects 8588, 219
Msgbox function 334
Msgbox statement 335
N
$NoCStrings metacommand 336
Name statement 336
Name$ property 286
null values 99
number formats 97
O
objects
canceling links 218
creating 217
drawing 118
editing links 218
embedding 217
linking and embedding 215
linking to a report 218
moving 219
OLE 2.0 215
Oct$ function 336
OKButton statement 337
OLE objects 215
On Error statement 337
Open statement 338
Option Base statement 338
OptionButton statement 339
OptionGroup statement 339
options
choosing font lists 188
customizing 185
data access options 187
for columns 42
listing items
alphabetically 188
pointing to graphics 189
printer 182
selecting measurements 188
start-up options 187
storing connections 188
ORACLE 26
overriding a view 206

Owner$ property 286
P
page numbers, inserting 110
page setup 89
paginating a report 110
repaginate button 108
paper size, setting 90
Paradox 12, 20
parts of a report 51
point size 94
Print statement 340
printing
canceling 183
choosing a printer 182
current page only 182
entire report 183
options 182
paginating a report 110
paper size 90
range of pages 183
setting up the printer 181
PrintReport command 257
R
Randomize statement 340
Recalc method 277
Recalc statement 257
Record property 286
RecordCount command 258
RecordCount property 287
records, choosing 59
ReDim statement 341
Refreshing a temporary
table 180
Rem statement 342
RemoveGroup method 277
RemoveSort method 278
RemoveSummary method 278
RemoveTable method 279
RemoveTableLink method 279
repaginate button 108
ReplaceTable method 280
report events 230
report query 37
Report Query dialog boxes 37
Report Query Files (.RQF) 83
report styles
applying 120
creating 121
default 121
deleting 123
extracting 123
modifying 122
using 120
report types
choosing 34
columnar 31
crosstabs 32
custom 33
form 32
labels 32
master/detail 33
summary-only 34
report variables
changing values 75
creating 72
data types used in 73
entry types used in 73
inserting 104
modifying 75
samples of 7578
ReportBasic
uses for 160
ReportBasic Macro options
in macro-derived fields 69
Reset statement 342
resizing
crosstab rows and
columns 148
field and record height 108
objects 88
Resume statement 342
ResumeEvent command 258
Rgb command 259
ribbon 52, 95
Right$ function 343
RmDir statement 343
Rnd function 344
rows
form mode 86
in crosstabs 142
inverting in crosstabs 151
selecting 87
RTrim$ function 344
rulers 188
RunMacro command 168, 259
running a report from an
icon 191
runtime
sample DDE code 195
runtime viewer
installing 194
setting up 193
uses for 193
S
sample data dictionary 207
Sample macros
refreshing a temporary
table 180
samples
locations 4
Save method 280
scoping macros 160
Seek function 345
Seek statement 345
Select Case statement 346
selecting
a printer 182
a report body 88
blocks of columns 42
field labels 85
headers and footers 88
multiple columns 87
rows 87
text 88
selection criteria 58
selection criteria, specifying 58
Selection$ property 287
SelectReport statement 260
sending menu commands 214
SetColumnAlias method 280
SetDataFilter statement 260
SetDdeItem statement 261
SetField$ function 347
SetFromActive method 281
SetFromLoading method 281
SetIncludePath command 261
SetRecordLimit statement 262
SetRepVar command 260
SetSQL command 262
SetTableAlias method 282
SetTableLink method 282
setting
margins 89
paper size 90
SetUserSQL method 283
Sgn function 347
Shell function 348
ShowRS command 262
Sin function 348
Softbridge Basic Language
(SBL) 159
sorting data
in crosstabs 150
in reports 52
Space$ function 349
SQL
browsing tables and
columns 48
clearing the Browser 49
converting to 46
definition of 45
entering formulas 48
restrictions for entry 49

