Copyright: ReportSmith Runtime Viewer 3.0 Help ©1996 Borland International, Inc.


Open Report dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Open Report dialog box, a slightly modified variation of the Windows Open File commond dialog box. Use this dialog box to open RPT (report) files, as well as to specify whether those files should be run—that is, whether they should be reconstructed using updated data—and whether the report should be displayed in draft mode (minimal formatting, to speed entry and editing) or presentation mode (displayed as it will print).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


File list window

Displays a listing of all files (in the current drive and directory) of the specified file type.


File Name

Displays the name of the selected file in the selected drive and directory.


Files of Type

Displays a dropdown list of available file types, with the RPT (report) file type selected by default. The file list window displays only those files of the type selected here.


Folders

Lists the folders of the current drive.


Up one level

Moves the current folder view or drive view up one level.


Create new folder

Creates a new folder within the current folder, and prompts you to enter the new folder name.


Abbreviated file list

Lists only file names (of the selected type) in the current folder, omitting any details.


Detailed file list

Lists details (modification date, attributes, size, and so on) of files of the selected type and in the current folder.


Drives

Displays a dropdown list of all drives (physical, logical, and network) and folders to which your computer is attached.


"What's this?" button

Click this button, then click various parts of this dialog box, to obtain Help while using the dialog box.


Open

Opens the selected file.


Run report

When checked, runs the report with updated data, as that data become available.


Draft mode

When checked, opens the report in draft mode, to expedite entry and editing. If you want to view the report as it will be printed, uncheck this box, to use presentation mode.


Connection dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Connection dialog box, where you can view or create named connections.

Note:	Named connections do not permit access to a particular table or database. Instead, they provide directory and login “shortcuts” to data locations matching the specified connection type and location. Likewise, ReportSmith does not store user passwords as part of named connections, as doing so would create a potential security breach.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


(Connection) Name

Displays the name of the selected (existing) named connection, or provides a place for you to enter the name of a new connection.


(Connection) Type

Lists available connection types for use in this named connection. If you select an existing connection, displays the type of that connection.


Data file path/Database name

This entry box is named “Data file path” for local BDE or ODBC connections, or “Database name” for SQL server connections. In the case of SQL connections, you will also need to enter your User ID, whereas with local data sources you need only specify the folder location for the named connection.

Note:	Named connections do not permit access to a particular table or database. Instead, they provide folder or login “shortcuts” to data locations matching the specified connection type and location. Likewise, ReportSmith does not store user passwords as part of named connections, as doing so would create a potential security breach.


Browse

Displays the Windows Browse common dialog box, where you can search folders for the file you want.


Connections list

Displays existing named connections, and enables you to select connections to modify or delete.


New (connection)

Clears this dialog box, so you can specify a name, type, and data location for a new named connection.


Delete (connection)

Deletes the selected named connection. Deleted connections are not recoverable, and must be recreated.


Save (connection)

Saves a newly created connection to the name shown in the Name edit box.


Disconnect dialog box

  Related Topics

Connections to data sources exist until you exit ReportSmith or until you explicitly sever connections through the Disconnect dialog box. Use the Disconnect command to free up connections to databases when you have finished using them.

For example, suppose your company has a five-user version of an SQL server running on a LAN (Local Area Network.) A ReportSmith user needs to create two reports, one for the Accounting Department and one for the Sales Department. Each department has a database on the SQL Server. The user must log on to the SQL Server twice, once for the Accounting report (user name: Accounting) and once for the Sales report (user name: Sales.)

SQL Server will now only allow three additional users on the LAN to log on, but by severing the Accounting connection once the Accounting report is no longer needed, the user can free up one of the connections. An additional user can then log on to the SQL Server.

Important:	You cannot disconnect from a data source if you have a report open which uses that connection. Close the report before severing the connection.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Open Connections

Lists all open data connections. Select the connection you want to sever.


Disconnect

Severs the selected connection, freeing it for use by another user.


Using the ReportSmith toolbar and ribbon
Using the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer toolbar

  Related Topics

Many of the most frequently used menu commands also appear as buttons on the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer toolbar. By becoming familiar with the buttons on the toolbar and the ribbon, you can speed your work by making use of these handy shortcuts.

Click any part of the graphic below (representing the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer toolbar), for more information.


Open report

Displays the Open Report dialog box, where you can open existing report (.RPT) files. Equivalent to choosing File | Open, or pressing Ctrl + F12.


Save report

Displays the Windows Save As common dialog box. Equivalent to choosing File | Save As or pressing F12.


