Use variable in SQL for column name

Question

Hi All,
We want to use a user input as a column name in APEX.
For e.g user will enter "ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT" then the query will be as follows  :
select Rule,rule_name,rule_desc,"User Input" from rule_dim
where "User_input" > 100
So here the User_input will be substitued with Allowable_amount. Is this doable using any bind/substitution variables ? I tried ":P2_USER_VARIABLE" and "&P2_USER_VARIABLE." but did not work.
Please advice.

Answer 1

Hi Andy,
You do that with an Interactive Report and a Dynamic Action.
I'll assume that you're using APEX 4.2
Here's how:
Create Page 2 with an Interactive Report
Create New Page > Report > Interactive Report > Next > Next
Enter a SQL Select statement: select Rule,rule_name,rule_desc from rule_dim
Next > Create > Edit Page
Create the item P2_USER_VARIABLE
Add Item > Number Field > Next
Item Name: P2_USER_VARIABLE
Next > Next > Next
Source Used: Always, replacing any existing value in session state
Source Type: Static Assignment (value equals source attribute)
Create Item
Create a Dynamic Action to refresh the Interactive Report when P2_USER_VARIABLE is changed
Add Dynamic Action
Name: Refresh IRR
Next >
Event: Lose Focus
Selection Type: Item(s)
Item(s): P2_USER_VARIABLE
Next >
Action: Refresh
Next >
Selection Type: Region
Region: Report 1 (10)
Create Dynamic Action
Add the ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT to the Interactive Report
Report 1
Region Source: SELECT * FROM (select Rule,rule_name,rule_desc, :P2_USER_VARIABLE AS ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT from rule_dim) WHERE ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT > 100
Apply Changes > Apply Changes
Get the Interactive Report to submit P2_USER_VARIABLE
Report 1
Page Items to Submit: P2_USER_VARIABLE
Apply Changes
Change the Heading for ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT in the Interactive Report
Interactive Report
Change the Heading of ALLOWABLE_AMOUNT to &P2_USER_VARIABLE.
Apply Changes
Run
Enter something into the USER VARIABLE field and select something else on the page. Watch the last column update to that value.
Tim.