testing statements 47
using
direct SQL entry 44
list boxes 49
viewing SQL text 45
SQL Links 10
SQL Server/Sybase 28
SQLBase 29
SQL-derived fields 67
Sqr function 349
Stop statement 349
Str$ function 350
Str2Date command 263
String$ function 350
style extractor 123
styles
crosstab 155
report 120
Sub...End Sub statement 351
SumField command 264
summary fields
creating 71
inserting 105
suppressing a report area 109
synchronization of DDE 214
system fields 105
T
Table$ property 287
table-driven values 78
tables
adding 39
adding to a data
dictionary 201
creating temporary tables 82
joining 39
number of links between 40
renaming 204
Tan function 351
temporary tables 8283
Teradata 29
TestSelection$ method 284
Text 22
text
editing 100
entering and formatting 100
selecting 88
Text statement 352
TextBox statement 352
time 98
Time$ function 353
Timer function 353
toolbar 52
customizing 189
displaying 52
Index
361
Tools|Derived Fields 69
Tools|Macro 162
topics in this guide 1
TotalPages function 265
Type statement 354
U
UBound function 354
UCase$ function 355
Unify 30
V
Val function 355
values in crosstabs 143
view
choosing a view parent 201
copying 206
creating 199
visual joins 39
W
While...Wend syntax 356
width, adjusting columns 96
Write statement 356
Z
zero values 99
362
Creating Reports
Creating Reports
VERSION 2.5
Borland
ReportSmith
Borland International, Inc., 100 Borland Way
P.O. Box 660001, Scotts Valley, CA 95067-0001
Redistributable files
You can redistribute the following files in accordance with the terms of Borlands No Nonsense License Statement:
RED110.DLL
DRVACCSS.HLP
BTRV110.DLL
DRVBTRV.HLP
RCS0.RST-RCS8.RST
RSCTSFMT.RST
DRVDBASE.HLP
XBS110.DLL
RS_DBLIB.DLL
XLSISAM.DLL
DRVEXCEL.HLP
DRVFOX.HLP
RS_GUP.DLL
IDAPI01.DLL
IDAPICFG.EXE
IDASCI01.DLL
IDBAT01.DLL
IDDBAS01.DLL
IDODBC01.DLL
IDPDX01.DLL
IDQRY01.DLL
IDR10009.DLL
ILD01.DLL
IDAPI.DNF
IDAPICFG.HLP
RS_INGR.DLL
B4RPT.MAC
DONDFMT.MAC
DATE.MAC
DISABLE.MAC
ENABLE.MAC
GREETING.MAC
ID2NAME.MAC
LOADREP.MAC
LOADREPS.MAC
RECNO.MAC
THETIME.MAC
CTL3D.DLL
MSJETDSP.DLL
ODBC.DLL
ODBCADM.EXE
ODBCINST.DLL
SIMADMIN.DLL
SIMBA.DLL
ODBCINST.HLP
COPOBJ.DLL
OLE2.DLL
OLE2CONV.DLL
OLE2DISP.DLL
OLE2NLS.DLL
OLE2PROX.DLL
STORAGE.DLL
TYPELIB.DLL
OLE2.REG
STDOLE.TLD
RS_ORA6.DLL
RS_ORA7.DLL
BIBAS04.DLL
BIFLT04.DLL
BIMDS04.DLL
BIUTL04.DL
ODBCCURS.DLL
PXENGCFG.EXE
PXENGWIN.DLL
BIPDX04.DLL
BIPDX04.HLP
QEBI.LIC
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W1
Contents
Introduction
Who should use this guide . . . . . .
Topics covered in this guide. . . . . .
What you can do with ReportSmith .
Terms, techniques, and conventions .
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The keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installed files . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Directory locations for files . . . . .
Sample tables, reports, and macros
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Connecting to SQL databases through IDAPI . 24
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Connecting to SQL databases through native

connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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InterBase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Informix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DB2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ingres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hardware and software requirements. .
ORACLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ORACLE connection issues . . . . . . . .
SQL Server/Sybase . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SQL Server/Sybase connection issues. .
SQLBase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Teradata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unify. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1
Connecting to a data source

Databases ReportSmith can access . . . . .
Connecting to tables . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving database connection information .
Connecting to data sources . . . . . . . . .
Connection types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through IDAPI . . . . .
What are SQL Links?
Through ODBC . . . . .
Through native API . .
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Chapter 2
Types of reports you can create
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Default report types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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Columnar .
Crosstab . .
Form . . . .
Labels . . .
Supported data sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connecting to PC data sources through IDAPI 11
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Custom report types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Master/detail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Summary-only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
dBASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Paradox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Choosing a report type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Connecting to PC data sources through ODBC 12
Chapter 3
Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Hardware and software requirements . . . . 12
Access connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Btrieve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Btrieve connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
dBASE/xBASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
dBASE connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Excel connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
FoxPro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
FoxPro connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Paradox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Paradox connection issues . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Bringing data into a report
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Using Report Query dialog boxes . . . . . . . . 37

