Crystal Dictionaries Help Index

  Click the topic of interest from the following list for further information:

Crystal Dictionaries Overview Topics Index

Crystal Dictionaries Expert

Commands Index

Dialog Box Index

Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


Crystal Dictionaries Overview Topics Index

  Click the topic of interest from the following list for further information:

Crystal Dictionaries Overview

Why use a Crystal Dictionary?

Crystal Dictionaries Expert

  Crystal Dictionaries Help Index


Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index

  Click the tutorial of interest from the following list for further information:

How to create a new Dictionary

How to add a data file

How to open an SQL or ODBC data source

How to link multiple tables

How to select tables and fields for users

How to add/create formulas

How to rename field headings, fields, and formulas

How to update the location of a database table

How to move fields/field headings within the list

How to add a new field heading

How to add Help text

How to add a graphic

How to create sample data for users to browse

How to edit an existing Dictionary

How to convert a Crystal Reports 4.x or 5.x Dictionary file

How to select a Crystal Dictionary for a report

  Crystal Dictionaries Help Index


Crystal Dictionaries Overview

A dictionary is a structured and simplified view of data that you can create for some or all of the individuals in your organization that are using Seagate Crystal Reports.

Unlike some systems that force users to access data through a data distribution metalayer, dictionaries are optional components. Data can still be accessed directly by the user. Dictionaries simply provide all of the convenience without the restrictions.

Dictionaries allow you to:

•	design a single, dynamic view of all the data that is necessary to create organizational reports and queries,

•	organize the data and rename tables and fields to make it easier for users to understand the content and purpose of the data, and

•	create complex data-manipulation formulas that users can access without the need to understand formula concepts.

	The Formula Editor used in Crystal Dictionaries is not as complete as the one used in Seagate Crystal Reports. Please see Crystal Dictionary online Help for a description of the Formula Editor for use in Crystal Dictionaries.
Dictionaries reduce support cost and time, increase user productivity, and reduce data misuse, loss, and damage. They are a powerful component of Seagate Crystal Reports.

When a Dictionary is used to create a report, the only data used in the report is the data accessed through the Dictionary; you can not use a Dictionary and some other data source in the same report. Because Dictionaries are often used to impose data security, it would breach that security to allow unrestricted data access in a Dictionary report.

	You can include a subreport based on a different data source in a primary report based on a Dictionar
Finally, Dictionaries provide an easy means of changing the underlying data set without changing the view of the data seen by users. You can change field and table names in the underlying data, for example. Then you remap the Dictionary to the new field and table names without changing the aliases assigned to the data. The users create their reports using the same data interface they've been using, never knowing what has changed under the surface.

Once created, the Dictionary acts as a filter, providing a view of complex data that is clear and easy for any user to understand.

  Crystal Dictionaries Overview Topics Index


Why use a Crystal Dictionary?

Dictionaries are often designed and distributed by Information System (IS) Managers or Network Administrators who control and manage a company’s databases. These databases are often complex collections of data spread throughout several tables with hundreds or even thousands of fields. A user, trying to locate and use a small set of data for a report, can easily get lost among database, table, and field names.

By creating a customized dictionary that contains a small amount of data specific to the work performed by a small group of users, you provide those users with clear and easy access to all of the data they need. For example, the Accounting department’s dictionary can be different from the Sales department’s dictionary, or the Personnel department’s dictionary. Some data may overlap between dictionaries, but it can be named and organized in a fashion that best suits the users accessing it.

  Crystal Dictionaries Overview Topics Index


HANDS-ON TUTORIAL TOPICS


How to create a new Dictionary

1	Click the New button on the toolbar. The Crystal Dictionaries Expert appears.

This Expert contains several tabs. Each tab is numbered to lead you through the development process step-by-step.

	The Links Tab appears only when you have added more than one table to your Dictionary.
2	To access the options on each tab, simply click the tab. Information and controls needed for the selected step will be displayed in the dialog box. You may also use the Next>> and <<Back buttons to go to the next (right) and previous (left) tab, respectively.

	Certain steps must be performed before others in the creation process. For example, you must select tables before you can select fields from those tables. For that reason, some tabs may not be available until you perform the required steps prior to selecting those tabs.
3	Click Save at the bottom of the Expert to save at any time.

	Since a Dictionary must contain some database data, the Save button will be disabled until you add at least one field to the Headings & fields in View list box on the View Tab.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to add a data file

1	While in the Crystal Dictionaries Expert, click the Tables Tab to activate it.

2	Click the Data File button.

The Choose Database File dialog box appears.

3	Use the options in this dialog box to highlight a database file.

4	Click Add to add the file. If the selected database file contains only one table, that table will appear in the list box on the Tables Tab.

	When there is more than one table to add from the selected database file, the Select Tables dialog box appears. Highlight the tables you wish to include from the list and click OK. Only the tables you selected will appear in the list box on the Tables Tab.
	You can not create a dictionary from two different data sources.
5	Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each database file you want to add to the dictionary.

6	Click Done when you are finished adding database files.

	When a database file is added, the tables and fields from that file will not necessarily appear to the user who opens the Dictionary. The tables that appear on the Tables Tab are only the tables available to the creator of the Dictionary. To add specific fields, see How to select tables and fields for users.
You may also need to pick an index file to be used by one of the database tables.

7	Highlight the database table you want to pick a specific index for.

8	Click the Index button.

The Choose New Location dialog box appears.

9	Use the controls in this dialog box to highlight a new index file, and click OK when finished.

	By default, Crystal Dictionaries will use any index file it finds with the same name as the database file. You only need to select an index file if you want to use an index with a different name than the database file.
	You can mix data files and ODBC data sources in the same Dictionary file. However, if you wish to link data files and ODBC data sources together, you can only use string fields to perform the links.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to open an SQL or ODBC data source

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the Tables Tab to activate it.

2	Click the SQL/ODBC button.

3	The Log On Server dialog box appears.

4	Select an SQL or ODBC data source and click OK when finished.

If the data source requires any log on information, such as user name and password, the SQL Server Login dialog box will appear. Use this dialog box to log on to the ODBC data source just as you normally do from your Database Management System application.

