PL/SQL Table use in report region query

Question

Hello,
I have a package function which return pl/sql table. I want to create a report region based on this pl/sql table. Is it possible to do this kind of report in HTMLDB?
Please guide me in this area.
Thanks
HA

Answer 1

The htmldb_collections API (apec_collections in 2.2) is a very useful method for rendering reports and one I have used extensivly in the past.
Once created and populated you can reference your collection as if it were a SQL table i.e.
Select c001, c002, c003
from htmldb_collections
where collection_name = 'MY_COLLECTION';
You can absolutly base an Apex Report region on collections. Just treat them as another table that you can select from, join to others etc.
In order to utilise this you must do the following:
1) Create your collection:
note that collections only persist for the duration of your session and you can only see the data you inserted into the collection. Also I would create this collection as the Database user who owns the Apex Workspace
htmldb_collection.create_or_truncate_collection ('MY_COLLECTION');
2) Populate your collection:
In your case I would set a loop construct that parses through your pl/sql table and assign all values as described below. I assumed that my_plsql_tab has 3 columns called Val1, Val2, Val3
FOR x IN 1..my_plsql_tab.count
LOOP
htmldb_collection.add_member (p_collection_name => 'MY_COLLECTION',
p_c001 => my_plsql_tab(x).val1,
p_c002 => my_plsql_tab(x).val2,
p_c003 => my_plsql_tab(x).val3
END LOOP;
Note that you can have upto 60 elements in your collection.
3) Access your collection:
Select c001, c002, c003
from htmldb_collections
where collection_name = 'MY_COLLECTION';
This quesry can then form the source of your sql report region.
Hope all that helps
Duncan