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Report Parameters
Report parameters are used to customize data query depending on user-entered values.
Some of the most common ways to use parameters:
- Filter report data at the data source by writing dataset query that contain variables.
- Enable users to specify values to customize the data in a report.
For example: configure report parameters for filtering by location, company, contact name, date range etc.
- Switch between several tables or views for more efficient database utilization. For example,
report may use different data table when user specifies 'last month' parameter value (or if start date is not earlier than 30 days ago).
Parameters are needed if you want to enable filters for published reports.
Note that interactive features for published reports (including inputs for parameters) are available only for accounts with
advanced publishing subscription.
Parameters Setup
Parameters are defined in the Cube Configuration form:
Each parameter should have an unique name; with this name you can use actual parameter value in datasource-specific query or in expression of another parameter.
For more details about parameters usage in dataset query see help page for concrete data source.
It is possible to specify which UI editor to use for the parameter:
- Textbox
- Suitable for any kind of parameters. In case of multivalue parameter several values should be separated with comma
,
- Dropdown
- Used when user can choose only one option from a pre-defined drop-down list.
For non-multivalue parameter first entry should match parameter's default value (in most cases this is just an empty value).
- Checkbox
- Used when in case of boolean parameter (true/false). Also can be used as 'switch': you can define some parameter only
when checkbox is checked (more on this below).
How end-user can enter report parameters:
Report Designer
Published Report
Note: inputs for parameters in pubished reports require "Advanced publishing" subscription
Calculated Parameters
In some cases you might need to modify parameter value before passing it to the query, and this is possible with Expression option.
Typical usages: