Oracle Reports

Oracle Reports
1) What are the types of layouts in reports?
1) There are 8-default layout styles provided.
a) Tabular - It is the most basic type of report where each column corresponds
to a column selected from the database.
b) Form-like - It is a report one record per page. The field values are placed to
the field labels.
c) Mailing Label - A mailing label report prints mailing labels in multiple
column on each page. The printing can be a landscape or a portrait.
d) Form Letter - A Form letter report contains database values embedded into
any text that is entered or imported into the report editor.
h) Group Left - A group left report divides the rows of a table into sets, based
on a common value in one of the columns. This style is used to restrict a
column from repeating the same value several times while values of related
columns change.
g) Group Above - A group above report contains two or more groups of data.
For every value of the master group, the related values of the detail group(s)
are fetched from the database.
h) Matrix - A matrix (cross tab) report contain one row of tables, one column
of labels and information in a grid format that is related to the row and
column labels.
A distinguished feature of matrix report is that the number of columns is not
known until the data is fetched from the database. To create a matrix report,
at least four groups are required. One group must be a cross-product group,
two of the groups must be within the cross-product group to furnish the
labels, and at least one group must provide the information to fill the cells the
groups can provide to a single query or to multiple queries.
i) Matrix with Group: A matrix with group report is a group above report with
a separate matrix for each value of the master group.
2) What are the different layout objects?
There are 4 types of layout objects.
a) Repeating Frames.
b) Frames.
c) Fields.
d) Boilerplate.
a) Frames: Frames surrounds other layout objects, enabling control of
multiple objects

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simultaneously, ensuring that they maintain their positions relative to each
other in the report .A frame might be used to surround all objects owned by a
group, to surround column labels.
b) Repeating Frames: Repeating frames act as placeholder for groups
(repeating values) and present rows of data retrieved from the database.
Repeating frames repeat as often as the number of rows retrieved.
c) Fields: Fields act as placeholder for column values. They define the
formatting attributes for all columns displayed in the report. A field is one of
the objects that can be located inside a frame or repeating frame.
d) Boilerplate: Boilerplate consists of text and graphics that appear in a report
each time it is run; e.g., a label appearing above a column of data is
boilerplate text. Graphics drawn in the layout as well as text added to the
layout are boilerplate.
3) What is data model?
To specify the data for the report, a data model should be defined. A data
model is composed of some or all of the following data definition objects.
a) Queries - Queries are ANSI-standard SQL SELECT statements that fetch
data from a standard database such as Oracle, DB2 etc. These SELECT
statements are fired each time the report is run. You can select any number
of queries to select data from any number of tables.
b) Groups - Groups determine the hierarchy of data appearing in the report,
and are primarily used to create breaks in the report. Oracle report
automatically creates a group for each query, but you are not limited to this
default. You can create a new group in the data model and included a column
that you want to use as the break column.
c) Column - Column contain the data values for a report. Default report
columns, corresponding to the table columns included in each query's SELECT
list are automatically created by the table Oracle Report, then each column is
placed in the group associated with the query that selected the column. If
you want to perform summaries and computations on the database column
values, you can create new columns. You can also reassign one or more
columns to a group you've created.
d) Parameters - Parameters are visible for your report that enables you to
change selection criteria at runtime. Oracle Report automatically creates a
set of system parameters at runtime, but you can create your own as well.
You can create parameters to replace either single literal values or entire
expressions in any part of a query. You can reference parameters elsewhere
in the report, such as in PL/SQL constructs providing conditional logic for the
report.
e) Data Link - Data link are used to establish parent-child relationship
between queries and groups via column matching.

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4) What is anchor?
Anchors fasten an edge of one object to an edge of another object, ensuring
that they maintain their relative positions. For example, you can anchor
boilerplate text to the edge of a variable-sized repeating frame, guaranteeing
the boilerplate's distance and position in relation to the repeating frame, no
matter how the frame's size might change.
5) What types of triggers are there in report?
As a general rule, any processing that will affect the data retrieved by the
report should
be performed in the Before Parameter Form and After Parameter Form trigger.
(These are the two report trigger that fire before anything is parsed or
fetched). There are five global report triggers. You cannot create new global
report triggers. The trigger names indicate at point trigger fires:
1. Before Report: Fires before the reports are executed but after queries are
parsed.
2. After Report: Fires after you exit the Previewer, or after report output is
sent to a specified destination, such as a file, a printer, or an Oracle Office
user id. This trigger
can be used to clean up any initial processing that was done, such as deleting
tables. Note, however, that this trigger always fires, whether or not your
report completed successfully.
3. Between Pages: Fires before each page of the report is formatted, except
the very first
page. This trigger can be used for customized page formatting. In the
Previewer, this trigger only fires the first time that you goes to page. If you
subsequently return to the page, the trigger does not fire again.
4. Before Parameter Form: Fires before the Runtime Parameter Form is
displayed. From this trigger, you can access and change the values of
parameters, PL/SQL global variables, and report-level columns. If the Runtime
Parameter Form is suppressed, this trigger still fires. Consequently, you can
use this trigger for validation of command line parameters.
5. After Parameter Form: Fires after the Runtime Parameter Form is displayed.
From this trigger, you can access parameters and check their values. This
trigger can also be used to change parameter values or, if an error occurs,
return to the Runtime Parameter Form. Columns from the data model are not
accessible from this trigger. If the Runtime Parameter Form is suppressed, the
After Parameter Form trigger still fires. Consequently, you can use this trigger
for validation of command line parameters or other data.
5) What is the order of execution of report trigger?
Order of execution of report trigger:
1. Before Parameter Form trigger is fired.

