How This Book Is Organized

This book is divided into four parts, with each part consisting of concepts and functionality necessary to understand Crystal Reports and report writing. We build on these concepts from chapter to chapter, learning as early as the second chapter how to design our own reports.

Part I: Getting Started with Crystal Reports

This portion of the book is designed to get you into the driver's seat quickly. In this part, you learn what report writing is and how Crystal Reports works. You learn about Crystal Reports' user interface, how to work in this interface, and how to define settings to tailor Crystal Reports to your preference.

In Part I, you also begin building reports applicable to the real world, all the while familiarizing yourself with a number of Crystal Reports' report building tools. You learn to design reports within the Report Wizards, as well as develop reports from scratch.

Part II: Working with Records

The hardest part about building reports is selecting (and linking) the specific records you need. In Part II, you learn not only how to define selection criteria but also how to group and sort your records. You also learn the techniques of adding calculations to your reports (a necessity, especially in the realm of financial reporting).

Part III: Advanced Report Writing

In Part III, we explore some of the more advanced reporting functionality that Crystal Reports has to offer, including adding formulas, incorporating subreports, and creating and importing objects (such as graphics, charts, and maps).

Part III concludes with useful information regarding tools and other features that may aid you in your report writing. Here, you learn about using SQL in Crystal Reports and exporting your reports into other software applications, such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word.

Part IV: Reference

This material provides information to aid you in learning Crystal Reports. Here, you'll find a data dictionary for the sample database used within this book, some useful functions that you may utilize within your reports, and further resources to aid in your Crystal Reports endeavors.

In Appendix D, you'll also find a list of several third-party software vendors, whose software may assist you in your report development. This section provides information on how to obtain trial and full versions of their software online.

Additional Resources

All report files and exercises presented in this book are accessible online at www.wordware.com/files/crystal.