5	Click OK. The Choose SQL Table dialog box appears.

6	Highlight a database in the SQL Databases list box. The SQL Tables list box displays all of the tables for the database you selected. Choose the table you would like to have included and click Add to add it to your dictionary.

7	Repeat Step 6 for each table you want to add to the dictionary.

8	Click Done when finished.

	When you add an SQL or ODBC data source from the Tables Tab, the tables and fields from that data source will not necessarily appear to the user who opens the Dictionaries. The tables that appear on the Tables Tab are only the tables available to the creator of the Dictionary, for adding to the Dictionaries.
	You can mix data files and ODBC data sources in the same Dictionary file. However, if you wish to link data files and ODBC data sources together, you can only use string fields to perform the links.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to link multiple tables

1	If you have added more than one database table to your dictionary, click the Links Tab in the Crystal Dictionary Expert.

•	If a link is possible between two tables, you can create a new link by dragging a field name from one table to the other. The application will draw a new link arrow between the tables.

•	If you select a link and click the Options button, the Link Options dialog box appears. You can use the controls in this dialog box to make any necessary changes to the highlighted link.

•	If you click the Smart Linking button, the application will create logical links between tables in your dictionary.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to select tables and fields for users

After using the Tables Tab to add tables to the dictionary, those tables, and the fields in them, are not automatically available to users. The View Tab must be used to expose these fields. The View Tab lets you design the actual view of the data that the users will see.

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

	The following screenshot illustrates both a before and after state of the dialog box. Typically, any fields you move to the Headings and fields in View list box will no longer appear in the Tables and fields from database list box.
2	Highlight the field you want to make available to users from the Tables & fields from database list.

3	Click the Add button. The field is added to the Headings & fields in View list.

•	To make a table and all its fields available to users, select the table name from the Tables & fields from database list box, and click Add. The table name becomes a field heading in the Headings & fields in View list box. All fields from the table appear as fields under the new field heading.

•	To make a single field available to users, select the field in the Tables & fields from database list box and click Add. The field is added to the end of the list in the Headings & fields in View list box.

When adding and organizing tables and fields in the View Tab, keep in mind the following points:

•	Tables are not displayed to the dictionary user as database tables. Table names become field headings. These headings appear just like tables when the user designs a report based on your dictionary. However, field headings do not necessarily represent database tables that actually exist.

•	Field headings can be added anywhere in the Headings & fields in View list box to provide clearer organization of data for your users. See How to add a new field heading.

•	Fields can be added to the View list box as many times as necessary. A field does not have to appear under a field heading that matches the table the field exists in. Organize fields in any order and under any field headings that will work best for your users.

•	Fields must be grouped under field headings. If you add a single field to the Headings & fields in View list box and no field heading appears in the list box (the list box is empty), the application will provide a default field heading for you and will add the field you selected underneath that heading.

•	Field names and field headings that appear in the Headings & fields in View list box can be renamed to anything you want. See How to rename field headings, fields, and formulas.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to add/create formulas

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

2	To create a formula, click the New Formula button.

The Insert Formula dialog box appears.

3	Type a name for the formula and click OK when finished.

The Formula Editor appears.

4	Use the Formula Editor to create a formula for the Dictionary, just as you would create a formula for a report.

5	Click Accept when finished. The new formula is added to the Tables & fields from database list box.

Next, you will need to add the formula to the view.

	The following illustrates both a before and after state of the dialog box. Typically, any fields you move to the Tables & fields in view list box will no longer appear in the Headings & fields in view list box.
6	Highlight the formula you just created in the Tables & fields from database list.

7	Click the Add button. The formula field is added to the Headings & fields in View list.

8	To modify a formula, highlight it and click the Edit button.

	Normally, formulas are represented with an @ symbol. The formula name appears in the Headings & fields in View list box without the @ symbol to hide the fact that this is a formula.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to rename field headings, fields, and formulas

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight the heading or field you want to rename from the Headings & fields in View list.

3	Click the Alias button.

The Set Alias dialog box appears.

•	If you chose a heading, the Set Table Alias dialog box appears.

•	If you chose a field, the Set Field Alias dialog box appears.

4	Type the new name into the text box and click OK when finished.

	This process does not actually rename tables or fields. Only the alias name that appears to the user opening the Dictionary is changed. The original database file is not affected.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to move fields/field headings within the list

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight the heading or field you want to move from the Headings & fields in View list and drag it up or down to the desired position.

The order that the fields and field headings appear in this list box is the order that they will appear to users.

	When organizing fields and field headings, remember that field headings take the place of database tables. Because of this organization, the first item in the list box must be a field heading.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to update the location of a database table

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the Tables Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight the table or field that has changed name or location from the list box.

3	Click the Location button.

	Remember, the table names that appear here are aliases rather than the actual database table names.
•	If the table is from a data file, the Choose New Location dialog box appears.

•	If the table is from an SQL server or other ODBC data source, the Choose SQL Table dialog box appears.

4	Highlight the new name or location of the database table from the dialog box that appears, and click OK.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to add a new field heading

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight the field that will be the first to appear under the new field heading from the Tables & fields from database list box.

3	Click the Heading button.

The Insert Field Heading dialog box appears.

4	Type the new name into the text box and click OK when finished.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to add Help text

To maximize the efficiency of your dictionary, Seagate Crystal Reports allows you to add Help text. Whenever anyone needs clarification on what the elements of your dictionary are, they can point to the item in question and Help text will appear in a pop-up window to assist them.

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the View Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight the field that you want to add Help text to from the Tables & fields from database list box.

3	Click the Help Text button.

The Edit Help Text dialog box appears.

4	Enter the Help Text and click OK when finished.

When the user selects a field or field heading and holds the cursor over the selected item, the Help text appears in a pop-up window.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to add a graphic

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the Graphic Tab to activate it.

2	Click the Add button.

The File Open dialog box appears.

3	Use the controls in the File Open dialog box to highlight a graphic image file, and click OK to add it to the dictionary.