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2. Runtime Parameters Form appears (if not suppressed).
3. After Parameters Form trigger is fired (unless the user cancels from the
Runtime Parameter Form).
4. Report is "compiled".
5. Queries are parsed.
6. Before Report trigger is fired.
7. Set TRANSACTION READONLY is executed (if specified via the READONLY
argument or setting).
8. The report is executed and the Between Pages trigger fires for each page
except the last one. (Note that data can be fetched at any time while the
report is being formatted).
6) What is Group filter?
A group filter is a PL/SQL function that determines which records to include in
a group, if the Filter Type property is POL/SQL. The function must return a
boolean value. Depending on whether the function returns TRUE of FALSE, the
current record is included or excluded from the report. You can access group
filters from the Object Navigator, the Property Palette (the PL/SQL Filter
property), or the PL/SQL Editor.
Definition Level: Group
OnFailure: Excludes the current record from the group.
Example:
function filter_comm return boolean is
begin
if :comm IS NOT NULL then
if :comm < 100 then
return(FALSE);
else
return(TRUE);
end if;
else
return(FALSE); -- for rows with NULL commissios
end if;
end;
7) What is Formula Column?
Formulas are PL/SQL functions that populate formula or placeholder columns.
You can access the PL/SQL for formulas from the Object Navigator, the PL/SQL
Editor, or the Property Palette(i.e. PL/SQL Formula property) . A column of
data type Number can only have a formula that returns a value of data type
Number. A column of data type Date can only have a formula that returns a
value of data type Date. A column of data type Character can only have a
formula that returns a value of data type CHARACTER, VARCHAR, or
VARCHAR2.
Definition Level: column
On Failure: No values are returned for the column.
For example1: formula for adding values
Function salcomm return NUMBER is

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beign
return(:sal + :comm);
end;
For example1: formula with condition
function calcomm return NUMBER is
temp number;
beign
if :comm IS NOT NULL then
temp := :sal + :comm;
else
temp := :sal;
end if;
return(:temp);
end;
8) What is Validation trigger?
Validation trigger are PL/SQL functions that are executed when parameter
values are specified on the command line and when you accept the Runtime
Parameter Form.(Notice that this means each validation trigger may fire twice
when you execute the report) Validation trigger are also used to validate the
Initial Value property of the parameter. The function must return a Boolean
value.
Definition Level: parameter
On Failure: The user is return to the parameter value in the Runtime
Parameter Form where they can either change it or cancel the Runtime
Parameter Form.
For Example
/* This function prevent the runtime user from sending report output
anywhere except a printer*/
function DESTYPEValidTrigger return boolean is
begin
if upper(:DESTYPE) = 'PRINTER' Then
Return(true);
else
Return(False);
end if;
end;
On Failure: No value is returned for the column.
9) What is Format trigger?
Format triggers are PL/SQL functions executed before the object is formatted.
The trigger can be used to dynamically change the formatting attributes of
the object. The function must return a Boolean value (TRUE or FALSE).
Depending on whether the function returns TRUE or FALSE, the current
instance of the object is included or excluded from the report output. You can