Adding tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Joining tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Visual joins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the Create New Table Link dialog box . 40
Choosing columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Using the Table Columns dialog box . . . .
Visually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assigning column aliases. . . . . . . . . . .
Using direct SQL entry . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is SQL? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Viewing SQL text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Converting a report to SQL text entry . . .
Creating a report with direct SQL entry . .
Using the Table and Column Browser. . .
Using the SQL list boxes. . . . . . . . . . .
Restrictions for SQL text entry . . . . . . .
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Chapter 4
Manipulating data
Parts of a report .
The toolbar. . . .
The ribbon . . . .
Sorting . . . . . .
Grouping . . . . .
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Adding a report background. . . . . . . . . . . 92

Using the grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
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Formatting techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
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Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fonts and point sizes. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning characters in columns . . . . . . .
Positioning columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Field labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Numbers and dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customizing numeric fields . . . . . . . . .
Leaving null values blank . . . . . . . . . .
Report grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Database grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Inserting a header or footer . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
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Entering and formatting text . . . . . . . . . . 100

Adding borders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Inserting fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Specifying selection criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Choosing records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Choosing fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Data fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derived fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report variables . . . . . . . . . . . .
System fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary fields . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inserting field labels . . . . . . . . . .
Placing items into a header or footer
Resizing field and record height. . .
Creating a derived field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

SQL-derived fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Macro-derived fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Sample macro-derived field . . . . . . . . . 69
Creating a summary field . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Creating a report variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Data types and entry types . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Sample report variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
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Using Shrink and Grow . . . . . . . . . . .108

Specifying row height . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108
Sample 1: Entering or choosing a value . . . . . 75

Sample 2: Choosing from a list . . . . . . . . . . 77
Sample 3: Choosing table-driven values . . . . 78
Choosing items to display and print . . . . . . 109

Hiding a section of a report . . . . . . . . .109
Creating a master /detail report . . . . . . . . . 78
Paginating a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Aligning objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Naming a detail report . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Using the Detail Sets dialog box . . . . . . . . . 80
Displaying field labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Inserting a field into a report section. . . . . . . 81
Formatting a report section . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
The Align toolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aligning text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aligning right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saving a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Creating a temporary table . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
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Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
The Drawing Toolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Chapter 5
Formatting
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Using report styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
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Applying a style . . . . .
Assigning a default style
Creating a style. . . . . .
Modifying a style . . . .
Deleting a style . . . . . .
Using the Style Extractor
Selecting and moving objects . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Selecting a column and its field label . . . . 85
Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Selecting a row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
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Displaying data fields as pictures. . . . . . . . 124
Headers and footers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Chapter 6
Graphs
Resizing objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Using Page Setup settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
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Converting a columnar report to a graph . . . 127

Converting a crosstab to a graph . . . . . . . . 129
Placing a graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Setting margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Default measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Setting paper size and orientation . . . . . . . . 90

Setting up labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
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Chapter 7
Crosstabs
Report macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Using macros with other applications. . . . .161
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Creating and working with macros . . . . . . 162
Parts of a crosstab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Types of crosstabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Value-only . . . . . . . . . . . .
Single-column . . . . . . . . . .
Single-row . . . . . . . . . . . .
Single-row and single-column
Double-column . . . . . . . . .
Double-row . . . . . . . . . . .
The Crosstab menu . . . . . . .
The Crosstab toolbox. . . . . .
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Creating a simple macro . . . .

Linking a macro to an event . .
Saving a macro to a .MAC file .
Loading a macro . . . . . . . . .
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Modular scope . . . . .
Local scope . . . . . . .
Global Scope . . . . . .
Properties and methods .
Properties. . . . . . . .
Methods . . . . . . . .
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Individual rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Individual columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Uniform row and column sizing . . . . . . . . 148
First Month of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
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Selecting the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Printing a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Chapter 10
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Setting up the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Customizing ReportSmith
Introduction to macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

What is ReportBasic?.
Uses for macros . . . .
Scoping macros . . . .
Global macros. . . .
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Printing a report
Chapter 8
Macros
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Chapter 9
Formatting techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Working with crosstab styles
Applying a style . . . . . . .
Creating a style . . . . . . . .
Extracting a style . . . . . . .
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Example 1: Conditional formatting . . . . .

