Using parameters in Discoverer Viewer

The following topics explain how to use parameters in Discoverer Viewer for worksheets containing relational data:

• "About using indexes and values in parameters"

• "How to apply different parameter values to worksheets"

Note: Discoverer worksheets containing OLAP data do not contain parameters.

About using indexes and values in parameters

Discoverer enables end users to display and select parameter values with index numbers (e.g. (1) January, (2) February) or without index numbers (e.g. January, February). Indexes are set up by the Discoverer manager to improve query performance for specific End User Layer (EUL) items, when these items are used as parameters. For more information about selecting parameters, see "Edit Parameters page".

The <Index and Value> drop down list options enables you to choose whether you want to enter parameter values as index numbers or values. For example, if you want a parameter field called Month to be set to the value January, you could do either of the following:

• select Index from the <Index and Value> drop down list and enter the index number that represents January (e.g. 1)

• select Value from the <Index and Value> drop down list and enter the text value that represents January (e.g. January)

Either of the above values will produce the same result in the worksheet.

Note: Parameters do not apply with OLAP connections.

How to apply different parameter values to worksheets

You apply a different parameter value to a worksheet to refine the worksheet data. For example, you might want to display data for a different month.

To apply a different parameter value to a worksheet:

1. Display the worksheet that you want to analyze (for more information, see "How to open a Discoverer worksheet").

   When you display a worksheet that contains active parameters, Discoverer prompts you to specify parameter values for each active parameter.

2. Select the Rerun Query link in the Actions area (or select Refresh in the browser) to display the "Edit Parameters page".

3. Use the "Edit Parameters page" to specify the new parameter values.

   For example, you might enter New York for a City parameter to display worksheet data for New York.

4. Click Apply to close the "Edit Parameters page" and display the worksheet.

   Discoverer applies the changes you have specified.