Evaluating report-generators ... is the following tree-like structure possible?

rbuser

At the moment we're evaluating several report generators, to replace the
current QuickReports we're using. One of the most wanted functionality for
our aplication is the possibility to realize the following report-structure:

Group header 1
Detail line 1
Detail line 2
----Group header 2
----Detail line 21
----Detail line 22
----Group Footer 2
Detail line 3
Detail line 4
Group footer 1

This structure will be used to report on data arranged in a tree-like view,
where with every increase or decrease in tree-level a header/footer is needed.



Is it possible to realize this with RBuilder.

Bas Schouten
S&G and Partners BV

nicocizik

Hi Bas,

Thank you for trying ReportBuilder!

ReportBuilder does have the capability of generating multiple nested groups.
This would give you the effect you are after. Also, if the data from a
separate group is located in a separate dataset (in a master/detail
relationship perhaps), it is possible to place a subreport inside the group
to display that data as well. Take a look at demos 62 and 63 located in the
\RBuilder\Demos\1. Reports\... directory for a couple examples that use
nested groups. Open dm0062.pas and dm0063.pas to see the report design or
run the demo.dpr to see them in action.

--
Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Hello Nico,

Thanks for your quick answer, but im not sure we can build it with nested
groups.
For one thing, we dont know how many levels the tree will be, 2, 10, 20 levels
could be possible.

Second, it isnt really clear to me, how you would print the same detaillines
on several levels (see detail line 1 vs detail line 22 in the example structure
below) and how you can print detail lines after a groupfooter without starting
a new groupheader. Could you elaborate on that maybe?


I did see two references on your website to external components reporting
from treeview, but one link is dead, and the other is from 2005, (D7 only).

Bas Schouten
S&G and Partners BV

nicocizik

Hi Bas,

Thank you for the clairification. I see where nested groups could cause a
problem in your case.

One way you could achieve this type of report with ReportBuilder would be to
arrange your data in a Master-Detail relationship and display the child
details inside nested subreports. Something like the following...

Report
Detail 1
Subreport (showing detail1 related data) - no data so empty
Detail 2
Subreport (showing detail2 related data)
Detail 21
Subreport (showing detail22 related data)
Detail 211
Detail 212
Detail 22
... and so on.

--
Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

one think you will get here is excellent support. it will be a pleasant
surprise.

--
Ed Dressel
Team DM

rbuser

Hello Nico,

Not quit what we want.

Maybe it will be clearer if i describe it as a directory listing including
subdirs.

How can we create a report that shows all files from a dir including all
its subdirs?

Bas Schouten
S&G and Partners BV

nicocizik

Hi Bas,

Unfortunately ReportBuilder does not have a built-in component that allows
you to display a tree structure like a directory listing automatically. My
previous suggestion would give you this effect however it would most likely
require you to change your data structure. It is also not a dynamic
solution meaning that you would need to create subreports in code based on
the data that is traversed.

One option would be to pursue creating a custom component that traverses
your data and automatically creates a tree structure based on the data. An
example of createing a custom component can be found in the
\RBuilder\Demos\RCL\... directory. You might also try contacting ChoosePill
to see if they have an updated version of the TreeView for ReportBuilder.

--
Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

> How can we create a report that shows all files from a dir including all

I wrote a quick (but a bit ugly) demo that does this:

www.TRAKCentral.com/files/RBDirListDemo.zip

Could be prettier-just a quick hack for you to see how it can be done.

Uses RAP to indent the label as needed.
--
Ed Dressel
Team DM

rbuser

Hello Ed ,
Thanks for the test project, this can really help us along.

I only have a small problem, that the project isnt complete. Its missing
units raCodMod, CSIntfEx and with that a class called TraCodeModule.
Can you provide this too?


Bas Schouten
S&G and Partners BV

nicocizik

Thanks Ed,

Great demo. Would you mind if I worked on it a bit and added to our archive
for other customers?

--
Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

nicocizik

Hi Bas,

The demo uses a bit of RAP, which is only included with the Enterprise
edition of ReportBuilder. The CSIntEx file is for a debugging application
named CodeSite. This can be commented out.

--
Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

> I did see two references on your website to external components reporting


The latter must be the link to my site (choosepill.com). If you're still
interested in this I can send you a version for D2007 and RB 10. It won't
feature an installer and updated documentation though - this is why it isn't
published on the website.

Regards

--
Sebastian Modersohn
ChoosePill components
www.choosepill.com

rbuser

Hello Sebastian,

Thanks for reacting!
I would love to have the components you've created and see if i can get them
to work on BDS2006

Bas Schouten
S&G and Partners BV

rbuser

Have at it.

--
Ed Dressel
Team DM