An information object returns data rows in the structure required by BIRT reports. To specify what data rows to retrieve from an information object, you create a query using the Information Object Query Builder, which is integrated with the data set editor. The query builder provides a graphical interface that you use to select an information object, select data columns, specify group, sort, and filter criteria, and view the resulting query. Alternatively, if you are familiar with the content of an information object and are well-versed in Actuate SQL (based on the ANSI SQL-92 standard), you can type the query.
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In Data Source Selection, select the information object data source to use. Data Set Type displays Actuate Information Object Data Set.
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Figure 5-3
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Create a query to specify the data to retrieve from the information object. Use either the graphical tools to create the query or the SQL Editor to type the query. For information about creating an information object query and using Actuate SQL syntax, see Designing BIRT Information Objects. The query builder integrated with the data set editor has the same user interface and functionality as the query builder in the Information Object Designer.
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Figure 5-4 shows an example of a graphical query in which three information objects are joined. Only a few columns from each information object are selected.
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Choose Next. New Data Set—Actuate Information Object Query displays a message indicating the status of the query.
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If the query contains errors, choose Back to fix the query. If the query is valid, choose Finish. Edit Data Set displays the columns in the data set, as shown in Figure 5-5.
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Figure 5-5
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