How to: Use a Data Method in an Expression

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Important

This content is archived and is not being updated. For the latest documentation, see Microsoft Dynamics 365 product documentation. For the latest release plans, see Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Power Platform release plans.

Applies To: Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R2, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Feature Pack, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

This topic describes how to use a data method in an expression. The experience is different, depending on the type of report design.

  • In an auto design report, you will add and edit expressions in the Edit Expression window. The Edit Expression window supports Microsoft Dynamics AX reports. The Methods category displays a list of data methods and built-in methods that are available for the report. A data method will appear in the list after it has been added to the AOT.

  • In a precision design report, you will add and edit expressions in the Expression dialog box. For information on when to use a precision design report, see Considerations to Create a Report.

    Tip

    To use the added support for data methods that are available in an auto design report, we recommend that you do the initial design with data methods in an auto design report and then convert the report to a precision design report.

Using a Data Method in an Expression

The following procedures describe how to use a data method in an expression in an auto design report and in a precision design report in Microsoft Visual Studio.

To use a data method in an auto design report

  1. In Model Editor, you can access the Edit Expression window for any drop-down list that displays <Expression…>.

    Expand the drop-down list and then click <Expression…>.

  2. In the Edit Expression window, expand the Methods node, and then select Data methods.

  3. Select a data method and then click Paste to insert the value into the code section of the Edit Expression window.

  4. Type () parenthesis so that the data method expression resembles the following:

    =DataMethodName()

  5. Click OK.

You can also type the value in the property field directly using the same syntax.

=DataMethodName()

To use a data method in a precision design report

  1. In SQL Report Designer, you can access the Expression dialog box for any property in a dialog box that displays the expression (fx) button or in a drop-down list that displays <Expression...>.

    Display the design surface. Right-click a report element and then click Expression…, or click the (fx) button.

  2. In the Expression dialog box, type the following in the code section:

    =DataMethodName()

  3. Click OK.

You can also type the value in the property field directly using the same syntax.

=[DataMethodName]()

For information about data methods, see Report Data Method Overview.

See also

Using Business Logic in Report Data Methods to Access Report Data

Working with Expressions