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access format triggers from the Object Navigator, the Property Palette, or the
PL/SQL Editor.
Definition Level: layout object
On Failure: Excludes the current instance of the object from the output.
Format trigger example (highlighting a value)
/* Suppose that you are building a banking report and would like it to indicate
if a customer is overdrawn. To do so, you give the repeating frame around the
customer information a format trigger that causes it to have a border only if a
customer's account balance is less than 0 (or the required minimum balance).
*/
Function my_formtrig return BOOLEAN is
begin
if :bal < 0 then
srw.attr.mask := SRW.BORDERWIDTH_ATTR;
srw.attr.borderwidth := 1;
srw.set_attr (0, srw.attr);
end if;
return (true);
end;
10) What is Action trigger?
Action triggers are PL/SQL procedures executed when a button is selected in
the Runtime Previewer. The trigger can be used to dynamically call another
report (drill down) or execute any other PL/SQL. You can access action
triggers from the Object Navigator, the Property Palette (PL/SQL Trigger
property), or the PL/SQL Editor.
Definition Level: button
11) What is Ref cursor query?
A ref cursor query uses PL/SQL to fetch data for the report. In a ref cursor
query, you specify a PL/SQL function that returns a cursor value from a cursor
variable.
Definition Level: query
On Failure: No data is returned to the query .
Package with ref cursor and function example
This package spec and body define a ref cursor type as well as a function that
uses the ref cursor to return data. The function could be referenced from the
ref cursor query, which would greatly simplify the PL/SQL in the query itself. If
creating this spec and body as a stored procedure in a tool such as SQL*Plus,
you would need to use the CREATE PACKAGE and CREATE PACKAGE BODY
commands. */
PACKAGE cv IS
type comp_rec is RECORD
(deptno number,
ename varchar(10),
compensation number);

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type comp_cv is REF CURSOR return comp_rec;
function emprefc(deptno1 number) return comp_cv;
END;
PACKAGE BODY cv IS
function emprefc(deptno1 number) return comp_cv is
temp_cv cv.comp_cv;
begin
if deptno1 > 20 then
open temp_cv for select deptno, ename, 1.25*(sal+nvl(comm,0))
compensation
from emp where deptno = deptno1;
else
open temp_cv for select deptno, ename, 1.15*(sal+nvl(comm,0))
compensation
from emp where deptno = deptno1;
end if;
return temp_cv;
end;
END;
11) How many types of columns are there and what are they
1. Formula columns: For doing mathematical calculations and returning one
value. Formulas column compute their values using PL/SQL expressions.
Formula can operate on multiple values per record
(e.g. :avg_price*:quantity).
2. Summary Columns: For doing summary calculations such as summations
etc.
3. Place holder Columns: These columns are useful for storing the value in a
variable.
12) Can u have more than one layout in report?
It is possible to have more than one layout in a report by using the additional
layout
option in the layout editor.
13) Can u run the report with out a parameter form?
Yes it is possible to run the report without parameter form by setting the
PARAM value to Null
14) What is the lock option in reports layout?
By using the lock option we cannot move the fields in the layout editor
outside the frame. This is useful for maintaining the fields.
15) What is Flex?
Flex is the property of moving the related fields together by setting the flex
property on.

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16) What is defaulting Unit of Measurement in Report?
Inch.
17) How many types of Parameters are available in Reports?
There are two types of Parameters available in Reports
One is System Parameter and another is User Parameter.
Parameters can be used to:
Restrict values in a WHERE clause SELECT NAME, SALES_REP_ID FROM
S_CUSTOMER WHERE ID =User Parameters<a value>
Substitute any part of select statement SELECT NAME, SALES_REP_ID FROM
S_CUSTOMER
<a where clause>
Substitute a single column or expression SELECT <a column/expression>
FROM S_CUSTOMER
There are two ways to reference parameters in a query:
Use a bind reference.
Use a lexical reference.
18) What are bind variables?
Variable that are used to replace a single value in SQL or PL/SQL, such as a
character string, number, or date. Specifically, bind references may be used
to replace expressions in SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY, HAVING,
CONNECT BY, and START WITH clauses of queries. Bind references may not
be referenced in FROM clauses or in place of reserved words or clauses.
A bind reference replaces a single value or expression. To create a bind
reference in a query, prefix the parameter name with a colon (:). If the
parameter object does not exist, Report Builder automatically creates it for
you and displays a message. In this case, the parameter default datatype is
Character, not Number.
19) Which Procedures displays message number and text that you specify?
SRW.MESSAGE: This procedure displays a message with the message number
and text that you specify. The message is displayed in the format below.
After the message is raised and you accept it, the report execution will
continue.
20) What are lexical parameters?
You can define lexical parameters in your reports. Lexical parameters can
dynamically replace clauses in the Select statement in the data model and
even the whole select statement.
A lexical reference replaces any part of a SELECT statement, such as column
names, the FROM clause, the WHERE clause, the ORDER BY clause.
To create a lexical reference in a query, prefix the parameter name with an
ampersand (&). If the parameter object does not exist, Report Builder does
not create. You must always create the parameter for a lexical reference in
the Object Navigator.