Print report

Prints the active report, using current print options and settings.

Note: This toolbar button is not equivalent to choosing the File | Print menu command, and does not prompt for print settings before printing.


Zoom: whole page

Scales the view of the report to display the entire report page in the window. Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the Whole Page option.


Zoom: 100%

Scales the view of the report to display the report page at 100% magnification level (a 1:1 ratio). Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the 100% option.


Zoom: page width

Scales the view of the report to display the report page across the entire width of the window. Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the Page Width option.


Cancel

Closes the window or dialog box, canceling all changes or edits you have made.


Help

Displays online Help for the dialog box.


OK button

Closes the window or dialog box, accepting any changes or edits you have made.


Close button

Closes the window or dialog box, prompting for unsaved changes.


Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Options dialog box, where you can set data access options, font options, field-listing options, and other options that will affect the functionality of the entire ReportSmith application (independently of any report you may have open).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Dynamic Data Access options

Sets Dynamic Data Access parameters that control which resources ReportSmith uses to store and move data.


Font options

You can choose which font types you want ReportSmith to use in displaying and printing reports.

Option	Description
Screen fonts	ReportSmith will use only those fonts designed for use on the screen. When printing, Windows will then search for the closest match possible if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only those fonts designed for use in a printer. Windows will then substitute the closest possible match in a display (screen) font, if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Screen and Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use all fonts installed on your computer system, matching screen and printer font names whenever possible, to ensure the closest possible match between displayed and printed versions of a report.
TrueType fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only TrueType fonts, which appear the same on the screen and the printed versions, and across different printer types. Using TrueType fonts ensures an exact match between displayed and printed reports, but they are somewhat slower to print than conventional printer fonts.


Connection file

Use this entry box to specify a name and location for the ReportSmith connection file.


Picture file search path

Use this entry box to specify a default location to search when inserting pictures into a report.


Get Connection Data dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Get Connection Data dialog box, where you can view or edit connection information used to connect to a server or Local Area Network (LAN). If you are unsure of what information is required to establish the connection, consult your system administrator.

Note:	To avoid potential security risks, connections established in this dialog box are not saved. (Use the File | Connections menu command to establish saved connections.) DB2, SQLBase, Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, and Teradata connections have a check box to allow a null password. ReportSmith does not store the password.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Type

Displays the data type used in making the connection to a server or LAN.


Virtual node

Enter the complete path (on a Local Area Network) or database server of the data location to which you are connecting.


Database

Enter the name of the database or file to which you want to connect.


Options

Enter connection options here. See your system administrator for information regarding which options to enter here, for the connection type you are using.


Select Reports to Send dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Send Reports to Send dialog box, where you can select the loaded reports you want to send via electronic mail (e-mail).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Select all

Selects all listed reports, preparing them to be sent by electronic mail (e-mail).


Reports

Lists all reports currently open in ReportSmith. Select the report(s) you want to send via electronic mail (e-mail), then choose OK.


Replace Connection dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Replace Connection dialog box, which appears when you try to open a report with a missing ODBC connection, when you provide incorrect login information for a server connection, or when you are sharing a report whose data is based on an existing link to an ODBC driver. In order to open such a report, you must first re-establish a connection.

The missing data source connection is listed in the Unable to Connect to Data Source box.

To re-establish a connection:

1.	Select a replacement connection in the Select Replacement box

2.	Select a named connection (if one exists) from the Named Connections list.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Unable to connect to…

Lists the data source to which you have unsuccessfully tried to connect, together with the reason the connection failed.


Select replacement connection

Enter the parameters for the replacement connection here. The particular options available will vary depending on the connection type and named connection (if any) you select. If you are making a server connection and are unsure about what to enter for the Server, User ID, or Password parameters, see your system administrator.


File | Open

  Related Topics

This command displays the Open Report dialog box, where you can choose a report (.RPT) file to open, whether that file should be displayed in draft mode, and whether the report should be run using updated data, or simply opened and displayed using currently loaded data.


File | Connections

  Related Topics

This command displays the Connection dialog box, where you can create, view, or edit named data connections.


File | Disconnect

  Related Topics

This command displays the Disconnect dialog box, where you can disconnect any data connections you currently have open.


File | Close

  Related Topics

Closes only the currently active report, prompting for unsaved changes.


File | Close All

  Related Topics

Closes all open reports, prompting for unsaved changes in any report.


File | Save As

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Save As common dialog box, where you can specify a new name and/or location under which to save the currently active report.


File | Print

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Print common dialog box, where you can specify such options as which printer should be used and how it should be set up, how many copies should be printed, what page range should be printed, and whether pages should be collated.


