In this blog we shall see how to create canned reports with ALL as default value in input parameters.

STEP 1: Create a connection

To know more about the types of datasource connections that can be established, refer to the blog.

STEP 2: Write a query without using parameter/where clause

1. After providing the connection details in the previous step, click on + button next to Queries.



2. Select the connection to be used for the query.



3. Click on Configuration icon and write the query without where clause or any input parameters in the editor pane.



4. Save the query by clicking on Apply or using keyboard shortcut Ctrl+S.
5. Click on Run to execute the query. This will return the top 10 rows of the resultset.

STEP 3: Add an input parameter

1. Click on + icon next to parameter. You can add as many parameters as required.



2. Select the type of input parameter. For multi-select parameters, the type should be set to Collection.



3. Edit the name of the parameter by clicking on the pencil icon.



STEP 4: Edit the Configuration of the input parameter

1. Select the connection for the query of the input parameter.



2. Write the query that will return the input parameter column in the SQL section. If the query is of groovy or adhoc type, select the correct type by clicking on S and selecting the type.



3. Click on Apply or Ctrl+S to save the query
4. Go to configuration section and give the configuration that you desire. Please note that the variable name, name specified within the configuration and the name of the parameter should match exactly.



5. set all:true



6. Mapthis is the number of the SQL that is to be used for the filter. Ensure that this value is correct.



7. For multiselect parameters, use array to define the default value.

Dashboard.setVariable(‘parameter_name’,[’default_value’]);

To set all as default parameter use:

Dashboard.setVariable(‘parameter_name’,[‘_all_’]);



STEP 5: Add listener of parameter to query section

Click on P icon. You will see the added parameter list. Select the parameter(s) that you want to use in the query



STEP 6: Add where clause to the query

Add where clause in the query section using the selected parameters. For using the values returned by the parameter, use the parameter name with $ sign and within {}. Syntax – ${parameter_name}.

For multi-select parameters, use IN keyword for comparison in the where clause as array is returned.

Save the query and execute to get the resultset.



Please Note: For using _all_, you will have to add ‘_all_’ in (${parameter_name}) for multiselect parameter or add ‘_all_’ = ${parameter_name} for single select parameter.

STEP 7: Go to the Canvas to Use Parameters on the report

After making all the changes in the datasources page, go to Canvas.

1. In the Datasources pane under Calculations/Parameters, you will see that the parameter has been added. This parameter can now be used in the report, if required by simply dragging it like any other variable.



2. Go to Preview Parameters section in the property pane



By default, “Show Parameters” will be checked. If you do not want to show the parameters to end user, you can deselect this.

“Position” section defines where the parameter section should be visible with respect to the report. There are 4 options: right, top, left and bottom.

STEP 8: Preview the report

Click on Preview icon to preview the report. Click on the hamburger icon, you can see the parameter in the position that you have mentioned.



STEP 9: After the report is satisfactory, save the report in desired location.

For further assistance, kindly contact us on support@helicalinsight.com or post your queries at Helical Forum