Generating reports : Specifying job parameters : About parameter types

About parameter types

The parameter types are

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Figure 10-1 shows an example parameters page, listing several parameters and sample parameter values.

About multiple value parameters

A multiple value parameter is a parameter that can accept more than one value and that filters the report data. For example, a report that provides sales information by customer name can accept more than one customer to display, as shown in Figure 10-2.

Figure 10-2  Multiple value parameters

About optional parameters

An optional parameter does not require a value. An optional parameter enables, but does not require, a user to narrow the scope of a report. If a user does not specify a value for an optional parameter, the report uses a default value.

About required parameters

A required parameter must have a value before the report can be generated. For example, a report that accesses a database can require a user name and password. Typically, a report developer supplies a default value for a required parameter.

About Boolean parameters

A Boolean parameter supports true and false values. A report developer can provide labels for Boolean true and false values. For example, after creating a Boolean parameter, Order Status, a report developer can use Order did not ship for false values, and Order shipped for true values.