File | Send Mail

  Related Topics

This command prepares your report to be sent over electronic mail (e-mail), via protocols installed, configured and maintained in Microsoft Exchange.

Important:	You must have Microsoft Exchange installed and properly configured on your computer system before using this feature of ReportSmith. Make a note of all relevant Internet and server addresses, as well as your login name and password, before using the Internet Wizard to configure this feature. If you need assistance, contact your network administrator.


File | Exit

  Related Topics

This command closes ReportSmith and all open reports, prompting for unsaved changes.


File | Options

  Related Topics

This command displays the Options dialog box, where you can set options affecting the operation of ReportSmith itself (separate from any particular report you may have open).


Edit | Copy

  Related Topics

This command copies the selected items(s) to the Windows Clipboard, but does not remove them from the selected area.


View | Toolbar

  Related Topic

Toggles on or off the display of the ReportSmith toolbar, where you can access many frequently used commands and actions, by clicking toolbar buttons.


View | Rulers

  Related Topics

This command shows or hides the ReportSmith rulers (both horizontal and vertical), marked in either inches or centimeters.


View | Zoom

  Related Topics

Displays the Zoom dialog box, where you can set the magnification level for the report display.


Window | Tile

  Related Topics

This command arranges all open report windows side by side within ReportSmith.


Window | Cascade

  Related Topics

This command arranges all open report windows one behind and above another, in a "cascade" of report windows. To access a particular report window, click its title bar to bring it to the front.


Windows | Arrange Icons
Window | Arrange Icons

  Related Topics

This command arranges all minimized report windows in rows beginning at the bottom of the main ReportSmith window.


Window | [Number]
Window | 1…2…3…

  Related Topics

This command enables you to quickly activate any of the reports you have open in ReportSmith, by choosing the report's window name or number.


Help | ReportSmith Help Topics
Help | ReportSmith Runtime Viewer Help Topics

  Related Topics

This command displays the main contents screen of ReportSmith Runtime Viewer 3.0 Help.


Help | About

  Related Topics

This command displays the About box of ReportSmith 3.0, giving copyright, licensing, and version information on ReportSmith.


An overview of ReportSmith

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ReportSmith™ is a powerful visual database reporting and query tool, integrated into Borland Delphi, to provide a streamlined approach to creating reports using database files and tables. Using the ReportSmith Run-time Viewer, you can:

view reports created from SQL and PC databases, without knowing complex database commands.

immediately see the result of changes to your “live data."


What's new in this version?
What’s new in this version?

  Related Topics

ReportSmith 3.0 is newly designed for use with Borland Delphi 2.0 and Microsoft Windows 95. New or improved features include:

32-bit computing, for faster and smoother report generation

An improved API for more seamless integration with your Delphi applications

An improved user interface that makes report viewing faster and easier


Getting around the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer

  Related Topic

The ReportSmith Runtime Viewer is friendly and intuitive, with several "shortcuts" to help you do your work faster. Use the graphic below, representing the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer window, to help find your way around the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer 3.0.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Rulers

The ReportSmith rulers provide a handy way to gauge the size of your report page as it will be printed.


Title bar

The title bar shows the the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer icon at the far left, followed by the name of the application. If you have maximized a report window, the title bar will also show the name and location of the active report.


Minimize

Minimizes the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer (and all open reports within it) to an icon, placing it on the Taskbar.


Maximize/Restore

Enlarges the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer to fill the entire screen. When the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer is already maximized, this button restores it to its previous working size (but will not minimize it).


Minimize report window

Minimizes the active report to an icon within the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer.


Maximize report window

Enlarges the active report to fill all available space within the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer. When you maximize a report window, the name and location of the report are displayed in the application title bar.


Menu bar

All the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer menu commands are available through the the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer menu bar. In addition, some report elements also feature "pop-up" menus, which you can access by right-clicking the mouse or pointing device.


Toolbar

The ReportSmith Runtime Viewer Toolbar provides "single-click" shortcuts to many frequently used menu commands. To see a quick reference as to each button's functionality, move the mouse pointer over the button, then check the description in the status bar, at the bottom of the ReportSmith window. You can also look up "toolbar" in the Help index, to see a guide to the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer Toolbar.


Rulers

The the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer rulers provide a handy way to gauge the size of your report page as it will be printed. You can choose to display inches or centimeters, or you can turn off the ruler display.


Report page

This is where you'll actually see your report, either in draft mode (with a minimum of formatting  and no graphic images displayed, to speed editing and modification) or in presentation mode (with all formatting displayed as it will print).


