SQL Command newbie problem

Question

hello,
i am using cr 2011 and am trying to learn how to create sql commands. this is my first attempt.
i created an sql command (select distinct region from customer) using the add command to report dialog box.
i then created a parameter field on the command parameter dialog box.
i was expecting to see this parameter field in the field explorer like the other parameter fields that i've created using the create new parameter dialog box, but i didn't.
i ran the report, but the parameter field (for the sql command) did not pop up.
is this parameter field suppose to work like the other parameter fields?
i can't figure out what i'm doing wrong. i thought i followed the directions in the help file.
any help would be greatly appreciated.
thank you
tracy

Answer 1

Hi Tracy,
Th reason you're not being prompted for the parameter and the reason you don't see it in the Field Explorer is because you actually haven't 'used' it in the command object.
By creating a parameter at the command level, you're actually passing values to the SQL query. Something like this:
select name, id from Emp where dept = {?Parameter_Name}
...where {?Parameter_Name} is the name of the Parameter you create at the command level.
Now, you might ask how do I put it in the command object? After you create the parameter, place the cursor at the command line where you wish to pass values. For eg: In my example I expect users to enter values for Department. So, I place the cursor after *where dept = * and then double-click on the parameter name and it automatically comes in there. Or you can even type it the way I did.
Hope this helps!
-Abhilash