Oracle Reports FAQ-2

1. What is bind variable and lexical variable?
Bind variable in report are parameters that are referenced with a colon in front of them, for example, :P_customer_no. This is considered a Bind reference. If you reference the same parameter proceeded by an ampersand, as & p_customer_no. Then its considered to be a lexical reference. A bind paramerter can only contain one value, while a lexical parameter can replace an entire clause example order by where clause.

2. What is the use of n anchor in the report?
Anchors are used for determining the vertical and horizontal positioning of a child object relative to its parent.

3. What is placeholder column?
Placeholder column datatype and a value can be set in PL/SQL like reports triggers or formula column.

4. What is a data link?
Data link relate the results of multiple queries. A data link causes the child query to be executed once for instance of its parent group.

5. What are the report triggers?
a) Report triggers execute at specific times during the execution and formatting of your report
b) After parameter from trigger
c) After report trigger
d) Before parameter form trigger
e) Before report trigger
f) Between pages trigger.

6. What is the validation trigger in report parameters property
Validation triggers are executed when parameter values are specified on the command line and when u accept the runtime parameter form. This is used for validating parameter foe example “Todate” can’t be earlier than “from date” etc.

7. What is confine mode?
In layout model if confine mode is on child objects can’t be moved outside their enclosing parent object and when it is off child object can be moved outside their enclosing parent objects. Toolbar it shows locks symbol.

8. What is flex mode?
In layout model when it is on parent borders “stretch” when child object are moved against them. And when it is off parent borders remain fixed when child object are moved against them.