Vertical scroll bar

Use the vertical scroll bar to move your view of this report page up or down. The size of the scroll box corresponds to the approximate (vertical) percentage of the page displayed.


Horizontal scroll bar

Use the horizontal scroll bar to move your view of this report page left or right. The size of the scroll box corresponds to the approximate (horizontal) percentage of the page displayed.


First report page

Returns the display to the first page of a multi-page report.


Back one page

Changes the display to the previous page of a multi-page report.


Current page

Shows which page of a multi-page report is currently displayed.


Forward one page

Changes the display to the next page of a multi-page report.


Last page

Changes the display to the last page of a multi-page report.


Status bar

Provides information about the action the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer is currently performing (such as loading a report), as well as the percentage of that task completed. When a report is loaded, the status bar indicates mouse-pointer coordinates, the page count of a multi-page report, and the total number of records in the report.


Connection types
Types of Connections

  Related Topics

To view a report, you must first tell ReportSmith where to find the data you want to include, and how to access that data.

ReportSmith supports three types of connections to enable you to connect to data sources: BDE, ODBC, and native connections. You may use one or more of these connections, depending on the data sources you are working with.

Note:	If you are using Borland Delphi to create new reports, use the Delphi TQuery component to establish data connections. ReportSmith 3.0 will continue to support existing ReportSmith connections of any of the types listed here.

BDE (Borland Database Engine)

Borland Database Engine (BDE) enables you to connect to BDE-enabled Borland desktop products, such as Paradox or Visual dBASE, or SQL data sources supported by the Borland SQL Links, such as InterBase. Earlier version of BDE were known as Integrated Database Application Programming Interface (IDAPI).

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 earlier versions of ReportSmith.

Note:	For information about ODBC connectivity, double-click the ODBC Administrator icon in the Windows Control Panel.

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 can retrieve data sets faster than other connection types, so we recommend you use native connections (when applicable) before ODBC or IDAPI.


Supported data formats

  Related topics

Each data source supported by ReportSmith appears below.

Note:	If you are using Borland Delphi to create new reports, use the Delphi TQuery component to establish data connections. ReportSmith 3.0 will continue to support existing ReportSmith connections to any of the data formats listed here.

Microsoft Access 1.0 and later

Btrieve 5.x and earlier

DB2

dBASE (I, II, III, and IV), dBASE V for Windows, Visual dBASE

Delphi 2.0

Excel 1.0 and later

FoxPro 2.0 - 2.6

Informix 4.1.0

Ingres Networking for Windows 6.4/04

InterBase

Oracle 6.0, 7.0 - 7.2

Paradox 1.0 - 7.0

SQL Server

SQLBase

Sybase

Teradata DBC/1012 4.1.1 or later

Text files

Paradox

Text Files

Unify

Note:	For information about specific database versions refer to printed ReportSmith documentation. You may also connect directly to a data source not listed above, if the manufacturer of your database product has supplied the necessary ReportSmith driver.


Saving a data connection

  Related Topics

ReportSmith can save database login information in items called named connections. With named connections, you can:

Save time. You do not need to retype database information that you use frequently.

Shield the end user from knowing server names or data paths by setting up their connections.

You can set up a permanent or temporary connection by telling ReportSmith the data path or server information for your system.

A user-defined connection is a permanent connection you set up that lets you quickly access database frequently-used tables.

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 can 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.

 Click here for instructions on saving named connections.


To create and save a named connection:

1.	Choose File | Connections to open the Connections dialog box.

2.	In the Name box, type a name for the connection. For example, you may have a connection to a database that holds employee sales records, and want to name that connection Sales.

3.	Enter the information for your connection type and choose Save.

4.	Choose OK. This named connection appears in the Table Open Connections box the next time you choose File | New.

Tip:	To use a data connection when creating a report, select it in the Connections box.


Using the connection (.CON) file

  Related Topics

A connection file stores the connections you set and name with File | Connections. This option sets the location and name of each connection file.

The default connection file name is RPTSMITH.CON, which ReportSmith stores in your Windows working 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-character .CON file extension. For this option, place the text cursor in the text box to enter the drive, directory, and file name for the Connection file.

To specify a different name or location for the default connection file:

1.	Choose File | Options to display the Options dialog box.

2.	Enter the path and file name, as appropriate, to specify a new connection file.

3.	Choose OK to put your choices into effect.


Printing a report

  Related Topics

Once a report has been created and formatted for printing, you are ready to specify a printer, set it up, and print the report.