Dictionaries support the Windows bitmap (.BMP), PC Paintbrush (.PCX), Tiff (.TIF), and TARGA (.TGA) graphic formats. The image file appears in the list box of the Graphic Tab.

You may now want to change the alias name, update the location, or delete a graphic. Simply highlight the desired graphic and click the appropriate button for your needs.

5	Highlight the desired graphic in the Add pictures to Dictionary, change names or update location list box.

•	Click the Alias button to change the name, or

•	click Delete to delete the graphic from the list, or

•	click the Location button to change the location.

If you clicked the Alias button, the Set Graphic Alias dialog box appears.

6	Type a new name for the graphic in the Enter a new graphic alias text box and click OK when finished.

•	If you clicked the Location button to set the new location of the image, the Choose New Location dialog box appears. Use this dialog box to find the new name and/or location of the graphic file.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to create sample data for users to browse

The Sample Data Tab in the Dictionaries Expert lets you create a set of custom sample data that appears to users when they browse field data. The data they see may or may not reflect actual data in the database, depending on the sample data you design.

1	While in the Crystal Dictionary Expert, click the Sample Data Tab to activate it.

2	Highlight a field that you want to make browseable from the Headings & fields in View list.

3	Click the Collect button. The selected values will be added to the Browsed data list.

•	To modify any of the browseable data, highlight a value, then click either Delete to delete the value or Edit to change it.

•	If you clicked the Edit button, the Edit Value dialog box appears.

4	Enter the new value in the text box and click OK when finished.

The new value appears in the Browsed data list box.

	Deleting and editing values in the Browsed data list box of the Sample Data Tab does not change the database file. It only changes the list of values that appears to a user whenever the Browse and Paste dialog box is opened. This allows you to customize the look of the data when users browse data, without actually changing the data that is reported on
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to edit an existing Dictionary

1	Click the Open button on the toolbar. The File Open dialog box appears.

2	Use the Drives, Directories, and File Name controls to highlight the existing dictionary file and click OK. The Crystal Dictionary Expert appears.

3	Use the Expert to make changes to the dictionary file.

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to convert a Crystal Reports 4.x or 5.x Dictionary file

1	Click the Open button on the toolbar. The File Open dialog box appears.

2	Use the Drives, Directories, and File Name controls to highlight the old dictionary (*.DCT) file and click OK. The Select View dialog box appears, listing the names of all views from the old dictionary file.

3	Highlight the view you want to convert to a new dictionary file, and click OK. The Crystal Dictionary Expert appears with the data from the view you selected.

	This version of Crystal Dictionaries provides an easier and more powerful method for controlling data access than older versions. However, each view from an older Dictionary file is handled as a separate Dictionary in this version. An older Dictionary file, on the other hand, held several views. To convert an entire Dictionary 4.x or 5.x file, you must open each view in the file separately and save it as a new  file.
4	Use the Expert to make changes to the new file.

5	When the file is saved, it will be saved in the new dictionary format (*.DC5).

  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


How to select a Crystal Dictionary for a report

When creating a new report in the Seagate Crystal Reports, you can specify a dictionary as your data source. By using a dictionary for your report, administrators can monitor company information being disclosed and users are not burdened by extra data they will not be using in their reports.

1	Click the New button on the standard toolbar in Seagate Crystal Reports. The Report Gallery appears.

2	Click the Custom button.

3	An additional section is added to the dialog box, revealing custom report options.

4	Click the Custom Report, Custom Cross-tab or Custom Multi-Column button.

5	Click the Info View/Dictionary button.

6	Use the Drives, Directories, and File Name controls from the dialog box that appears to highlight the dictionary (*.DC5) file that you want to use, and click OK.

7	To add items from the dictionary to your report, click the Insert Fields button on the standard toolbar, and use the Insert Fields dialog box to highlight fields and images for your report.

•	Field headings from the dictionary appear as tables in the Insert Fields dialog box.

•	Fields from the dictionary appear as fields for each table.

	You can not use more than one file in a report at a time. Also, you can not link fields from Dictionary files to fields in other database tables.
	To restrict all groups, highlight the formula apply it to the Everyone group. All groups will be restricted by the formula.
  Hands-On Tutorial Topics Index


Crystal Dictionaries Menu Commands Index

  Click the command of interest from the following list for further information:

File menu

New Dictionary

Open Dictionary

Save

Save As

Close

Verify Dictionary

Log On Database Server

Log Off Database Server

Options

Help menu

Contents

About Crystal Reports

  Crystal Dictionaries Help Index


Buttons Index

  Click the button of interest from the following list for further information:

New Dictionary button

Open Dictionary button

Save button

  Crystal Dictionaries Help Index


New Dictionary button

Use the New button to create a new Dictionary file. When you click this button, the Dictionaries Expert appears.

	The New Dictionary command on the File menu has the same functionality as this button.
  Buttons Index


Open Dictionary button

Use the Open button to open an existing Dictionary. The File Open dialog box appears. Use the Drives, Directories, and File List boxes to locate a Dictionary (*.DC5 or *.DCT) file, select the file, and click OK to open it.

	The Open Dictionary command on the File menu has the same functionality as this button.
  Buttons Index


Save button

Use the Save button to save the active Dictionary to disk.

	The Save command on the File menu has the same functionality as this button.
  Buttons Index


MENU COMMANDS


New Dictionary command (File menu)

Use the New Dictionary command to create a new Dictionary file. When you choose this command, the Dictionaries Expert appears.

	The New Dictionary button has the same functionality as this command.
  Menu Commands Index


Open Dictionary command (File menu)

Use the Open Dictionary command to open an existing Dictionary. When you choose this command, the File Open dialog box appears. Use the Drives, Directories, and File List boxes to locate a Dictionary (*.DC5 or *.DCT) file, select the file, and click OK to open it.

Once you click OK in the File Open dialog box, Crystal Dictionaries opens and displays the Dictionary Expert.

