Report Variables Dialog Box

  • Article

Makes it possible for you to create variables within a report. Visual FoxPro uses variables to store the results of calculations performed while the report is being printed. Use this command to add new variables, change or delete existing variables, or change the order in which the variables are evaluated.

  • Variables
    Displays the variables in the current report, and provides space for new variables.
  • Value to Store
    Displays expressions stored in the current variable, or makes it possible for you to type an expression in the text box. To create an expression that will be stored in the variable, choose the dialog button to display the Expression Builder dialog box.
  • Initial Value
    Displays the selected variable's value before any calculations are performed, and the value to which the variable is reset. You can enter a value in the text box, or, if you want to create an expression for the initial value, choose the dialog button to display the Expression Builder dialog box.
  • Release After Report
    Releases the report variable from memory after the report is printed. If this option is not selected, the variable remains available in memory until you exit Visual FoxPro or release the variable with the CLEAR ALL or CLEAR MEMORY command.
  • Reset
    Makes it possible for you to specify the point at which the variable is reset to its initial value. By default, End of Report is displayed in the list box. You can also select End of Page or End of Column. If you have specified groups in a report in the Data Grouping dialog box, the Reset box displays an item for each group in the report.
  • Insert
    Inserts a blank text box in the Variables box so you can type a new variable name.
  • Delete
    Deletes the selected variable name from the Variables box.

Calculate

These options make it possible for you to specify a calculation that the variable performs. The variable begins calculating with its initial value, and continues until it is reset to this initial value.

  • Nothing
    Specifies that no calculations will be made on this variable.
  • Count
    Counts the number of times a variable is printed per group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box). The calculation is based on the number of times the variable occurs, not on the variable's value.
  • Sum
    Computes the additive sum of the variable's values. This option keeps a running total of the variable values for a group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box).
  • Average
    Computes the arithmetic mean (average) of the variable values within a group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box).
  • Lowest
    Displays the lowest value that occurred in that variable for a group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box). Places in the variable the value of the first record in the group. When a lower value is encountered, the variable's value changes accordingly.
  • Highest
    Displays the highest value that occurred in that variable for a group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box). Places in the variable the value of the first record in the group. When a higher value is encountered, the variable's value changes accordingly.
  • Std. Deviation
    Returns the square root of the variance for the variable values within a group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box).
  • Variance
    Measures the degree to which individual field values vary from the average of all the values in the group, page, column, or report (depending on your selection in the Reset box).

See Also

CLEAR Commands | Data Grouping Dialog Box | Expression Builder Dialog Box | Quick Report Dialog Box | Defining Report Variables | Access to Visual FoxPro Variables and Fields | Variables