To set up a printer and print your report:

1.	Choose File | Print. The Windows Print common dialog box appears.

2.	Choose Setup, specify a printer, then choose OK to return to the Print dialog box. (Use the printer setting of Windows 95 to change default printer options.)

3.	Specify a print range and the number of copies to print, then choose OK to begin printing your report.


Setting Dynamic Data Access (DDA) options
Setting Dynamic Data Access (DDA] options

  Related Topics

You can set parameters within the Options dialog box to control the parameters of data access and storage, as well as memory usage for report data. The first option you’ll want to set involves Dynamic Data Access, ReportSmith’s means of obtaining the data for your reports.

To specify DDA options, choose File | Options, then select the DDA option you prefer, using the table below as a guide.

The options you select in Dynamic Data Access parameters control which resources ReportSmith uses to store and move data. Select from the parameters shown in the following table.

Option	Description
Client Memory	Select this option if you always want data loaded into client (your computer’s) memory.
Client Disk	Select this option if you always want data loaded onto your computer’s hard disk. Specify the data path for the disk in the RPTSMITH.INI file.
On server	Select this option to have ReportSmith leave all the records on the server (the remote computer supplying the data source) except the number of records specified in the Buffer option
Automatic	Select this option (the default) to have ReportSmith evaluate where to place the data.When you select this option, the following additional options become available: Minimize Report Data Memory Usage evaluates available disk space and keeps the data on the server if there isn’t enough room on your computer’s hard disk. Limit Report Data Usage to Percentage of Memory limits memory usage to a specific percentage (50% by default) of available memory. ReportSmith estimates the memory requirements for data storage, and if the data requires more than the specified percentage of available memory, ReportSmith then looks at available disk space. If the disk space is also insufficient, data remains on the server. You can enter the exact percentage you want to use. Limit Report Data Memory Usage to ___KB of memory 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 specifies how many records should be stored locally (on your computer) when ReportSmith access data sources on a server (remote computer).
Preload  Records	Check this option to have ReportSmith load buffered records before accessing the rest of a data source.


Setting report font options

  Related Topics

You can choose which font types you want ReportSmith to use in displaying and printing reports.

To specify font options, choose File | Options, then select the font option you prefer, using the table below as a guide.

Option	Description
Screen fonts	ReportSmith will use only those fonts designed for use on the screen. When printing, Windows will then search for the closest match possible if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only those fonts designed for use in a printer. Windows will then substitute the closest possible match in a display (screen) font, if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Screen and Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use all fonts installed on your computer system, matching screen and printer font names whenever possible, to ensure the closest possible match between displayed and printed versions of a report.
TrueType fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only TrueType fonts, which appear the same on the screen and the printed versions, and across different printer types. Using TrueType fonts ensures an exact match between displayed and printed reports, but they are somewhat slower to print than conventional printer fonts.


Specifying a picture-file search path

   Related Topics

You can specify a default location for the Runtime Viewer to search when inserting pictures into a report.

To specify the default picture-file search path:

1.	Choose File | Options to display the Options dialog box.

2.	Enter the folder you want the Runtime Viewer to search first for picture files.

3.	Choose OK to put your choices into effect.


Modifying ReportSmith Runtime Viewer configuration files

  Related Topics

We suggest that you create standard files to make Runtime system administration easier. Set up the following files in the Windows directory for a standard end user environment. Each file is described below.

File Name	Contents
RS_SQLIF.INI	ODBC Options for local databases.
RPTSMITH.CON	Named connections
RS_RUN.INI	Dynamic Data Access Options (see next section)
RSMITH32.GMC	Global macros that are used in the reports you are distributing, or that will be executed through It should be installed in the MACRO subdirectory of the directory in which you've installed Runtime, not the Windows directory.


RSV_SQLIF.INI

ReportSmith provides a default RSV_SQLIF.INI file. It contains setup parameters for the ODBC drivers provided with ReportSmith.

For detailed information regarding the parameters you can set, see the Technical Notes provided with ReportSmith in the RSV_SQLIF.TXT file.


RPTSMITH.CON

ReportSmith sets up one default connection called video that is used by our sample reports. You can use named connections to set up connections in this file, to reduce the amount of information the end user enters.