	The Open Dictionary button has the same functionality as this command.
  Menu Commands Index


Save command (File menu)

Use the Save command to save the active Dictionary to disk. When you choose the Save command:

•	All changes you have made while working on the view will be saved.

•	Any previous version of the view will be overwritten.

If you are working with a new file that has not yet been assigned a name and saved, Crystal Dictionaries displays the File Save As dialog box instead.

	The Save button has the same functionality as this command.
  Menu Commands Index


Save As command (File menu)

Use the Save As command to save the active Dictionary to disk under a new name. All changes you have made while working on the view will be saved to the new file. Your original view file will remain unchanged.

  Menu Commands Index


Close command (File menu)

Use the Close command to close the active Dictionary. When you choose the Close command:

•	If you have already saved your work, the Dictionary is closed without saving again.

•	If you have not yet saved your work on the Dictionary, you will be prompted to save your changes before closing.

If you choose Yes and you have already given your Dictionary a name, your changes are saved and the Dictionary is closed.

If you choose Yes and have not already given your Dictionary a name, the File Save As dialog box appears. Assign a view name and save the file. When finished, the changes are saved and the Dictionary is closed.

If you choose No, the Dictionary is closed and all of your changes since you last saved the Dictionary are lost.

If you choose Cancel, the close request is canceled and you are returned to the Dictionary.

  Menu Commands Index


Verify Dictionary command (File menu)

Use the Verify Dictionary command to make certain that the Dictionary you are editing is accessing the correct database table(s). This is often useful if the location of a database has been changed or the database has been renamed. Changes will be made to your Dictionary to make it current with the most recent version of the database table.

  Menu Commands Index


Log On Database Server command (File menu)

Use the Log On Database Server command to log on to an SQL/ODBC data source. When you choose this command, the Log On Server dialog box appears.

  Menu Commands Index


Log Off Database Server command (File menu)

Use the Log Off Database Server command to log off of an active SQL database. When you choose this command, the Log Off Server dialog box appears.

  Menu Commands Index


Options command (File menu)

The Options command opens the Options dialog box allowing you to set default locations for Dictionaries and the tables used in the Dictionary. You can also set SQL Server Info by clicking the SQL Options button in the Options dialog box. This opens the SQL Options dialog box.

  Menu Commands Index


HELP MENU


Contents command (Help menu)

Use the Contents command to access the main contents page of the Crystal Dictionaries online Help system. Using the contents page as a starting point, you can quickly find any Help topic of interest.

  Menu Commands Index


About Crystal Reports command (Help menu)

Use the About Crystal Reports command to find the version number and other pertinent information about the program.

  Menu Commands Index


Dialog Box Index

  Click the dialog box of interest from the following list for further information:

Crystal Dictionaries Expert

Tables Tab

Links Tab

View Tab

Graphic Tab

Sample Data Tab

Browse and Paste Field Data dialog box

Choose SQL Table dialog box

Choose Tables To Use in Visual Linking dialog box

Choose Visual Linking Table dialog box

Edit Help Text dialog box

Edit Value dialog box

Formula Editor

Insert Field Heading dialog box

Insert Formula dialog box

Link Options dialog box

Log Off Server dialog box

Log On Server dialog box

Options dialog box

Set Field Alias dialog box

Set Formula Name dialog box

Set Graphic Alias dialog box

Set Table Alias dialog box

SQL Options dialog box

Table Description dialog box


Crystal Dictionaries Expert

This Expert contains four tabs. Each tab is numbered to lead you through the Dictionary development process step-by-step.

	If you add more than one table, the Links Tab will appear next to the Tables Tab.
To access the information and controls on each tab, simply click the tab. Information and controls needed for the selected step will be displayed in the dialog box. You may also use the Next>> and <<Back buttons to go to the next (right) and previous (left) tab, respectively.

	Certain steps must be performed before others in the Dictionary creation process. For example, you must select tables for the Dictionary before you can select fields from those tables. For that reason, some tabs may not be available until you perform the required steps prior to selecting those tabs.
  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Crystal Dictionaries Overview Topics Index

  Tables Tab

  View Tab

  Graphic Tab

  Sample Data Tab


TABS


Tables Tab

Use the Tables Tab to choose the desired table(s) for your Dictionary. You can also change the Index or Alias of a table or update its location using this tab.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dictionaries Expert

  Links Tab

  View Tab

  Graphic Tab

  Sample Data Tab


Table list box (Tables Tab)

This list box displays the names of the tables on which you have chosen to create a Dictionary.


Data File button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to create a view based on a data file(s). When you click the Data File button, the Choose Database File dialog box appears. From this dialog box, choose the data file(s) on which you wish to base the Dictionary.


SQL/ODBC button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to create a Dictionary based on an SQL/ODBC table.


Delete button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to delete the currently selected table in the Table list box.


Index button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to change the location of an index, or select an index to be used with the selected table in the Table list box. This button is only enabled when you have selected a database table in the Tables list box that supports external indexes.


Alias button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to set an alias for the currently selected table. An alias lets you give a table a name that may help a user understand more clearly what the data in that table is for. The alias does not change the actual name of the table, but can present a different name to the user through the Dictionary. When you click this button, the Set Table Alias dialog box appears.


Location button (Tables Tab)

Click this button to set the location of the currently selected table. If the location or name of a database file or table has changed, you must update the pointer to the table in your Dictionary.


Links Tab

Use the Links Tab to create and edit links between database tables in your dictionary.

	This tab only appears when you have more than one table inserted in your dictionary.
  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dictionaries Expert

  Tables Tab

  View Tab

  Graphic Tab

  Sample Data Tab


Options button (Links Tab)

This button takes you to the Link Options dialog box where you can identify and modify the index used for a specific link, fine tune the way the program performs lookups on linked databases, and, in the case of SQL databases, specify the kind of join made between tables. This button is only active after you have chosen a link line between tables.

	You can not modify the index used for a specific link for SQL tables.


Delete button (Links Tab)

This button allows you to delete an existing link. To delete a link, position the tip of the mouse pointer on the line that represents the link you want to delete and click once to select the link. When the link is selected, the line and the names of the linked fields change color. Click the Delete button to delete the link.


