The Report Variables dialog box makes it possible for you to create, change, or delete variables for a report or label. You can also change the order for evaluating report variables.

This dialog box appears when you choose Variables from the context menu of a report layout window or when you click Variables on the Report menu.

Variables

Displays the names of variables defined in the report layout, and allows you to change the order of report variable evaluation by dragging the mover button.

Value to store

Specifies an expression that is used to determine the value of the report variable during a report run. The report engine evaluates this expression each time it moves the record pointer as it processes the records in the current scope. Clicking the ellipsis (…) button opens the Expression Builder so you can build an expression. For more information, see Expression Builder Dialog Box.

Initial value

Specifies an expression that is used to determine the initial value of the report variable. Clicking the ellipsis (…) button opens the Expression Builder. For more information, see Expression Builder Dialog Box.

Release after report

Releases the report variable from memory after generating output for the report.

Reset based on

Specifies the point at which to reset the variable to its initial value. The default value is End of Report.

Insert

Inserts a blank text box in the Variables box so you can type a new variable name.

Delete

Deletes the variable selected in the Variables box.

Calculate

Specifies the type of calculation to perform when determining the next value of the report variable. Some calculation types are cumulative as the report engine moves the record pointer during a report run.

Note:
Cumulative calculations are reset depending on the Reset value based on option.

• None
  
  The result of the Value to store expression is assigned directly to the value of the report variable.
  
  
• Count
  
  The value of the report variable is incremented by 1. (The Value to store expression is not evaluated.)
  
  
• Sum
  
  Adds the result of the Value to store expression to the current value of the report variable.
  
  
• Average
  
  Computes the arithmetic mean of the result of the Value to store expression for each record traversed thus far and assigns it to the report variable. (The Initial value of the report variable is not included in this calculation.)
  
  
• Lowest
  
  Compares the current value of the report variable with the result of the Value to store expression and assigns the lesser of the two values to the report variable.
  
  
• Highest
  
  Compares the current value of the report variable with the result of the Value to store expression and assigns the greater of the two values to the report variable.
  
  
• Std Deviation
  
  Computes the square root of the variance of the result of the Value to store expression for each record traversed thus far and assigns it to the report variable. The Initial value of the report variable is not included in this calculation.
  
  
• Variance
  
  Measures the degree to which the result of the Value to store expression varies from the average for the records traversed thus far and assigns it to the report variable. The Initial value of the report variable is not included in this calculation.
  
  

See Also

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