Example 2: Setting report variables . . . . .
Example 3: Loading a series of reports . . .
Example 4: Connecting to a database . . . .
Example 5: Displaying a greeting . . . . . .
Example 6: Creating a counter field. . . . .
Example 7: Determining a percent of total .
Example 8: Creating a summary. . . . . . .
Example 9: Sample dialog box . . . . . . . .
Example 10: Refreshing a temporary table.
Grouping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
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Sample macros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Manipulating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
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Suppressing a group footer . . . . . . . . .171
Resizing rows and columns . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Deleting rows, columns or values

Sorting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inverting rows and columns . . .
Calculating fields . . . . . . . . . .
Creating a field alias . . . . . . . .
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Using the DataSet Control . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Creating a DataSet Control Object . . . . . . .171
Selecting crosstab items . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Modifying a crosstab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
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Example 1: Loading a report through SQL

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Example 2: Assigning a value to a report variable
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Using the Creation event . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
Expanding a boundary . . . . . . . . . . . 139

To cancel creating a crosstab . . . . . . . . 139
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Using macros with DDE: Two examples . . . 169
Placing a crosstab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
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Commands as functions or statements .

Using arguments. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arguments and events . . . . . . . . . .
Calling other macros . . . . . . . . . . .
The RunMacro command . . . . . . . .
Method 1: From scratch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Method 2: Based on a columnar report . . . . 137
Method 3: Selecting three columns. . . . . . . 138
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Advanced macro concepts. . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Creating a crosstab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rows . . . . . . . . . . .
Values. . . . . . . . . . .
Columns . . . . . . . . .
Crosstab report options
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185
Setting options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
. . . . . . . 159
. . . . . . . 160
. . . . . . . 160
. . . . . . . . 161
Controlling data access . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Choosing start-up options . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Selecting measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
iii
Listing items alphabetically .

Choosing a font list . . . . . .
Storing connections. . . . . .
Pointing to graphics files . .
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188
188
188
189
Linking objects to a report . . . . . . . . . . . .218

Dragging data between applications . . . . . .219
Appendix B
Macro reference
Customizing the menu and toolbar . . . . . . 189

Disabling File|New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Adding a custom menu item . . . . . . . . . . 191
Running a report from an icon . . . . . . . . . 191
Basic conventions .
Variable data types.
Application events.
Creation Events . .
Report Events. . . .
Data field events . .
Chapter 11
Runtime Viewer
193
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Installing the Runtime Viewer . . . . . . . . . 194
Using Runtime Viewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Creating and using a data dictionary 197

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197
198
199
199
Choosing a view parent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Adding tables and fields. . . . . . . . . . . .

Creating groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assigning aliases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Creating headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Copying a view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using a data dictionary from ReportSmith .
Creating a sample data dictionary . . . . . .
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201
203
204
205
206
206
207
Appendix A
Using ReportSmith with

other applications
211
Using DDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211

Initiating DDE conversations .
Applications . . . . . . . . . . .
Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Calling ReportSmith . . . . .
Calling another application .
Sending menu commands. .
DDE synchronization . . . .
Using OLE 2.0 . . . . . . . . .
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212
212
213
213
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213
213
214
214
215
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ActiveTitle$ function . . . . .
AddMenu . . . . . . . . . . .
CloseReport . . . . . . . . . .
CloseRS . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CreateDDEItem statement. .
CreateDDETopic statement .
Current . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CurrentPage function. . . . .
Date2Str. . . . . . . . . . . . .
DateField . . . . . . . . . . . .
DDEExecute . . . . . . . . . .
DDEPoke . . . . . . . . . . . .
DDERequest . . . . . . . . . .
DerivedField . . . . . . . . . .
DoEvents . . . . . . . . . . . .
EnableIcon . . . . . . . . . . .
EnableMenu . . . . . . . . . .
EnableRMenu . . . . . . . . .
ExecuteMenu . . . . . . . . .
ExecSQL . . . . . . . . . . . .
ExecuteMenu . . . . . . . . .
Field$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FieldFont . . . . . . . . . . . .
FieldText . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetAllFields$ method . . . .
GetDataSources$ method . .
GetDDEItem function . . . .
GetFieldName$ function. . .
GetIncludePath$ command .
GetNext . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetPrevious . . . . . . . . . .
GetRandom . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 12
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.221
.222
.225
.229
.230
.232
Data types and type conversion . . . . . . . . .233

ReportBasic command summary . . . . . . . .234
Sample DDE code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
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Command reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Exporting data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Setting options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Understanding a data dictionary.

