Interbase Reports

rbuser

I've tried to create a report using dbPipeline and Interbase components
without any success.
What is the suggested approach.? We use Interbase Express for our
Interbase access with IB6.5 and Delphi 6. We just bought ReportBuilder.

Thanks
Patrick

nardmoseley

Welcome to ReportBuilder.

ReportBuilder supports any TDataSet descendant and we have customers using
just about every data connectivity solution out there. There is not enough
info here for me to determine what type of issue you are encountering.

In general you connect data to the report as shown here:

TDataSet --> TDataSource --> TppDBPipeline --> Report

Likewise each data-aware component can be connected to a DBPipeline as well.

I recommend that you spend some time with the Developers Guide. I contains
excellent conceptual info and tutorials for learning the fundamentals of the
product. Once you learn the fundamentals you can save yourself much time and
frustration. The demos that are installed with RB use Paradox but all of
them could be converted to work with IB, just by changing the datasets.

Here is a list of resources for learning RB...

---------------------------------------------------------------
Article: Resources for Learning ReportBuilder
---------------------------------------------------------------

1. Learning ReportBuilder is a complete learning system designed to teach
end users how to build a range of reports, but it is also an excellent
resource for the developer who is just getting started with RB. Learning RB
includes a 125-page PDF file, a stand-alone application complete with a
database, and a help file. The PDF file contains a set of tutorials, which
can be completed using the provided application. Learning ReportBuilder can
be downloaded from:

http://www.digital-metaphors.com/LearnRB/LearnRB.exe


2. Developer's Guide

When you install RB, this guide is automatically installed into the
RBuilder\Developers Guide directory. It contains extensive conceptual
information and step by step tutorials which show how to construct reports
and reporting applications within the context of the Delphi IDE.


3. On-Line Help

Accessible via a single click of the F1 key from with the Delphi IDE, this
reference resource explains the classes, methods, properties and events
which make up the product. It is also an excellent source of information
regarding installation, troubleshooting and version history.


4. Examples

There are a large number of example reports and reporting applications
included with RB. These show how to accomplish some of the most frequently
requested types of reports. In total there are probably over 200 different
examples covering everything from crosstabs to full-blown end-user reporting
solutions. The RAP functionality included with ReportBuilder Enterprise has
a separate set of demos, tutorials, and help files.


5. news.digital-metaphors.com

The newsgroups are very active with both Digital Metaphors engineers, TeamDM
members (volunteers specially selected for their knowledge of RB and their
willingness to help) and RB developers all pitching in to answer questions
and help each other out. There is also a Tech Tips 'newsgroup' maintained
by DM Engineers which lists over 100 different articles outlining various
tips and techniques. Probably the easiest way to connect to the newsgroups
is to surf the digital metaphors site, go to the support section and click
the newsgroup of your choice:

http://digital-metaphors.com/rbuilder/support.html


6. support@digital-metaphors.com

When you are working on the really advanced stuff, and need an additional
point of view, we're always glad to help.



--
Tech Support mailto:support@digital-metaphors.com
Digital Metaphors http://www.digital-metaphors.com


--
Nard Moseley
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Nard,
Thanks for all the info. I realize my message was short and lacking, but I
decided to just ask what to do.
This morning I worked my way up from an IBTable to an IBQuery to an
IBClientDataset (which did not work). Now I'm getting the same message I got
yesterday.
"Cannot generate report.
Could not open Dataset.: DBPipeline1."

I can go to the Data table and "Preview" the data, which displays the data. If I
switch from the Data to the Preview tab, I get the message. Any idea what's
wrong here?

That's my question. But for your other information, let me comment:
I bought in hardcopy both the Learning and Developers books, and have spent time
with both, as well as the online help. They are good, but I don't find them
excellent - about like the message above. They focus on the reporting
components. I'm sure I can figure those out. But they use Tables, which is not
an acceptable solution for my Client-Server Interbase application. The only
reference to "Interbase" in the index points me to an "End-User reporting"
solution, which I would call a non-standard term, which is not defined in the
Guide, but I don't think it's what I am trying to do.
But, thanks for all the information. If I didn't have it, I would be glad to get
it. My posting to you comes after exhausting all of the resources you mention.
So if you have any insight into the meaning of the message I would appreciate
that.
Thanks,
Patrick Moloney

rbuser

Nard,
After several more hours of working at it I have some information.
1. Learning Page 22 - "In order to use the Data Tree, you must first select data by
creating a dataview." Incorrect. (I think I was using the Query Wizard to create a
dataview when I already had fields displayed in the Data Tree.)
2. I seem to have had to close the Data Tree to get the Query Wizard to work
properly.
3. I closed the active Interbase project and started a new project with Paradox
tables and BDE. The Data Tree displayed the fields from the demo Paradox Customer
table. But when I selected the Query Wizard it presented the tables from my
Interbase Database. I tried changing settings with no success. I closed Delphi,
re-opened it and did the same thing with success. Something in the Query Wizard or
the Data Tree is holding the list of database names even when a project is closed -
at least for Interbase.
4. When using the Query Wizard, I finished with 2 objects in the Data Tree - not 1
as the Learning book illustrates. I have the dbPipeline and my table or query wizard
result. But from Interbase my dbPipeline has no fields. That's why I get the error
message.

I suspect one or more bugs in the Query Wizard at least for Interbase data. I think
I can get successful reports if I avoid the Query Wizard. I haven't tried the Query
Designer for this.
Obviously, I would like to see it working well. I am using version 7.0.

Thanks,
Patrick Moloney
patrick@sandrocksoftware.com

nardmoseley

Sounds like a problem with the DataTree not being updated when you use the
Query tools.

1. Try pressing the right mouse button over the DataTree tool window. Then
select the Refresh option.

2. E-mail the exact steps to recreate the problem to
support@digital-metaphors.com so that we can research it. Include
information as to whether this occurs with the data tree docked, undocked or
both.

Sorry if I misunderstood your original question. (Issues such as this one
are not specific to Interbase so I was thrown off a little.)


Hope this helps...

--
Nard Moseley
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com