The format of this file is:

[ConnectNamesSection]

ConnectNames=video,oracle,sqlsrvr

[video]

Type=40

DataFilePath=C:\RPTSMITH\video\

Server=MYdBase

[oracle]

Type=7

Server=x:orasrv7

UserId=scott

Password=

[sqlsrvr]

Type=6

Server=sqlsrvr

UserId=SA

Password=


RSV_RUN.INI

This file is similar to the RPTSMITH.INI file in the full ReportSmith product. There are certain parameters in this file that you may want to set for your users:

Option	Description
Units	Units of measure for report layout. Values: 0 = Inches (default) 1=Centimeters
Granularity	Display granularity, or number of screen pixels used to represent a measurement unit. Enter a number (default: 300) between 75 and 800.
ConnectionFile	Path and filename for named connections. Enter the name of the connection file,for example, C:\WIN\RPTSMITH.CON
.Iconic	To set whether to show the RUNTIME icon or not. Values: 0 = do not iconify (minimize) ReportSmith 1=iconify (minimize) ReportSmith – default value
ShowAboutBox	Show or hide the About box. Values: 0 = Do not show About box 1 = Show About box – default value


RPTSMITH.GMC

This file stores global macros. The location of this file is specified in the RSV_RUN.INI file. You can either distribute a copy that contains the global macros used in your reports, or you can have the RSV_RUN.INI file point to a common LAN location for this file.


Exporting reports from the viewer

  Related Topics

You can export data from the Runtime Viewer for use in other applications with the File | Save As menu command. 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:

From the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer toolbar, click the Save button

—or—

1.	Choose File | Save As, and navigate to the desired location of your file.

2.	Choose a file type from the List Files of Type list

3.	Choose OK to save the report as new file type and name.


ReportSmith Glossary

Click on the individual terms to view their definitions.

A

alias

application event

argument

Avery codes

B

BDE

C

calculated field

call by reference

call by value

client disk option

client memory option

column

Column Editing mode

columnar report

comma delimited files

comment

connection

crosstab

D

data field

derived field

display event

Draft mode

Dynamic Data Access

Dynamic Data Exchange

E

event

F

field

field label

Field Editing mode

form report

function

G

global macro

grid

group

I

IDAPI

J

join

K

key column

L

label

link

M

macro

macro-derived field

master/detail report

metacommands

method

mode

N

name (ReportBasic)

named connection

null password

O

On server mode

P

parameter

point size

Presentation mode

property

Q

query

R

report

report event

report macro

report variable

ReportBasic

row

S

SBL

self-join

SQL

SQL-derived field

string value

subprogram

summary field

summary-only report

system field

T

table

Text mode

type character

U

units

V

value label

vartype

visual link


alias

A substitute name for a field, table, or column. For tables, an alias is used when you use the same table in a report more than once. For fields, tables, or columns, use an alias to substitute a more easily recognizable, or shorter, name.


application event

An application event can occur globally, each time you run ReportSmith, and/or each time you run any report.


argument

Used to pass information from one macro to another, and then in turn, pass information back from the second macro to the first. This older term is interchangeable with the term “parameter”; the two terms mean exactly the same thing.


Avery codes

Avery label codes corresponding to the Avery label styles found in the Label Type and Dimensions list of the Page Setup dialog box. (Choose File | Page Setup.) Codes match those displayed on the Avery label box.


BDE (Borland Database Engine)

The Borland Database Engine provides a fast, safe, and easy-to-use means of connecting ReportSmith to Borland database products such as Visual dBASE and Paradox.


calculated field

A field created by modifying one or more existing fields that contain stored data values.


call by reference

Arguments passed by reference to a procedure may be modified by the procedure.  Procedures written in BASIC are defined to receive their arguments by reference.  If you call such a procedure and pass it a variable, and if the procedure modifies its corresponding formal parameter, it will modify the variable.  Passing an expression by reference is legal in BASIC; if the called procedure modifies its corresponding parameter, a temporary value will be modified, with no apparent effect on the caller.


call by value

When an arguments is passed by value to a procedure, the called procedure receives a copy of the argument.  If the called procedure modifies its corresponding formal parameter, it will have no effect on the caller.  Procedures written in other languages such as C may receive their arguments by value.


client disk option

Tells ReportSmith to load data onto the client disk (as opposed to local memory, or on a server) each time you run ReportSmith.


client memory option

Tells ReportSmith to load data into client memory (as oposed to local memory, or on a server) each time you run ReportSmith.


column

Columns are vertical visual divisions of data, usually representing different categories or means of classifying that data. Columns in a report contain fields from tables or files.


Column Editing mode

Used to move columns and their labels horizontally across the report page. Compare Form Editing mode.


columnar report

Displays similarly classified or categorized fields in vertical columns across the report page.