Locate button (Links Tab)

This button is used to locate a table that is part of visual linking. If the linking between tables in your view is complex, or contains more tables than can be easily displayed in one screen, you may wish to use this to locate a table.

Clicking this button opens the Choose Visual Linking Table dialog box, which allows you select the table you wish to locate. Select a table from this box and click OK. The Visual Linking Expert locates the table and manipulates the view of Visual Linking so that the table you selected appears near the middle of the window.


Tables button (Links Tab)

This button provides you with a list of linked and unlinked tables. When you click the Tables button, the Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box appears.


Arrange button (Links Tab)

When you have several tables that you are linking together and you click the Arrange button, as many tables as possible are brought into view.


Smart Linking button (Links Tab)

Click this button to have the program perform Smart Linking on your selected databases. Smart Linking identifies the link fields automatically, if possible, and creates a link line between linked databases. The Smart Linking utility uses similar field names and/or values to create links.


View Tab

Use the View Tab to select fields from the selected databases and add them to your view. You can also create new formulas, browse field data, change alias names, create new headings, and add Help text to a field.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dictionaries Expert

  Tables Tab

  Links Tab

  Graphic Tab

  Sample Data Tab


Tables & Fields from Database list box (View Tab)

This list box displays all of the tables and fields from the database(s) that you are creating the view on, along with any formulas you have created. Double-click any table or heading to expand the list of fields that it contains.

	This list box is in a "tree" format, that is, the fields are listed underneath the table or heading name, and the field "branches" are collapsed when this tab is activated. If you would like to see the field names included in the table, double-click on it. Once you have double-clicked the table, the fields "branch" expands to show all the field names in that table.


Headings & fields in View list box (View Tab)

This list box displays all of the headings and fields that you have added to the dictionary.


Browse button (View Tab)

Click this button to browse values in the currently selected field.


Alias button (View Tab)

Click this button to set an alias for a table or field in the current dictionary. Sometimes table and field names appear cryptic and confusing to users, hiding the nature of the data they contain. By giving a table or field an alias, you can clarify the purpose of the data stored there.


New Formula button (View Tab)

This button is used to add a formula to the Dictionary. By creating a formula for a user or group, you can pre-determine what they might see, or simply just do the work of creating a formula for them.

Clicking this button activates the Insert Formula dialog box, and from there you may create a new formula to insert into your Dictionary. Insert any formulas in the same way as you insert a field or table.

	Once a formula has been added, it is treated in the same way that a field is. The formula will now appear in the same places that regular fields appear, under the table that was selected when you added it.
  How to add/create formulas


Add-> button (View Tab)

Click this button to add an entire table or a single field from the Tables & fields from database list box to the Headings & fields in Dictionary list box.

	Add the tables in the order that you want them to appear.


<-Remove button (View Tab)

Click this button to remove an entire table or a single field from the Headings & fields in Dictionary list box.


Edit button (View Tab)

Click this button to edit the highlighted formula. When you click the Edit button, the Formula Editor appears. Edit the formula and click Accept when finished.


Del button (View Tab)

Click this button to delete the currently selected formula.


Heading button (View Tab)

Click this button to insert a field heading for the currently selected field. When you click the Heading button, the Insert Field Heading dialog box appears. Enter a field heading and click OK.


Help Text button (View Tab)

Click this button to add pop-up help descriptions of tables and fields that appear in the Dictionary. Clear, precise descriptions of data will simplify the data access process for your users. When they select a field and hold the mouse pointer over the field for a couple of seconds, the Help text will appear in a small pop-up box.


Graphic Tab

Use the Graphic Tab to add graphics into your dictionary. You can also change the alias and update the location of existing graphics.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dictionaries Expert

  Tables Tab

  Links Tab

  View Tab

  Sample Data Tab


Graphic list box (Graphics Tab)
Graphic list box (Graphic Tab)

This list box displays all of the graphics that you have added to the Dictionary.


Add button (Graphics Tab)
Add button (Graphic Tab)

Click this button to add a graphic to the Dictionary. When you click the Add button, the File Open dialog box appears. Choose the graphic you wish to add to the Dictionary and click OK.


Alias button (Graphic Tab)

Click this button to set an alias for the currently selected graphic. When you click the Alias button, the Set Graphic Alias dialog box appears. Enter the alias in the space provided and click OK.


Location button (Graphic Tab)

Click this button to set a new location for the currently selected graphic. When you click the Location button, the Choose New Location dialog box appears. Choose the new location and click OK.


Delete button (Graphic Tab)

Click this button to delete the currently selected graphic from the Dictionary.


Sample Data Tab

Use the Sample Data Tab to choose field(s) to be browsed. You can delete or edit any of the values within a field as needed.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dictionaries Expert

  Tables Tab

  Links Tab

  View Tab

  Graphic Tab


Refresh Button (Sample Data Tab)

This is used to refresh data from the data source itself. If the data has changed since the last time you collected it, you may want to refresh it to get an up-to-date copy of it.


Collect Button (Sample Data Tab)

This button is used to view the actual data of the field you have selected. Once you have selected a field in the Headings & fields in Dictionary list box, clicking the Collect button fills the Browsed data list box with distinct field values.


Headings & Fields in View list box (Sample Data Tab)

This list box shows all the tables and fields in the Dictionary. When the Sample Data Tab is activated, it shows only tables. To get a list of fields in a table, double-click on the table name. Its associated fields and formulas will appear underneath it. Use this list box to select a field to collect data from.


Browsed data list box (Sample Data Tab)

This list box shows all the field values for the selected field, once collected. Use this list box to select data to edit or remove from a browsed field. Eliminate all unnecessary values to reduce browsing time for the user.


Delete button (Sample Data)

This removes the selected value from the sample data that the user browses when using this Dictionary.


Edit button (Sample Data)

This button opens the Edit Value dialog box for the currently selected value in the Browsed data list box. Use the Edit Value dialog box to modify the value that a user sees when browsing field data.