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The data dictionary workplace . .
Creating a view . . . . . . . . . . .
221
Macro object reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Embedding objects in a report . . . . . . . . . 216

Editing an embedded object . . . . . . . . . . 217
iv
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235
236
236
237
237
238
239
239
240
240
241
241
242
242
243
243
244
244
245
245
246
247
247
248
248
249
249
250
250
250
250
251
251
GetRecordLimit function . . . . . .
GetRepVar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetSQL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
hWin_Active() function . . . . . . .
hWin_RS() function. . . . . . . . . .
IsMenuChecked. . . . . . . . . . . .
IsMenuEnabled . . . . . . . . . . . .
KillMenu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LastLoaded$ function . . . . . . . .
List RepVar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LoadReport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PrintReport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recalc statement . . . . . . . . . . .
RecordCount. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ResumeEvent . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rgb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RunMacro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SetDataFilter statement . . . . . . .
SelectReport statement. . . . . . . .
SetRepVar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SetDDEItem statement. . . . . . . .
SetIncludePath command . . . . . .
SetRecordLimit statement . . . . . .
SetSQL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ShowRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Str2Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SumField . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TotalPages function. . . . . . . . . .
DataSet control methods summary
AddGroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddSort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddSummary . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AddTable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disconnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Field$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetAllFields$ . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetColumnAlias$. . . . . . . . . . .
GetDataSources$ . . . . . . . . . . .
GetFieldList$. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetGroup$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetSort$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetSummary$ . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetSQL$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetTable$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetTableAlias$ . . . . . . . . . . . .
GetTableLink$ . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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IncludeFields$ . . .
Load . . . . . . . . .
Recalc . . . . . . . .
RemoveGroup . . .
RemoveSort . . . .
RemoveSummary.
RemoveTable. . . .
RemoveTableLink .
ReplaceTable . . . .
Save . . . . . . . . .
SetColumnAlias . .
SetFromActive . . .
SetFromLoading. .
SetTableAlias. . . .
SetTableLink . . . .
SetUserSQL . . . .
TestSelection$ . . .
252
252
252
253
253
253
254
255
255
256
256
257
257
258
258
259
259
260
260
260
261
261
262
262
262
263
264
265
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
271
272
272
273
273
274
274
275
275
275
276
276
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276
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277
277
278
278
279
279
280
280
280
281
281
282
282
283
284
DataSet Control properties summary. . . . . .284
AllDataBases$ . . . . .
AllOwners$ . . . . . .
AllTables$. . . . . . . .
DataBase$ . . . . . . .
Error$ . . . . . . . . . .
Id. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name$ . . . . . . . . .
Owner$ . . . . . . . . .
Record. . . . . . . . . .
RecordCount. . . . . .
Selection$ . . . . . . . .
Table$ . . . . . . . . . .
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284
285
285
285
285
286
286
286
286
287
287
287
287
Basic commands summary. . . . . . . . . . . .288
Abs function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Asc function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assert statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Atn function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beep statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Begin Dialog ... End Dialog statement .
Button statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ButtonGroup statement . . . . . . . . .
Call statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CancelButton statement . . . . . . . . .
Caption statement. . . . . . . . . . . . .
CDbl function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ChDir statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ChDrive statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
CheckBox statement . . . . . . . . . . .
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291
291
292
292
293
293
294
294
295
296
297
297
297
298
298
CInt function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CLng function . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Close statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ComboBox statement . . . . . . . . .
Const statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cos function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CSng function . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$CStrings metacommand. . . . . . .
CurDir$ function . . . . . . . . . . . .
Date$ function. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Declare statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deftype statement . . . . . . . . . . .
Dialog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dim statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dir$ function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Do...While statement . . . . . . . . . .
Environ$ function. . . . . . . . . . . .
Eof function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Erl function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Err function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Err statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Error$ function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exp function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FileAttr function. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fix function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For...Next statement . . . . . . . . . .
FreeFile function . . . . . . . . . . . .
Function ... End Function statement .
GetField$ function . . . . . . . . . . .
Global statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
GoTo statement . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GroupBox statement . . . . . . . . . .
Hex$ function . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If ... Then ... Else . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$Include metacommand . . . . . . .
Input$ function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Input # statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
InputBox$ function . . . . . . . . . . .
InStr function . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Int function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kill statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LBound function . . . . . . . . . . . .
LCase$ function . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Left$ function . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Len function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Let (assignment statement) . .

