PL/SQL Functions dialog: Functions tab

Use this dialog to manage PL/SQL functions available to Discoverer Administrator. To register functions, you can:

• create your own PL/SQL functions manually (i.e. use the New button)

• import PL/SQL functions defined in the database (i.e. use the Import button)

For more information, see:

"Why do you need PL/SQL functions?"

Arguments tab

Use this tab to define arguments for the function that you are registering (for more information, see "PL/SQL Functions dialog: Arguments tab").

Functions

This field displays a list of Oracle-supplied PL/SQL functions and user-defined PL/SQL functions that have already been registered for use with Discoverer Administrator. When the Available in Discoverer Plus check box is selected, these registered functions are also available to Discoverer end users to use in calculations.

Attributes for <function selected in Functions field>

This area displays information about the selected PL/SQL function.

Function Name

Use this field to enter a name for the function. The Function Name can be different from the Display Name.

Display Name

Use this field to enter a name for the function. This name will be visible in the Discoverer Administrator in the Edit Calculation window, and in Discoverer Plus if the Available in Discoverer Plus check box has been selected.

Owner

Use this field to enter the user ID of the owner of the function. Changing this value enables you to move the reference from a development environment to a production environment.

Package

Use this field to enter the package that contains this function. A package is used in the Oracle database to group many functions together by category for easier management.

Database Link

Use this drop down list to select the database that stores the function. This is a particularly useful feature if you are using distributed databases.

Return Type

Use this drop down list to enter the data type of the data returned by the function. For example, a function might return a character string (char) or a number.

Description

Use this field to enter additional information about the function.

Identifier

Use this field to change the unique name that Discoverer uses to identify EUL and workbook objects. When matching objects common to different EULs, Discoverer uses identifiers to locate objects in different EULs that refer to the same business object.

Available in Discoverer Plus

Use this check box to enable Discoverer end users to use this function in calculations.

Validate

Use this button to test the validity and accuracy of the information you have entered. The Discoverer Administrator generates a test SQL statement that includes the PL/SQL function and tests the query. This test validates the existence of the function (i.e. by properly naming and locating it), its owner, and tests the data return type.

New

Use this button to register a new PL/SQL function. A default function name is generated and fields are initialized with default values. You can then edit the default values to configure the new function as required.

Delete

Use this button to remove the PL/SQL function currently selected in the Functions field.

Import

Use this button to display the "Import PL/SQL Functions dialog", where you import PL/SQL functions defined in the database. Once you have imported PL/SQL functions, you register them so that Discoverer Administrator can use them.