Next and Back Buttons

Use these buttons to navigate through the tabs one-by-one. The Next button takes you to the tab to the right (if any), and the Back button takes you to the tab to the left (if any).


Save Button

Use this button to save any changes made to the view. The Save button is active only after making changes.


DIALOG BOXES


Browse and Paste Field Data dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the Browse button in:

•	the Table Description dialog box, or

•	on the View Tab.

Use the Browse and Paste Field Data dialog box to preview the data type, length, and/or content of any field and to paste a value into your formula or selection criteria.

•	The source of the field (alias) and the field name appear as the title for the dialog box.

•	The data type for the field (string, number, etc.) appears just below the title.

•	A list of field values appears in the scroll box.

When you are finished reviewing the field data, click the Done button or highlight a value and click the Paste Data button to paste the value into your formula.

	If you need to select multiple values (for example, if you want to include records in which the field value is one of three values), the insertion point automatically moves to the next text box as soon as it finishes pasting data in the previous box.
  Dialog Box Index


Choose SQL Table dialog box

Once you have logged onto an SQL/ODBC data source, this dialog box appears when:

•	you click the SQL Table button in the Choose Database File dialog box,

•	you click the Add SQL/ODBC button in the Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box, or

•	you first choose an SQL/ODBC data source in the Log On Server dialog box and click OK.

Use the Choose SQL Table dialog box to select the SQL/ODBC table you want to activate for use in your report.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index

  Log On Server dialog box


SQL Tables list box (Choose SQL Table dialog box)

This box lists all of the tables in the active database. Select the table you want to include in your report from this list.


SQL Databases list box (Choose SQL Table dialog box)

This box lists all of the databases you have activated. Select the database that contains the table you want to use in your report from this list.


Server Info box (Choose SQL Table dialog box)

This box identifies the active server, the active data source, and the user who activated them.

Server Type	The type of data source, ODBC, for example.
Server Name	The name of the active data source.
Database	The name and path of the data file specified in the data source.
User ID	The user who logged onto the active data source


Log On Server button (Choose SQL Table dialog box)

This button returns you to the Log On Server dialog box. Click this button when you want to activate another database. When you return to the Log On Server dialog box, select the server type and click OK, and then enter the name of the database you want to activate and the other requested log in information in the Server Login dialog box when it appears.


Database File button (Choose SQL Table dialog box)

This button takes you to the Choose Database File dialog box. Once in that dialog box, you can activate non-SQL databases for use in your report.


Choose Tables To Use in Visual Linking dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the Tables button on the Links Tab.

Use the Choose Tables to Use in Visual Linking dialog box to choose the tables you want to link in your report using the Visual Linking Expert.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Linked Tables list box (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

This list box displays all those tables that are currently linked.


Visual Tables list box (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)
Visible Tables list box (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

Visible tables are the tables you want to use in your report. When you add a new data file to your report by clicking the Add Data File button, the program lists all the tables in that data file in the Visible Tables box unless there are more tables than you might practically use in a report. In that case the tables are listed in the Invisible Tables box and you can select the tables from that box that you want to make visible.


Invisible Tables list box (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

Invisible tables are the tables you do not want to use in your report.

•	To make an invisible table visible, select the table in the Invisible Box and click the Add button with the left arrow. This adds the tables to the Visible Box. You can also click the Add All button with the left arrow to add all the tables to the Visible section.

•	To make a visible table invisible, select the table in the Visible Box and click the Add button with the right arrow. This adds the tables to the Invisible Box. You can also click the Add All button with the right arrow to add all the tables to the Invisible section.


Add Data File button (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

Use the Add Data File Button to add another database to your report. When you click the Add Data file button, the Choose Database File dialog box appears. Use this dialog box to select the database file or files you want to add to your report. Each time you select a file and click the Add button, the database file is added to the Visible Tables box unless there are more tables in the data file to practically use in a report. In this case the tables are added to the Invisible Tables box.

When you have added the database or databases you need, click Done to return to the Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box. The database or databases you added will be in the Visible Tables box.


Add SQL/ODBC button (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

The Add SQL/ODBC button lets you add a database from an SQL or ODBC source. When you click the Add SQL/ODBC button, The Log On Server dialog box appears. Use this dialog box to log on to an SQL data source and select a database for use in your report.


Perform Smart Linking check box (Choose Tables to use in Visual Linking dialog box)

The Perform Smart Linking check box is a toggle. The check box is located in the bottom left corner of the dialog box. When the check mark is visible, Smart Linking is activated. When the check mark is not visible, Smart Linking is inactive.

When Smart Linking is turned on, and you click OK in the Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box, Smart Linking identifies suggested link fields automatically and performs the links. You can verify the links performed by Smart Linking in the Visual Linking Expert dialog box.


Add Index button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

Click this button to add an index to the currently selected table.


Table Description button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

When you click this button, the Table Description dialog box appears giving you a description of the currently selected table.


All >> button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

Click this button to add all the tables displayed in the Visible Tables list box to the Invisible Table list box.


Add > button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

Click this button to add the selected table in the Visible Tables list box to the Invisible Table list box.


< Add button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

Click this button to add the selected table in the Invisible Tables list box to the Visible Table list box.


<< All button (Choose Tables To Use In Visual Linking dialog box)

Click this button to add all the selected tables in the Invisible Tables list box to the Visible Table list box.


Choose Visual Linking Table dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the Locate button on the Links Tab.

Use the Choose Visual Linking Table dialog box to choose the table that you want to locate. Simply select the table name from the list that appears and the program will locate it and highlight it for you.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Linked Table list box (Choose Visual Linking dialog box)

This list box displays a list of all of those linked tables that are currently available.


Edit Help Text dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a field highlighted in the Headings & fields in view list box of the View Tab and you click the Help Text button.

Use the Edit Help Text dialog box to add text that will aid your users for the currently highlighted field.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Help Text scroll box (Edit Help Text dialog box)

Enter your help text into this scroll box.


Edit Value dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a value highlighted in the Browsed data list of the Sample Data Tab and click the Edit button.

Use the Edit Value dialog box to make changes to the currently highlighted value.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a new value edit box (Edit Value dialog box)

Enter a new value into this edit box.