Line Input # statement . . . . .
ListBox statement . . . . . . . .
Lof function . . . . . . . . . . .
Log function . . . . . . . . . . .
LTrim$ function . . . . . . . . .
Mid statement . . . . . . . . . .
Mid$ function . . . . . . . . . .
MkDir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Msgbox function . . . . . . . .
Msgbox statement. . . . . . . .
Name statement . . . . . . . . .
$NoCStrings metacommand .
Oct$ function. . . . . . . . . . .
OkButton statement . . . . . .
On Error statement . . . . . . .
Open statement . . . . . . . . .
Option Base statement . . . . .
OptionButton statement . . . .
OptionGroup statement . . . .
Print statement. . . . . . . . . .
Randomize statement . . . . .
ReDim statement . . . . . . . .
Rem statement. . . . . . . . . .
Reset statement . . . . . . . . .
Resume statement. . . . . . . .
Right$ function . . . . . . . . .
RmDir statement . . . . . . . .
Rnd function . . . . . . . . . . .
RTrim$ function . . . . . . . . .
Seek function. . . . . . . . . . .
Seek statement . . . . . . . . . .
Select Case statement . . . . . .
SetField$ function . . . . . . . .
Sgn function . . . . . . . . . . .
Shell function . . . . . . . . . .
Sin function. . . . . . . . . . . .
Space$ function . . . . . . . . .
Sqr function . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop statement . . . . . . . . . .
Str$ function . . . . . . . . . . .
String$ function . . . . . . . . .
Sub ... End Sub statement . . .
Tan function . . . . . . . . . . .
Text statement . . . . . . . . . .
TextBox statement. . . . . . . .
Time$ function. . . . . . . . . .
299
300
300
301
301
302
302
303
303
304
304
306
307
307
309
310
.311
312
312
313
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314
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315
315
316
317
318
318
319
320
320
321
321
322
323
323
323
324
325
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326
327
327
328
328
vi
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329
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350
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351
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352
352
353
Timer function. .
Type statement .
UBound function
UCase$ function.
Val function . . .
While ... Wend . .
Write statement .
Index
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353
354
354
355
355
356
356
357
vii

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ReportSmith Creating Reports

Delphi for Windows

Who should use this guide

Topics covered in this guide

What you can do with ReportSmith

Exclude data you dont want to display

Terms, techniques, and conventions

Directory locations for files

ReportSmith program files in C:\RPTSMITH

Sample tables, reports, and macros

Connecting to a data source

Databases ReportSmith can access

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

If you specify a server-based database such as SQL Server, ORACLE or INGRES

Saving database connection information

You do not need a user-defined connection to connect to a table.

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

1 Choose File|Connections. The Connection dialog box appears.

2 Choose New to set up a new connection.

Displayed options change for each type of connection.

Connecting to data sources

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

What are SQL Links?

For more information about ODBC connectivity double-click on the ODBC

Through native API

Supported data sources

Supported through the MicroDecisionware Database Gateway version 2.0 running

Connecting to PC data sources through IDAPI

Dialog boxes include example parameters.

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

Connecting to PC data sources through ODBC

Dialog boxes include example parameters.

Hardware and software requirements

Data Source Name

A short name for your data source.

Access connection issues

Error message: Driver not capable, or

You are not running Share. You need to add C:\DOS\SHARE.EXE

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

Hardware and software requirements

1 In the Windows Main group, choose the File Manager icon.

Data Source Name

A short name for your data source.

To modify Btrieve functions in the WIN.INI file:

1 Go to the Btrieve section of the WIN.INI file.

Btrieve connection issues

Youre having trouble connecting to Btrieve.

Make sure youre accessing the data on your local

You want to access a Btrieve file consisting of more

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source

Hardware and software requirements

Data Source Name

A short name for your data source.

Show Deleted Rows

dBASE connection issues

Does ReportSmith support indexing?

ReportSmith supports indexes for dBASE IV as long

What does the error message, File locking not

Hardware and software requirements

Chapter 1, Connecting to a data source