Drop-down lists can be added to parameters based on a data object, stored procedure, or custom SQL object.

For example, consider a filter on one value (the employee ID) but displaying another (the employee last name) to the end user:

Admin Console

The Parameter Dropdown Object field, if set, uses an object or procedure to populate a custom list of parameter values for the user when prompted. The fields below it are hidden until Parameter Dropdown Object contains a value.

The first drop-down list contains the list of Data Sources in the current configuration (see "Northwind" in Figure 1). Use this to select the name of a Data Source that exists in the configuration. Set to blank or click the Delete icon to disable the parameter dropdown.

The second field, when clicked, displays the Data Objects contained in the selected data source. (see Figure 2). Select one and click Okay to use that data object for the dropdown.

If the desired object isn't already available in the Data Source, a Custom SQL Object can populate the dropdown. Click on the Custom SQL Object icon. (see Figure 3).

Other parameters can be used as variables by typing them in @MyParameter@ form, or by selecting it from the parameter list and clicking the '+ Add' button. Verify the syntax of the SQL by clicking on the Test icon.

The Value field is a column from the data object or custom SQL that sets the actual value of the parameter at runtime. This represents a set of values that are not displayed to the end user but are instead used when parameter values are required in custom SQL or stored procedures, or other server side processing.

The Display Value field is a column from the data object or custom SQL that sets the display value of the parameter for the dropdown selector.  This represents the set of values that should be presented to the end user when they are executing or scheduling a report.

These distinct values can be accessed with @ParameterName.Value@ and @Parameter.DisplayValue@ respectively in the Report Designers.

Note

Parameter Dropdowns do not support default values.

Extensibility

Server Event

OnLoadReportParameters passes a list of Parameter elements that can be reordered or modified before they are sent to the client for display. Called when report parameters are loaded, but before any processing has occurred.

args[] contains one object, a list of Parameter elements.

The event has a void return value.

For the full documentation, see Server Events.

Action Event

OnChangeParameterValue fires when a change is made to a parameter value in a report. The list of report parameters can be retrieved from the clientInfo.parameterListCtrl object.