We saw how we could group related data based on the
value of columns, how to create a calculated result using some basic expressions,
and how to work with the Outline, the Property Editor, and the Layout Editor in
greater depth.
Hopefully, at this point you are getting more comfortable with working in the BIRT
environment. This is getting us ready to build some really interesting reports in later
chapters. But there are still elements that we need to build fully functional reports. In
the next chapter, we are going to learn how to get user input for reports, so that users
can filter data in a manner that they need. We are also going to look at how Report
Parameters are different from Data Set parameters, how they can be linked together,
and how Report Parameters can be used in a data-independent way to affect layout
of reports. We will also explore usage of Highlights and Maps. In later chapters,
we will look at Charts and how to share report elements you build, using Libraries
and Templates. However, with the understanding of how to connect data into your
reports, you are well on your way.
Report Parameters
Up until now, the reports we have worked with have had one thing in common;
they have been static reports. That is, they do not accept any sort of input from the
user. Their output depends solely on the data present in a database.
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