Comma delimited files
comma-delimited files

Text files containing  fields separated by commas, and using the file extension .CSV.


comment

A comment is text which documents the program.  Comments have no effect on the program (except for metacommands).  In BASIC, a comment begins with a single quote, and continues to the end of the line.  If the first character in a comment is a dollar sign ($), the comment will be interpreted as a metacommand.  Lines beginning with the keyword Rem are also interpreted as comments.


connection

Attaches ReportSmith to a server or particular folder/file structure on local computers, and points to the location(s) of files and tables used in a report.


Crosstab report
crosstab

A summary report that displays data in a spreadsheet-like format. It can consist of rows, columns, row labels, column labels, and values. Fields can be calculated to show sums, averages, or counts.


data field

A single record of information contained in a table—for example, a place for a customer name in a column containing customer last names.


derived field

A field that is created and derived by concatenating, calculating, or otherwise modifying other existing fields. For example, a field called FULLNAME, derived by combining the F_NAME and L_NAME fields.


display event

An event linked to the display of a particular instance of a field in a report.


draft mode

Use draft mode to page through a report quickly, displaying graphics as light gray outlines, and "DRAFT" in the report background. Draft mode is intended to speed up viewing and working with reports; use presentation mode to check the appearance of a report as it will be printed.


Dynamic Data Access
Dynamic Data Access (DDA)

Controls which resources ReportSmith uses to store data, to recognize the size of data, and to determine the best strategy for transferring it into a report.


Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)

A protocol for Windows-compatible applications, which enables two applications to communicate with each other, exchanging and dynamically updating data within each application.


event

Any action in ReportSmith that triggers the execution of a macro to which it is linked. Many events can occur at either the report-specific level or the application level, while other events may be unique to a particular level. For example, the After Report Open event occurs after you open a particular report (in which you have created the macro linked to this event), while the On SQL Error event is generated by an SQL error, and triggered only when an SQL error occurs.


field

A field contains a data value within a column.


field label

A column heading. By default, ReportSmith applies the field name from the source table as the field label within a report. However, you can change a ReportSmith field label by typing over it on the report surface, or by creating an alias for it.


Field Editing mode

Used to move individual fields (not entire columns) freely around the report page (horizontally and vertically). Use this mode to place values into headers and footers. When you move values in Field Editing mode, column labels do not automatically move along with their respective columns. Compare Column Editing mode.


form report

Displays data in free-form across the report page. Compare columnar report.


function

A procedure which returns a value.  In BASIC, the return value is specified by assigning a value to the name of the function, as if the function were a variable.


global macro

A macro linked to the ReportSmith application that runs each time you run ReportSmith. Used to automate global tasks, or to customize ReportSmith.


grid

A series of row and column coordinates used as a visual reference when placing objects.


group

A number of fields and values consolidated by user-specified criteria and presented together or considered as a unit. Recurrences of a group in a report are suppressed if duplicated.


IDAPI

An alternative (older) name for the Borland Database Engine.


join

To add more than one table to a report, you must join or link them. A successful join or link (the terms are used interchangeably within ReportSmith) consists of a field which both tables share in common. Typically, the common field shares the same name.


key column

The column or columns in a table that contains a unique value for every record.


label

A label identifies a position in the program at which to continue execution, usually as a result of executing a GoTo statement.  To be recognized as a label, a name must begin in the first column, and must be immediately followed by a colon (":").  Reserved words are not valid labels.


link

To add more than one table to a report, you must join or link them. A successful join or link (the terms are used interchangeably within ReportSmith) consists of a field which both tables share in common. Typically, the common field shares the same name.


macro

An operator that causes the generation of a sequence of instructions to accomplish one or more tasks. For example, you can write a macro to open, run, print, and close a daily report. A macro is a user-defined "mini-program" which you build using the ReportBasic programming language. You can create and store a custom macro, or load macros provided by ReportSmith in the RPTSMITH\MACROS directory. You can also save macros as *.MAC files, so that they are then available for use in any report, or globally in all reports.

Macros can be stored locally, with a report, or stored globally and used with all reports.


