Using a variable db link for an interactive report

Question

I have a requirement where users will select an instance (db link) from an apex LOV and the data in an interactive report will query based on the db link selected.
I can use a db link in an interactive report query but only if I provide the exact name of the link. If I do something link select * from foo@:P12_DBLINK it doesn't work.
It seems my only option is to use something like apex_collection.create_collection_from_query and then I can build my query with dynamic sql and use a variable for the dblink name. Then I just create an IRR based on my collection.
Does that sound like that correct approach and/or am I missing anything?
Any suggestions are most appreciated,
john

Answer 1

I guess I have it working ok. I am able to create a region of type 'PL/SQL Dynamic Content' and do something like this and it works. As I change the dblink select list the report refreshes with data from that instance. Pretty cool! I just can't believe it's this much work to do this. This is just one column of data and I have about 10 columns that I need to display:
declare
type array_t is varray(100) of number;
array array_t;
l_sql varchar2(4000);
begin
l_sql := 'SELECT credit_card_trxn_id FROM EXM_CREDIT_CARD_TRXNS@'||:P4_DBLINK;
execute immediate l_sql BULK COLLECT INTO array;
for i IN 1..array.count
LOOP
HTP.p (array(i));
HTP.br;
END LOOP;
end;