SQREPORT: REPORT enhancement tool

Description

Alternative method of controlling elements within the REPORT utility.

Categories

REPORT enhancement

Related files

SQREPORT: Object file for program.

User Instructions

Modifies a REPORT definition file (RDF) to control titles, sort and selection fields, and the data fields to be printed. With a controlling procedure, can simplify use of the REPORT utility by allowing a single generic RDF to be reused for many purposes.

To use, enter the name of the RDF at the SQRPT screen and press (RETURN). The program will prompt for the report titles and sort field; enter both and press (RETURN). Enter the data limits followed by any additional fields from the data file to be added to the report. The completed RDF can be run and printed normally.

Programmer Instructions

Since the program modifies a REPORT file, it might be best to create a work version of the original RDF before proceeding (see example below).

The input file specification screen is the only GETPARM.

SQREPORT    Enter information and press (RETURN) to continue.

  FILE      (blank)     The name and location of the REPORT
  LIBRARY   (blank)     file to be processed.
  VOLUME    (blank)

Example of use

A generic REPORT file should be created with all fields selected for processing but only those needed with every report selected for print. Since SQREPORT modifies the REPORT file, it is best to create a copy of the generic RDF and use that as input to SQREPORT. This could be done as with a procedure as follows:
1. COPY the RDF to a work file

2. Run SQREPORT to customize this work file

3. Run REPORT to print the report from the modified work file

Comments

Use as an alternative to constant changes to a REPORT file.