Expression Wizard - Enter Expression
The Expression Wizard lets you specify a value by calculating an expression. This section describes the Expression Wizard in the banded report editor. For information on the similar Expression Builder used in CSV and extract reports, schedules, and other places in Argos, refer to the Expression Builder section, since some of the functions work differently.
If you know exactly what you need, you can manually type an expression in. However, there are options if that is not the case:
- Database field - Database field allows you to enter in a field from a dataset in the DataBlock. The most common dataset to use is ArgosData since that represents the Report Query built in the DataBlock.
- Function - Function takes you to the Select function window. This allows you to select a specific function that is necessary for the expression you are building.
- Variable - Variable allows you to enter System Variables into your expression.
- Operators - There are various operators available so that you can create a calculation or make a comparison.
- Clear - Clear will reset the Expression if you need to start over.
- Validate - Validate will check the syntax of your expression to make sure that it will run without error.
Expressions Summary
The expression evaluator works with four data types: Strings, Integer, Float, and Boolean. Binary data and memo fields are not supported in expressions. Below is a list of how database fields are converted to report data types:
| Data Type | Field Type |
|---|---|
| String | String fields, date and time fields |
| Integer | SmallInt fields, byte fields, integer fields |
| Float | Float fields, currency fields |
| Boolean | Boolean (logical) fields |
Below is a list of the supported operators that you can use when creating an expression:
| Operator | Description |
|---|---|
| + | Add/Concatenate strings |
| - | Subtract |
| * | Multiply |
| / | Divide |
| () | Parentheses |
| And | Logical AND |
| Or | Logical OR |
| Not | Logical NOT |
| = | Equal |
| < | Less than |
| > | Greater than |
| <= | Less than or equal |
| >= | Greater than or equal |
| <> | Not equal |
Using Strings in Expressions
Strings in expression should be put in single quotes. The following is a valid expression:
‘Computers are great!’
You can also concatenate strings together using the '+' operator. Maximum string length is 255 characters.
If you need additional help creating Banded Reports, refer to the Getting Started with Banded Reports page.