Macro derived field
macro-derived field

A derived field created using the ReportBasic language.


master/detail report

A report using more than one query. Generally, the master report contains one record per key value, while the detail report contains many records per key value. The report breaks data into groups, so that for each record in the "A" table, matching records in the "B" table print beneath it, followed by matching records in the "C' table. Each query in the report can come from a different data source.


metacommand

A metacommand is a command which gives the compiler instructions on how to build the program.  In BASIC, metacommands are specified in comments which begin with a dollar sign ($).


method

A function or statement which performs actions on the DataSet object.


mode

A term applied to an operating condition that is one of two or more such conditions. For example, in ReportSmith you can activate Form Editing mode or Column Editing mode, and draft mode or presentation mode. Modes are mutually exclusive; you cannot operate two similar modes (such as Form Editing mode and Column Editing mode) at once.


name (ReportBasic)

A BASIC name must start with a letter (A through Z).  The remaining part of a name can also contain numeric digits (0 through 9) or an underscore character (_).  A name cannot be longer than 40 characters in length.  Type characters are not considered part of a name.


named connection

A permanent connection you set up, name, and save, that lets you quickly access frequently-used databases and tables.


null password

A password with no value, which can be ignored in the interpretation of data.


on server mode

Allows ReportSmith to store a limited number of records (generally 100) on the client disk, while maintaining a temporary area on the server disk to store other records.


parameter

Used to pass information from one macro to another, and then in turn, pass information back from the second macro to the first. This newer term is interchangeable with the term “argument”; the two terms mean exactly the same thing.


point size

A measurement of the size of the text characters used in a report. There are 72 points per inch, 12 points per pica.


presentation mode

Used to view the final copy of a report. All components that will print on a report are displayed in the actual size and position used on the printed copy. Compare draft mode.


property

A data value similar to BASIC variables, that can have any of the BASIC variable types. Used with DataSet object.


query

A request for specific data from one or more tables.


report

A collection of data filtered and formatted according to unique and specific data-viewing requirements. Also, a ReportSmith file saved with the extension .RPT. It can contain objects, tables, links, and other information.


report event

An action in ReportSmith that triggers the execution of a macro linked to a specific report. An example of a report event is the Keystroke event, Ctrl+P. Each time a selected report macro encounters the keystroke Ctrl+P, the macro to which the report is linked is triggered.


report macro

A macro linked to a specific report which becomes part of that report. A report macro differs from a global macro in that a report macro applies only to a certain report, while a global macro runs each time a user starts ReportSmith.


ReportBasic

ReportSmith has licensed the Softbridge Basic Language (SBL) from Mystic River Software, Inc. to provide ReportSmith users with a complete high-level programming language. SBL contains similar commands to the Visual Basic programming language. ReportSmith has added specific reporting commands to SBL to assist you in creating reports. This combined command set is called ReportBasic, a complete programming language designed specifically for report creation.

Click here to view macro-language Help.


report variable

A report variable is a dialog box which prompts a user for specific information that changes the contents of the report to which it is linked. Based on the values that the user specifies the report then executes and displays the corresponding data.


row

A set of values from within each column that constitute a "set" of information.


SBL

The acronym for the Softbridge Basic Language (SBL), which forms the basis of the ReportBasic macro language, is pronounced as "Sybil".


Self-join
self-join (self-link)

Linking a table or file to itself.


SQL

An acronym for Structured Query Language, an industry-standard means of creating queries to filter, sort, and extract data. When you use ReportSmith features to select the tables and fields that will make up your report, the necessary SQL query is generated "behind the scenes," but you can also choose to directly enter and maintain the SQL queries that make up your report.

Note:	SQL is pronounced either "sequel" or "S-Q-L." ReportSmith documentation assumes the latter pronunciation.


SQL derived field
SQL-derived field

A derived field (a new report field  that does not exist in the original data sources, constructed by performing calculations upon existing report fields) created using Structured Query Language (SQL) to define the calculations performed.


string value

Any set of characters entered to stand for a numeric value.


subprogram

A procedure which does not return a value.


summary field

A calculated field such as a subtotal or count, summarizing values of other fields.


summary-only report

A report that presents only summarized values, omitting the details used to arrive at those values.


system field

A field that has been automatically created by ReportSmith for your use, such as text, date, time, page number, or report name. System fields do not originate with your database application.


table

An arrangement of words, numbers, or signs (usually in parallel columns) displaying a set of facts or relations in a compact or comprehensive form.


text mode

The application state in which ReportSmith accepts the placement of text.


type character

A special character used as a suffix to a name of a function, variable, or constant. The character defines the data type of the variable or function.  The characters are:

Dynamic String	$

Integer	%

Long integer	&

Single single precision floating point	!

Double double precision floating point	#

Currency exact fixed point	@


unit

An item in a scale of measurement. Can be inches or centimeters.


value label

Data field names automatically inserted into a crosstab report in addition to the defined row and column values. May be used or suppressed.


vartype

The internal tag used to identify the type of value currently assigned to a variant.  One of the following:

Empty	0

Null	1

Integer	2

Long	3

Single	4

Double	5

Currency	6

Date	7

String	8


visual link

Linking objects by matching common fields.