Changing display types

A field in the report layout can have its display type changed to alter the way in which data is displayed in the field. For example, you can add the invoice_total field to the body of a report, then add it again to the report’s footer. By changing the display type of the invoice_total field located in the report footer to Sum, that field will not display a specific invoice’s total. Instead, it will display the sum of all instances of the invoice_total field displayed in the body.

To change a field’s display type, select the desired type from the Display Type list in the Report Field Options window. The following describes each display type, including information about the storage types each type can or can’t be used with:

Average

Prints the average value of the data printed in a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having string, date or time storage types.

Control Count

Prints the number of times the additional footer immediately above the footer containing the Control Count field is printed on a report. The Control Count display type can be used only when you’re printing information in groups using additional footers. This display type should not be used with fields having date or time storage types.

Count

Prints the number of times a field is printed in a group or on a report. This display type can be used with fields of all storage types. If you’re printing a report with groups and counting categories, use the Control Count display type instead.

Data

Prints data without modifications, as it’s stored in the table. All fields in the body of the report whose display types have not been modified have the display type Data. Calculated fields placed in footers should have their display type changed from Last Occurrence to Data, so that the calculations will perform properly. This display type can be used with fields of all storage types.

The Dexterity Report Writer allows you to assign the Data display type to fields other than calculated fields in a footer; however, calculated fields are the only fields that should have the Data display type in a footer. Dexterity sets the default display type for fields placed in footers to Last Occurrence. The Sum display type is another display type commonly used in footers.


First Item In Group

Prints the first value that was printed in a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having date or time storage types.

First Occurrence Only

Prints a value only the first time it occurs, instead of each time it occurs. You can use the First Occurrence display type to organize your data in groups without the use of additional headers and footers. This display type can be used with fields of all storage types.

Last Occurrence

Prints the last value of the field that was printed in a group or on a report. It also can be thought of as the current occurrence. All fields placed in footers are automatically assigned a Last Occurrence display type. Calculated fields placed in footers should have their display type changed from Last Occurrence to Data, so that the calculations will perform properly. This display type should not be used with fields having date, time or texts storage types.

Maximum

Prints the greatest value of the field that was printed in a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having string, date or time storage types.

Minimum

Prints the smallest value of the field that was printed in a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having string, date or time storage types.

Previous Occurrence

Prints the value of the field printed immediately before the last occurrence in a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having date or time storage types.

Running Sum

Prints the total of the field’s values at the point where the field is placed within the entire report. This display type should not be used with fields having string, date or time storage types.

Sum

Prints the sum within a group or on a report. This display type should not be used with fields having string, date or time storage types.


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