Using Aliases in Expressions

Using Aliases in Expressions

Aliases can make it easier to understand expressions in reports. If you have a variable called “VariableA” and you have set an alias for it to “VA,” the variable can be referenced by Name OR Alias.

By Name:

{VariableA}

By Alias:

{[VA]}

Syntax – Variables

Square brackets are optional unless you are using characters that are not permitted under VB.Net or C#, in which case, square brackets are mandatory.

Examples of VALID aliases:

  1. {VariableA}
  2. {VariableAndVariableB}
  3. {[Variable and VariableB]}
  4. {[Variable&Values]}
  5. {[Variable-First]}

Examples of INVALID aliases:

  1. {Variable and Value} – Spaces are illegal characters.
  2. {Variable&Value} – The ampersand is an illegal character. 

Syntax – Data

The same rule is used when creating the names of data sources and columns. When referring to the data column, only a part with incorrect characters for identifiers should be bracketed. Examples:

  1. {DataSource.[Data Column]}
  2. {[Data-Source].DataColumn}
  3. {[Data=Source].[Data=Column]}

    • Related Articles

    • Using Expressions in the Rich Text Editor of Report Designer

      The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve working with Rich Text for display in your reports. To learn more about the Rich Text editor, and how to access this section within the Report Designer, see An Introduction to the Rich Text ...

    • Using Functions in Expressions

      Built-in Functions There is a variety of built-in functions available in the Report Designer. These functions can be accessed directly from the data dictionary, or from within the Expression Editor. Here is an example of a built-in function: ...

    • Multi Line Expressions

      Multiple lines of text can be produced in a report by a single expression. To create a multi-line expression, insert a line feed before any new line. To do this, press the Enter key at the appropriate place in the code editor. There is no limit to ...

    • Text Expressions

      Text expressions are the simplest expressions. Here are some examples: SampleText 54321 Example All of the expressions above are strings, and there are no calculations. These expressions would be printed as they have been defined. These types of ...

    • Using Data Fields in Expressions

      Expressions can contain values from data sources. A string representation of the field is used to reference that field from the data source. The proper syntax for the reference is the name of the data source and the field name with a full-stop ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.0114.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.0114.641. UI Fixes Several issues were reported and discovered within the OEM 2025 user interface. The following issues have been resolved: Fig. 1: Excess commands on the tool strip being ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.102.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.102.641 Toolbox OEM 2025 Work smarter, and faster with Toolbox 2025 (OEM). With an OEM Subscription, you’ll gain access to the latest toolsets and innovative features of Toolbox 2025. ...

    • What’s New in Toolbox 2025 (OEM)

      Work smarter, faster with Toolbox 2025 (OEM). With an OEM Subscription, you’ll gain access to the latest toolsets and innovative features of Toolbox 2025. Improvements Toolbox UI Overhaul OEM 2025 introduces several updates to the appearance and ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1206.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1206.641 MV Server Nesting Fix There was a reported issue occurring when users attempted to remotely process work orders using a nesting station on MV Server. When attempting to process the work ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1127

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1127. Additions Added a new Soffit product to the Upper Cabinet Accessories category. Added the Top Filler (Ceiling Scribe) option to Upper and Tall cabinets. (Corner ...