Understanding the Repository Explorer

The Repository Explorer is the one-stop shop for adding, updating, and reusing repository objects within the design environment of Crystal Reports.

It can be activated by selecting View, Repository Explorer. This floating dialog can be docked to the design environment as well, as covered in Hour 4.

Organizing the Repository

The Repository Explorer represents the repository database as a tree structure made up of folders and objects. The structure is not dictated by the repository itself. It is up to the report designer how he wants to organize it. For example, the sample Crystal Repository that ships with Crystal Reports 9 is sorted by object types. The folders are named to indicate their contents (Images, Text Objects, and Commands). However, the content creator or report designer can use folders to his organizational advantage.

To add new folders to the repository, right-click on the desired folder where the intended sub-folder is to be placed. If the folder is intended to be at the root, right-click on the repository name. Choose New Folder from the context menu.

To rename a folder, simply choose the folder to be renamed, right-click on it, and choose Rename from the context menu. Once the folder name is editable, make the necessary change.

Hosting Objects in the Repository

Within the Repository Explorer, the report designer has access to the Repository Objects that can be placed on the report design surface. Text objects and image objects are visible from the Repository Explorer. To use repository objects in your reports, simply drag and drop these objects on to the report as required.

Also, SQL commands are visible in the Repository Explorer, but they are not usable directly on the report. However, their properties can be viewed from here.

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Custom Functions are not viewable from the Repository Explorer because they are housed inside of Formulas. To view custom functions available in the Repository, go to Report, Formula Workshop. In the group tree, the Crystal Repository branch can be seen and all custom functions can be viewed from there.




Sams Teach Yourself Crystal Reports 9 in 24 Hours
Sams Teach Yourself Crystal Reports 9 in 24 Hours
ISBN: B003D7JUVW
EAN: N/A
Year: 2005
Pages: 230

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