Choosing a Formula Language: Crystal Versus Basic Syntax

Choosing a Formula Language Crystal Versus Basic Syntax

In previous chapters, the Crystal syntax was used for all formulas. However, formulas in Crystal Reports can be created, edited, and modified using one of two languages. The Crystal syntax is the most used language, but the Basic syntax is also available.

Both languages are equal in their functionalitymeaning that if something was added to Crystal syntax, it was also added to Basic. The reason you're given a choice is for your comfortyou can use whichever language you are more comfortable with using.

Understanding Syntax Differences

The Crystal syntax is most similar to the Pascal or Delphi programming languages. It's not exactly like Pascal, but if you're a Delphi developer or a longtime Crystal Report developer, this syntax is probably your first choice.

The Basic syntax is most similar to Visual Basic as a programming language. If you're a Visual Basic developer, you'll likely find this syntax most beneficial.

Some specific differences between the two languages are described in Table 13.1.

Table 13.1. Differences Between Crystal and Basic Syntax

Description

Crystal

Basic

Variable declarations

StringVar

Dim

Statement endings

;

None required

Comment characters

//

'

Variable assignment

:=

=

Formula statement

None required

Required

Formula returns

None required

Return statement

Multiline statement indicators

None required

_

If statement ending

;

End If

 

Why Basic Syntax Was Added

Many functions and operators provided by the Basic language increase the productivity of Crystal Reports users. By implementing the whole language, the existing Crystal syntax users could benefit from the new operators and functions and at the same time, newer users who are familiar with the Basic language through other development endeavors could easily make the jump to creating formulas in Crystal Reports.

Some of the functions and operators that were added as a result of the addition of the Basic syntax are

  • Date functions such as DateAdd, DateDiff, and DateSerial
  • Financial functions such as Present Value (PV)
  • Control structures such as Do While, Do Until, and For Next statements

Selecting the Best Syntax for You

Whether you choose Basic or Crystal syntax, they are both equally capable of doing the job and there is no performance implication in making this choice. The decision is entirely based on the comfort level and familiarity of each language for report designers.

TIP

Whichever syntax you prefer to use most often, you can set it up as the default for all new formulas by going to File, Options, Reporting, and choosing the desired syntax in the Formula Language list box.


Part I. Crystal Reports Design

Creating and Designing Basic Reports

Selecting and Grouping Data

Filtering, Sorting, and Summarizing Data

Understanding and Implementing Formulas

Implementing Parameters for Dynamic Reporting

Part II. Formatting Crystal Reports

Fundamentals of Report Formatting

Working with Report Sections

Visualizing Your Data with Charts and Maps

Custom Formatting Techniques

Part III. Advanced Crystal Reports Design

Using Cross-Tabs for Summarized Reporting

Using Record Selections and Alerts for Interactive Reporting

Using Subreports and Multi-Pass Reporting

Using Formulas and Custom Functions

Designing Effective Report Templates

Additional Data Sources for Crystal Reports

Multidimensional Reporting Against OLAP Data with Crystal Reports

Part IV. Enterprise Report Design Analytic, Web-based, and Excel Report Design

Introduction to Crystal Repository

Crystal Reports Semantic Layer Business Views

Creating Crystal Analysis Reports

Advanced Crystal Analysis Report Design

Ad-Hoc Application and Excel Plug-in for Ad-Hoc and Analytic Reporting

Part V. Web Report Distribution Using Crystal Enterprise

Introduction to Crystal Enterprise

Using Crystal Enterprise with Web Desktop

Crystal Enterprise Architecture

Planning Considerations When Deploying Crystal Enterprise

Deploying Crystal Enterprise in a Complex Network Environment

Administering and Configuring Crystal Enterprise

Part VI. Customized Report Distribution Using Crystal Reports Components

Java Reporting Components

Crystal Reports .NET Components

COM Reporting Components

Part VII. Customized Report Distribution Using Crystal Enterprise Embedded Edition

Introduction to Crystal Enterprise Embedded Edition

Crystal Enterprise Viewing Reports

Crystal Enterprise Embedded Report Modification and Creation

Part VIII. Customized Report Distribution Using Crystal Enterprise Professional

Introduction to the Crystal Enterprise Professional Object Model

Creating Enterprise Reports Applications with Crystal Enterprise Part I

Creating Enterprise Reporting Applications with Crystal Enterprise Part II

Appendix A. Using Sql Queries In Crystal Reports

Creating Enterprise Reporting Applications with Crystal Enterprise Part II



Special Edition Using Crystal Reports 10
Special Edition Using Crystal Reports 10
ISBN: 0789731134
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 341

Flylib.com © 2008-2020.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net