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The ability to use SQL as a data source for Crystal Reports extends the reach of the product as well as its appeal to seasoned SQL developers. There is nothing that makes a true SQL person happier than being able to code exactly the right SQL SELECT statement that meets their needs. Add to this the ability to push workload onto the server and off Crystal, and SQL becomes a winning situation for users as well. SQL expression fields are an additional way to pass some work off to a database server.
The SQL data-manipulation language command that is used in Crystal Reports is the SELECT statement. There are many keywords that can be added to a simple SELECT to refine the values returned by the columns as well as the rows that meet the criteria for your report. In addition to using SQL commands as a data source in Crystal Reports, you can use both stored procedures and views in a database management system to provide data sets for use in a report.
With all the power of SQL and databases behind you, you’ll also need to work with some of the built-in database utilities that Crystal provides. Tasks include changing from one database to another, viewing the SQL generated by Crystal Reports and sent to a database, and telling the database to do the grouping of data sets rather than Crystal Reports. The utilities are geared for use with SQL-capable databases that have been connected to using ODBC, OLE DB, or SQL native drivers.
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