Expression binding for Reports

Transcription

1 Expression binding for Reports Expression Binding Reporting in Uniconta has now been simplified. Data is now provided to report controls using expression binding. This means that, instead of using data bindings, as in the previous version, reports now use expressions by default. Previously, end-users needed to manipulate script in order to implement custom logic in reports. This had security implications and required users to be familiar with c# programming language. The use of expression binding, now covers most scripting and makes it easier to calculate summary results and formatting on a conditional basis. This enables endusers to internalise expression criteria syntax, instead of writing code. Writing expressions There are two ways to write expressions in the Expression Editor. The first way is to select the label and click on the small arrow icon, as shown in the screenshot below. This opens the window. Either select the property from the drop down menu or click the icon shown in the screenshot below to open the Expression Editor window. The second way to write an expression is to select the label and click on the new expression icon, circled in the properties window below.

2 The user can now select properties for the expression, as shown in the screenshot below. The Text property line shows [crayon-5bdd92c055e1f i/] as the expression. The selected label will now contain the value of the Text Property of Object([crayon-5bdd92c055e i/] ) e.g. for an Invoice. See screenshot below. The user can change the appearance and layout of the label etc. here. The Expression Editor window can be opened by selecting any row and clicking the button shown in the screenshot below.

3 The Expression Editor will now open, as shown in the screenshot below. Here, the user can select the available Fields by double clicking the field. The selected field will then be added to the top panel. The user can perform calculations on the field, since it contains aggregate functions. The user can also add report items and variables that are available in the report, such as a style sheet.

4 The Expression Editor can also be used to specify a complex binding expression of two or more data fields, as shown in the screenshot below.

5 As shown in the Expression Editor screenshot below, a new summary category will appear under Functions/Summary where all sum prefix s are listed. This is added to make it easier to differentiate aggregate functions from report summary functions.

6 All these expressions are evaluated prior to printing. Reports that contain standard bindings or legacy bindings can be converted to a expression binding report, but not viceversa. Create a report to be viewed externally There are 3 ways to create an external Report. 1. Data Source: Report Generator uses the grid s item source to create a Simple Report. 2. Current Record: Report Generator uses the grid s selected record to create a source, based on the type of report being created (Simple / Master-Detail). 3. Master Record: Report Generator uses the grid s master record and the item s source to create a masterdetail collection for a Master-Detail Report.

7 Data Source Using the grid s item source to create a Simple Report. 1. Open the Report Designer, select New > Simple Report and click Next. 2. Select the Client class from the list. 3. Select all fields to be shown in the report. 4. The Select Data Connection panel now appears for the New Report. Check the Preview Source box to provide the Source externally and select: Data Source.

8 5. Click on Finish. 6. Save the newly generated report and name it. Master record Use the grid s master record and items source to create a master-detail collection for a Master-Detail Report Open the Report Designer, select New > Master Detail Report. Select Master Type & Detail Type. Select Master type Display Fields and Select Detail type Display Fields. Finally, select Master Record. Save the newly generated report and name it.

9 Current record Use the grid s selected record to create a source based on the type of report being created (Simple / Master-Detail) Choose a Report Type Simple or Master Detail Report. Select Master type or Detail Type. Select the Master type or Detail type fields. In Preview Source, select Current Record. Save the newly generated report and name it. How to use Report as a Menu Item? 1. Open Tools > Local Menu. 2. Select the Control Name used in Client Class when creating the report. 3. In Control Type, select Report Preview, and in Control, write the name of report that was saved in previous step. 4. After saving, a new Menu will be shown.

10 Note: If the above steps are skipped, the local menu can be created later. Selected Record: SourceType=UseCurrentRecord Master Record: SourceType=UseMasterRecord Data Grid: SourceType=UseDataSource