Data Tab (Database Expert)
The Data tab provides an integrated tree view of all the data sources you can use with Crystal Reports. Use the Data Tab to select the data source and tables you want to use in your report.
If the database you are using supports a query language such as SQL, you can write your own command which will be represented in Crystal Reports as a Table object. See Defining Virtual Tables Based on a Command/SQL Query.
Available Data Sources
This window of the Database Expert shows a tree view of possible data sources you can select when creating a report. The tree is made up of folders for:
- Project Data
- Shows a list of the data sources you are currently connected to.
- Current Connections
- Shows a list of data sources you are currently connected to.
- Favorites
- Shows a list of data sources you commonly use and have maintained in your Favorites list.
- History
- Shows a list of data sources you have used recently. The last five data sources used are usually displayed.
- Create New Connection
- Shows subfolders for various data sources you can connect to.
Note The data source options available in the Create New Connections folder depend on the data access components installed.
Selected Tables
This list shows the tables you've selected for your report. If more than one table has been added, the Links Tab is added to the expert.
Use the arrows to add or remove tables from this list.
Tip To edit the alias for a table, select the table and press F2.
Buttons and Shortcut Menus
Buttons and shortcut menus are available in the Database Expert. You can right-click any item in the Database Expert to see a shortcut menu with the following options:
- Add to Report
- Use this option to add a database object (for example, a table or stored procedure) to your report. This option is also available by clicking the right arrow on the Database Expert.
- Add to Favorites
- Use this option to add a selected data source to the Favorites folder.
- Remove from Report
- Use this option to remove a database object (for example, a table or stored procedure) from your report.
- Properties
- Use this option to obtain detailed information on the selected database connection.
- Rename Favorite
- Use this option to rename a data source in the Favorites folder.
- Delete Favorite
- Use this option to remove a data source from the Favorites folder.
- Options
- Use this option to set the global options that appear on the Database tab of the Default Settings dialog box.
- Refresh
- Use this option to refresh the list of available data sources in the Database Expert.
- Add (>)
- Adds the selected database object to the report.
- Add all (>>)
- Adds all the database objects to the report.
- Delete (<)
- Removes the selected database object from the report.
- Delete all (<<)
- Removes all database objects from the report.
Note To add or change an alias for a database object, click the database object to edit it. If you want to add an additional alias to the database object, add the database object again to the selected table. When you create an alias you do not change the location of the database. If you want to change the location of a database, see Changing the Data Source Location. Changes you make via this dialog box do not affect the aliases already used in formulas.
See Also
Database Expert Dialog Box | Links Tab | Accessing and Adding Data