Linking multiple tables

If the report contains data from two or more database tables, they need to be linked at this point when creating reports. Database tables are linked so records from one database match related records from another. For example, if you activate a Suppliers table and a Product table, the databases are linked so that each product (from the Product table) can be matched up with the supplier (from the Supplier table) that made the product.

The majority of reports will probably require data from two or more tables, so linking will be necessary. The process of linking is made easy with the Visual Linking Expert. See Linking tables.

Note:    It isn't necessary to link tables in reports created from a query because any links required by the data have already been processed.

To add and link multiple tables

1. Choose Add Database to Report from the Database menu.

   The Data Explorer dialog box appears.

2. Select the new database you want to use in the report. See Selecting the data source.
3. Click Close when finished with the Data Explorer.

   The Visual Linking Expert appears and displays the databases currently available for linking.

   Note:    If Auto-Smart Linking is selected on in the Database tab of the Options dialog box, you will not need to manually create links between the tables. See Linking tables.

   

4. To create links manually, drag a field from one table to a field in another table. If successful, a link line is created. If unsuccessful, a message is issued.

Note:    You can link tables by table name or by foreign key information.

5. To link databases automatically, click Link.
6. To specify the tables, click Add/Remove Tables.
7. Click OK when finished.

   Note:    When manually creating links, the field you are linking "to" must be an indexed field. For more information on indexed fields and tables, see Indexed tables.

   The Visual Linking Expert closes, and you are returned to your report. The linked databases are now available for use in your report. If you are not satisfied with the link, you can modify it using the Visual Linking Expert.

Related topics

Understanding Databases.

SQL join types (ODBC data sources).