New Parameter dialog

Use this dialog to create a new parameter item. For example, you might want to enable Discoverer users to choose how they filter worksheet data when a worksheet is opened.

For more information, see:

"What are parameters?"

"About using parameters"

What do you want to name this parameter?

Use this field to enter a descriptive name for the parameter. This name is displayed in the parameter list on the Parameter dialog. If you leave this box blank, Discoverer creates a default name for you.

Which item do you want to base your parameter on?

Use this drop down list to specify which item you want to base the parameter on, as follows:

• If you want to use the parameter to filter worksheets, select the item that you want to filter on from the list of items currently displayed on the worksheet. Make sure that the Create Condition check box is then selected so that a condition is automatically created to filter the worksheets using the item selected. For example, to filter a worksheet on calendar month, you might choose Month here.

  Hint: If you want to base your parameter on an item that is not displayed on the worksheet, use the More items option to display the "Select Item dialog". The "Select Item dialog" enables you to choose from all items available to the worksheet.

• If you want to use the parameter to use the parameter to provide input to a calculation, select the <NONE> option. For example, choose <NONE> to enable worksheet users to choose how much percentage increase they want to display on a worksheet.

What prompt do you want to show other users?

Use this field to enter a question or instruction that tells users what information they need to enter when choosing a parameter value. This prompt is displayed on the Edit Parameter Value dialog. For example, 'What year do you want to look at?', or 'Please choose a region'. If you leave this box blank, Discoverer creates a default prompt for you.

What description do you want to show other users?

Use this field to enter a brief description of the parameter that tells users what the parameter is used for. This description is displayed in the parameter list on the Parameters dialog, and on the Edit Parameter Values dialog.

What default value do you want to give this parameter?

Use this field to enter the most commonly used parameter value as default on the Edit Parameter Values dialog. If users do not enter a value, the value that you enter here is used.

Let other users select multiple values?

Use this check box if you want users to be able to choose more than one value to match against the item.

Note: Clear this check box if you selected <NONE> from the Which item do you want to base your parameter on? drop down list. If a Discoverer end user enters more than one parameter value, only the first parameter value is used.

Do you want to allow different parameter values for each worksheet?

• Use the Allow only one set of parameter values for all worksheets radio button to make parameter values cascade across all worksheets in the workbook.

• Click the Allow different parameter values for each worksheet radio button to limit parameter values to the current worksheets.

Create condition

This check box is selected by default when you create a new parameter, and is automatically cleared if select <NONE> from the What do you want to base your parameter on? list. If you want to use the parameter to filter worksheets, make sure that the Create Condition check box is then selected so that a condition is automatically created to filter the worksheets using the item selected.

User operator

Use this list to specify how you want to filter worksheets.