Formula Editor

Use the Formula Editor to create and edit formulas for use in your report.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

	For more information on formulas, search for Formula Topics Index in Seagate Crystal Reports online Help (CRW.HLP).
  Dialog Box Index


Formula text box (Formula Editor)

You build and edit your formula in the large white formula text box. There are a number of ways you can work with formulas here:

•	you can select formula components from the Fields, Functions, and Operators lists at the top of the Formula Editor and the program will enter them directly in this text box,

•	you can type your formula in the text box,

•	you can use these two methods together,

•	you can paste formulas into the text box that you cut or copied from other reports or from the Help system,

•	you can cut or copy formula text from the text box to use in other reports or in printed documents, and

•	you can paste field values into your formula via the Browse Field Data button.


Accept button (Formula Editor)

This button tests the syntax of your formula, and if correct, enters the formula in the report, replacing the earlier version of the formula (if any). If the syntax is incorrect, the program gives you the opportunity to correct the error(s) prior to entering the formula in the report.


Check button (Formula Editor)

This button tests the syntax of your formula and identifies syntax errors if they are found. Unlike the Accept button, this button does not enter your formula in the report if the syntax is correct. Check is intended for interim syntax checks while you are building a formula.


Select button (Formula Editor)

This button inserts an item once you have highlighted it in the Fields, Functions, or Operators box into the Formula text box.


Browse Field Data button (Formula Editor)

This button enables you to review values for the selected field and to paste individual values directly into your formula if you wish. When you click the Browse Field Data button, a dialog box appears with a scroll list of those values.

•	The name of the field selected is at the top of the dialog box.

•	The data type of the field (number, string, etc.) is listed immediately below the field name.

•	The length of the field (not the length of the value) is listed below the Type.

•	Field values are listed in the scroll box.

To paste a field value directly into your formula, highlight the value of interest and click the Paste Data button (or double-click the value of interest). The program pastes the value at the insertion point in the formula.


Fields scroll box (Formula Editor)

This box displays a list of those fields that are available for use in your formulas. The list contains:

•	Database fields (file.fieldname),

•	Group name fields (Group #1 Name),

•	Group Fields (Group footer #1: orders.ORDER DATE (monthly) - A: Sum of Order Amount),

•	formula fields (@formulafieldname), and

•	parameter fields (?Parameterfieldname).


Functions scroll box (Formula Editor)

This box displays a list of functions available for use in the formula. When you select a function from the list, the program inserts it in the formula at the insertion point. To make your work easier, the function is inserted complete with its required syntax items (parentheses, commas, quotation marks, etc.) and the insertion point is moved to the point where you need to enter the first argument (if arguments are required).

	For a complete description of each function, search for Functions Index in Seagate Crystal Reports online Help (CRW.HLP).


Operators scroll box (Formula Editor)

This box displays a list of operators available for use in the formula. When you select an operator from the list, the program inserts it in the report at the insertion point.

	For a complete description of all operators, search for Operators Index in Seagate Crystal Reports online Help (CRW.HLP).


Insert Field Heading dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a field heading highlighted in the Headings & fields in view list box of the View Tab and you click the Heading button.

Use the Insert Field Heading dialog box to add a new field heading or to modify the currently highlighted field heading.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a new field heading edit box (Insert Field Heading dialog box)

Enter a new field heading into this edit box.


Insert Formula dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the New Formula button on the View Tab.

Use the Insert Formula dialog box to assign a name to your new formula.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Formula Name edit box (Insert Formula dialog box)

Enter a formula name into this edit box.


Formula list box (Insert Formula dialog box)

This list box displays a list of all the currently available formulas in your dictionary.


Link Options dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a link line selected on the Links Tab and you click the Options button.

Use the Link Options dialog box to specify join types and the criteria the program is to use when linking a single table to two or more tables (A to B, A to C).

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Link description box (Link Options dialog box)

This box describes the selected link. The field(s) listed on the left are the link from field(s) and the field(s) listed on the right are the link to field(s).


Index In Use drop down box (Link Options dialog box)
Index In Use drop-down box (Link Options dialog box)

This drop-down box displays the index that is currently in use. If you click the arrow it also lists the other indexes that are available for the link as well as the option <no specific index>.


Fields In Index list box (Link Options dialog box)

This drop-down box lists the fields that are included in the index that is currently selected in the Index in Use drop-down box.


Allow partial text matches check box (Link Options dialog box)

This check box is for Paradox and dBASE users. Use it to specify whether the program should have partial text matching enabled when linking.


When linking to two files from this file options (Link Options dialog box)

Three different options for looking up records are available:

•	Look up both files at the same time,

•	Look up all of one file, then all of the other, and

•	Look up all combinations of the two files.


SQL Join Type options (Link Options dialog box)

These options allow you to specify the type of join you want it to use when joining SQL tables.


Log Off Server dialog box

This dialog box appears when you choose the Log Off Server command from the File menu.

Use the Log Off Server dialog box to select the server(s) from which you want to log off. The Logged On Servers box lists the SQL servers that are currently activated.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Logged On Servers list box (Log Off Server dialog box)

This list box displays all the SQL servers that are currently activated.


Server Info information box (Log Off Server dialog box)

This box displays identifying information for the server that is highlighted in the Logged On Servers list box.


Log Off button (Log Off Server dialog box)

Click this button to log off the server that is highlighted in the Logged On Servers list box.


Log On Server dialog box

This dialog box appears when you choose the Log On Database Server command from the File menu.

Use the Log On Server dialog box to select the SQL server you want to log on to.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Database File button (Log On Server dialog box)

If active, this button takes you to the Choose Database File dialog box where you can activate non-SQL databases for use in your report.


Server Type list box (Log On Server dialog box)

The Server Type box lists the various SQL server types that are available to your system.


Options dialog box

This dialog box appears when you choose the Options command from the File menu.

Use the Options dialog box to set the location for your dictionary as well as the tables and graphics included in it. You can also toggle both the button bar and status bar On and Off using this dialog box.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Browse button (Options dialog box)

Click this button to search for the desired file.


