10.3 Group Report with Two Break Columns

Figure 10-8 Group left report output with two break columns

Description of Figure 10-8 follows
Description of "Figure 10-8 Group left report output with two break columns"

The report above looks similar to the group left report you built in Section 10.2, "Group Report with One Break Column". However, notice that DEPARTMENT_ID values sometimes print more frequently than they did in the previous report. The DEPARTMENT_ID value repeats for each unique value of JOB_ID within the department. This behavior occurs because DEPARTMENT_ID is now grouped with JOB_ID and must print with JOB_ID. While DEPARTMENT_ID values may repeat several times, not until the position of PU_CLERK in department 30 does a job repeat, and not until that point can the break group actually break.

Concepts

  • You can specify that your report break on certain combinations of information by varying the columns you include in the break group.

  • You can modify your previous report by moving JOB_ID into the break group, so that your report has two break columns instead of one.

  • After changing the data model, redefault the layout to incorporate your changes, then specify the format mask again.

To see a sample group left report with two break columns, open the examples folder named break, then open the Oracle Reports example named grp2col_lft1.rdf. For details on how to access it, see "Accessing the Example Reports" in the Preface.

10.3.1 Modify the data model

The first task in changing your previous report is to modify the data model by placing an additional column in the break group.

To add a column to the break group:

  1. Open the report you created in the previous section.

  2. In the Object Navigator, double-click the view icon next to the Data Model node to display the Data Model view.

  3. In the Data Model view, click the break group, G_DEPARTMENT_ID, then click and drag the handle on the bottom center of the G_DEPARTMENT_ID group box down about 0.25 inches (0.5 centimeters) to resize it.

  4. Click and drag the JOB_ID column in the G_EMPLOYEE_ID group and move it into the G_DEPARTMENT_ID group, underneath the DEPARTMENT_ID column.

Figure 10-9 Data model with two break columns

Description of Figure 10-9 follows
Description of "Figure 10-9 Data model with two break columns"

10.3.2 Redefault the layout

In order for your data model change to be reflected in your output, you need to redefault the layout for your report using the Report Wizard.

To redefault the layout with the Report Wizard:

  1. Click the title bar of the Report Editor to make it the active window. The Report Editor must be the active window for you to access the Report Wizard.

  2. Choose Tools > Report Wizard.

  3. Select Create Paper Layout only.

  4. Click Finish. Notice the changes to the output in the Paper Design view. Also note how the formatting of the Salary field and the additional spacing between records is retained. When possible, Reports Builder will retain your manual modifications between uses of the Report Wizard.

  5. Save your report.