New Parameter dialog

Use this dialog to create a new parameter. 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 "Edit Parameter Values dialog". If you leave this field blank, Discoverer creates a default name for you.

Which item do you want to base this 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 included in the worksheet. 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 currently included in the worksheet, use the More items option to display the "Select Item dialog". The "Select Item dialog" enables you to choose items from available folders to use in the worksheet.
If you want 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.

Create condition with operator

Use this check box to automatically create a condition for this parameter that filters the worksheet using the item selected. This check box is selected by default when you create a new parameter, and is automatically cleared if you select <NONE> from the Which item do you want to base this parameter on? drop down list.

Use the drop down list to select the appropriate operator (e.g. =) to use with the condition.

Condition

This read-only field displays the name of the condition used in this parameter.

What prompt do you want to show for this parameter?

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 Values dialog". For example, 'What year do you want to look at?', or 'Please choose a region'. If you leave this field blank, Discoverer creates a default prompt for you.

What description do you want to show for this parameter?

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

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 apply the same set of parameter values to all worksheets in the workbook.
Use the Allow different parameter values for each worksheet radio button to enable different parameter values to be specified for each worksheet.

Require users to enter a value

Use this check box to make users enter a parameter value before Discoverer will display the worksheet. Note that by default this check box is selected.

Enable users to 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 the parameter on? drop down list. If a Discoverer end user enters more than one parameter value, only the first parameter value is used.

Enable users to select either indexes or values

Use this check box to enable users to choose whether they want to display parameter values with indexes (e.g. (010) January, (011) February) or without (e.g. January, February) in the "Edit Parameter Values dialog".

Use this check box as follows:

Select this check box when you want worksheet users to be able to choose whether to display parameter values with or without indexes.
Clear this check box when you want parameter values to always be displayed without indexes.

Note: The Enable users to select either indexes or values check box is only available if indexes have been set up by the Discoverer manager.

What default value do you want to give this parameter?

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

Use the <Index and Value> drop down list (where available) to display default parameter values with indexes (e.g. (010) January, (011) February) or without indexes (e.g. January, February). For more information about using the <Index and Value> drop down list, see the "Edit Parameter Values dialog".

Note: You determine whether or not the <Index and Value> drop down list is displayed here, using the Enable users to select either indexes or values check box.

Hint: For date items, click on the calendar icon to the right of the field to specify a date using the graphical "Calendar dialog". If no calendar icon is displayed, click the down arrow to the right of the field and choose Select From Calendar to display the "Calendar dialog".

Do you want to filter the list of values for this parameter?

Use these settings to improve performance by reducing the number of parameter values that are displayed to the user.

Use the Show all available values radio button to display all available parameter values to the user.
Use the Filter the list of values based on the selected conditions radio button to activate a list of conditions that you select to filter the parameter values displayed to the user.
Use the check boxes in the <selected conditions> list to select one or more conditions to apply to the list of values for this parameter.

Note: The check boxes in the <selected conditions> list are only available when you select the Filter the list of values based on the selected conditions radio button.