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:
- {Trim(MyString)}
OR
- {Trim(MyDataSource, MyDataColumn)}
The use of the Trim function in the above examples removes leading and trailing spaces from the result in the report.
.NET Framework Methods
Beyond the built-in functions, you can use any available .Net Framework methods. The following examples apply to string expressions:
- {MyString.Trim()} – This eliminates leading and trailing spaces.
- {“Test”.ToUpper()} – This converts the characters in the value to upper case “EXAMPLE.”
- {MyString.Length} – This returns the length of the string. If the value of “MyString” is “Example,” the method would return 7.
The following examples apply to numerical expressions:
- {Math.Round(MyValue, 2)} – This rounds the number to two decimal places.
- {Math.Sqrt(MyValue)} – This returns the square root of “MyValue.”
- {MyValue.ToString() + “times.”} – This converts the number to a string, and adds the word “times.” When “MyValue” is 8, this returns “8 times.”
If methods are available in .NET for the type you are using in a report, you can use them without restriction.
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 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 – ...
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 ...
Understanding the Text Editor in Report Designer
The Text Editor allows users to edit text components in Report Designer. This ability to modify text components allows for better customization of report appearances. Expression Tab Fig. 01 – Expression Tab (Text Editor) This tab has the following ...
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 ...
Recent Articles
Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1105.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1105.641 Nesting Fix Fig. 1: The fatal error that would occur during processing. There was reportedly an issue that occurred when clients attempted to process a work order using the nesting ...
Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1025
The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1025. Additions Added new global variable “Remove Stop Dado On Bottom Edge” for wood drawer boxes. Check this option to run the dado through at the bottom of the sub front ...
Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1030.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1030.641 Routing and Profile Fixes Several issues were found with routing and polyline paths: Fig. 1: Horizontal routes off of a part disappearing (left) and appearing correctly (right). When ...
Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1010.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1010.641 Biesse Winstore Fix Several issues with the Biesse Winstore plugin have been resolved: There was an issue that would sometimes occur wherein materials that were intended to stack wound ...
Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1001.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1001.641 HBore Toolfile Fix Fig. 1: The location in the Toolfile UI where the error would occur. There was an issue reported with the functionality of the Horizontal Boring Machine setting in ...