Info View Location edit box (Options dialog box)
Dictionary Location edit box (Options dialog box)

Enter a dictionary location into this edit box.


Table Location edit box (Options dialog box)

Enter a table location into this edit box.


Graphic Location edit box (Options dialog box)

Enter a graphic location into this edit box.


Display Button Bar check box (Options dialog box)

•	Toggle this check box On if you want to display the button bar.

•	Toggle this check box Off if you do not want the button bar to be visible.


SQL Options button (Options dialog box)

Click this button to modify setting for your SQL server.


Display Status Bar check box (Options dialog box)

•	Toggle this check box On if you want to display the status bar.

•	Toggle this check box Off if you do not want the status bar to be visible.


Set Field Alias dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a field selected in either the Tables & fields in view or Headings & fields in view list box on the View Tab and click the Alias button.

Use the Set Field Alias dialog box to modify the alias name for the currently highlighted field.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a new field alias edit box (Set Field Alias dialog box)

Enter a new field alias into this edit box.


Set Formula Name dialog box

Use the Set Formula Name dialog box to assign a name to your new restriction formula.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a formula name edit box (Set Formula Name dialog box)

Enter a formula name into this edit box.


Set Graphic Alias dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a graphic name highlighted in the Graphics list on the Graphic Tab and you click the Alias button.

Use the Set Graphic Alias dialog box to assign a new alias name to the currently highlighted graphic.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a new graphic alias edit box (Set Graphic Alias dialog box)

Enter a new graphic alias into this edit box.


Set Table Alias dialog box

This dialog box appears when you have a table highlighted in the Tables list on the Tables Tab and you click the Alias button.

Use the Set Table Alias dialog box to modify the alias name for the currently highlighted table.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Enter a new table alias edit box (Set Table Alias dialog box)

Enter a new table alias into this edit box.


SQL Options dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the SQL options button on the Options dialog box.

Use the SQL Options dialog box to modify the options for your SQL server.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Prompt for SQL tables first check box (SQL Options dialog box)

Toggle this check box On if you want to be prompted every time you connect to an SQL server for the types of SQL data you want to allow reporting on. A dialog box will appear with options identical to the options in the Allow Reporting On section of the SQL Options dialog box.


Server Type drop-down box (SQL Options dialog box)

Use this scroll box to pre-select a server type. Use the scroll arrow and select a server type from the scroll list. Then, when the Log On Server dialog box appears, your selection will be highlighted. If you then want to log on to that server, all you need to do is click OK or press Enter.


Skip Server Type dialog check box (SQL Options dialog box)

Toggle this option On if you want to bypass the Log On Server dialog box altogether.

	When you bypass the Log On Server dialog box, you no longer have the option to activate a non-SQL database for the report or to activate a server other than the default server. Activate this option only if you plan to create all of your reports using a single server.


Server Name edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

Use this edit box to enter the name of the SQL server you want to log on to.


Database edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

Use this edit box to enter the name of the database you want to activate in the specified SQL server.


User ID edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

Use this edit box to enter the name you want to use to log on to the specified server.


Dict. Path edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

When using Netware SQL, use this edit box to enter the path for the data dictionary.


Data Path edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

When using Netware SQL, use this edit box to enter the path for the data files. Enter the requested log in information and click OK when finished. The program logs you onto the specified server and takes you to the Choose SQL Table dialog box.


Tables check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will report on database tables. By default, the Tables check box is toggled On.


Views check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will report on virtual tables. By default, the Views check box is toggled On.


System Tables check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will report on system tables. These tables are typically used by the system administrator only, but are available for use if you have the appropriate permissions. By default, the System Tables check box is toggled Off.


Synonyms check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will allow reporting on virtual tables that are available on some hosts. By default, the Synonyms check box is toggled Off.


Stored Procedures check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will allow reporting on the result sets from stored procedures if you are using SQL systems that support stored procedures.


Prompt on every table check box (SQL Options dialog box)

When you toggle this check box On, the program will prompt you to specify the kinds of data you want to appear in the Choose SQL Table dialog box.


Table name LIKE edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

This text box enables you to enter the SQL LIKE function to specify the kinds of table names you want to appear when choosing SQL tables. You can use the underscore character (_) or the percent sign character (%) as wildcards with this function. The underscore character specifies any single character while the percent sign signifies any character string. For example, DAV_ matches DAVE only, while DAV% matches DAVE and DAVID.

Table name Like C% would display only those tables that have a table name beginning with the letter C.


Owner LIKE edit box (SQL Options dialog box)

This text box works exactly like Table name LIKE except the LIKE function is used to select the Owner (or Creator or Alias) of the table, not the table name itself. For example Owner LIKE C% would display only those tables that had an owner beginning with the letter C.


Convert Date-Time field to Date check box (SQL Options dialog box)

Toggle this check box On if you want to convert any existing or added dateTime fields to Date fields in your dictionary.


Table Description dialog box

This dialog box appears when you click the Tables button in the Choose Tables To Use in Visual Linking dialog box.

Use the Table Description dialog box to get detailed information on the fields and indexes in the selected table.

  Click the area of interest on the picture below for further information:

  Dialog Box Index


Indexes section (Table Description dialog box)

This section contains two list boxes and an Add and a Delete button.

•	The box on the left indicates all the indexes that the program has identified as being connected to the selected table. You can highlight any index in this box by clicking the index.

•	The box on the right indicates those fields that are components of the index currently highlighted in the box on the left.


Fields section (Table Description dialog box)

This section describes the following about a selected field:

•	if the field is part of an index,

•	the field description, and

•	the field data type and length.

The fields section contains two list boxes and a Browse button.

•	The box on the left indicates all the fields in the selected table. You can highlight any field in this box by clicking on the field name.

•	The box on the right gives a description of the field and indicates if it is a component of any index.

When you click the Browse button, the program calls up a dialog box that indicates the name and source of the highlighted field, the field type, and the field length. It also displays a list of values in the highlighted field.