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Using Lexical References: Use a lexical reference to replace any clause in a
SELECT statement, or even replace the entire statement.
Examples
The following statements use lexical references to substitute parts of the
query
at run time.
SELECT NAME, SALES_REP_ID FROM S_CUSTOMER &where_clause
To specify a WHERE clause, ORDER BY clause, or both at run time (as two
separate parameters).
SELECT NAME, SALES_REP_ID FROM S_CUSTOMER &where_clause1,
&where_clause2
To specify a WHERE clause, ORDER BY, or both clause at run time (as one
parameter).
SELECT NAME, SALES_REP_ID FROM S_CUSTOMER &where_clause
To specify two column names and the table name(s) at run time:
SELECT &P_CUSTNAME CUST, &P_SALESREP REP FROM &P_TABLE
Note: When you use lexical references in the SELECT list, you must, at run
time, specify the same number of items of the correct datatype, as defined in
the Data Model.
21) Which built-in is used to call the required Report?
Run_Product.
22) Can you pass runtime parameters from reports to a Graphics display?
Yes, you can.
23) Do you use bind references to replace reserved words or clauses?
No.
24) Which object you create to hold a value that end_users can change at
runtime?
User Parameter.
25) Which property handles a situation where an expected parameter is not
passed at runtime?
Initial Value.
26) Do you use System Parameter DESNAME to specify the destination type
for output? No.
27) Do you reference parts of the SRW Package in layout format triggers or
report level trigger?
Yes, you do.

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28) Do you think that you can call the contents of SRW Package form within
any of the Developer tools?
No.
29) Which SRW Package Procedure is used to apply specified formatting
attribute to the current layout object?
SRW.SET_ATTR.
30) In a Character Mode environment interaction with the host computer is
continuous or not?
It is not continuous.
31) In a Bitmapped Mode environment interaction with the host computer is
continuous or not?
It is continuous.
32) Do you think that Reports stored in the database generally execute faster
than those stored in the file system?
No.
33) Is it advisable to remove the redundant frames in the layout?
Yes, it is.
34) Can you determine your own search paths for files called by
Developer/2000 tools in a windows environment?
Yes, you can.
35) Which file is used in windows environment as the Performance File?
CAUPREFS.ORA.
36) Does Printer Definition file acts as a translator for the Printer?
Yes.
37) Reports printer definitions are stored as SQL Plus files', is this statement
is true?
No.
38) Do you need to compile Printer definitions files before using them?
No you don't need.
39) Which script deletes Report's specific tables?
SRW2.DROP.SQL.
40) Does Confine mode keep child objects enclosed within their parent
frames?
Yes, it is.
41) Do you think that it is possible for you as a developer to assign common
properties to multiple objects?
Yes.

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42) When you set page break for an object, an objects that appear below it
always move to the next page. Is it true?
No, it is false.
43) What are the categories for report_level objects?
Data Model objects, Layout objects, Parameter Form.
44) Is an external query a collection of PL/SQL source code that can be
referenced by other modules?
No, it is not.
45) Which design tool defines the appearance of an interface that allow the
end_user to supply runtime values to report?
Parameter Form Editor.
46) Can External queries be saved to the database?
Yes, you can.
47) What is contained in the Database objects fields of the Tables and Column
names dialog box ?
Table and View names.
48) The Master_Detail layout is the combination of which two layouts?
Form and Tabular.
49) By default is there a page break after each record in the form default
layout?
Yes, there is.
50) Does a break report always contain a break group?
Yes.
51) Is it true that a break report data model is created using at least two
queries and at least one group?
No, it is false.
52) If you minimize the number of break columns in your break groups, will
you minimize the number of columns that are added to the order by clause?
Yes, you will.
53) The link causes, which query to be executed for each instance of the
Parent group? Child query.
54) How many cursors does Reports have to open for a two-query data
structure?
Two.
55) Does Default columns referred to as common columns?
No, they are not.

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56) Does Default columns referred to as placeholder columns?

No, they are not.
57) Does Formula column performs a user_defined computation on another
columns data?
Yes.
58) Which field in Summery column's Property Sheet shows the calculation to
be performed?
Function field.
59) If a Placeholder columns datatype is LONG or LONGROW can you edit the
width field?
Yes, you can.
60) Can we define a Summary column at Group level?
Yes we can.
61) What anchor does?
Links one or more layout objects together.
62) Does queries are created by default?
No
63) 'Oracle Reports creates one group for each query', Is it true?
Yes.
64) Does link are created by default?
No
65) Where you can restrict maximum number of rows?
In Query Property Sheet, in maximum rows field.
66) Because of creation of links, the relationship between which two objects
is created? Group and Query
67) To produce control break reports, to produce matrix reports and to
summarize data at intermediate level which object is needed?
Group Object.
68) If you change a query name after the group has been created, Can you
change the name of group?
No, You cannot.
68) If we take one query eg. Select d.id, e.salary From EMP e, dept d Where
e.dept_id = d.id Order by salary
And if we create Break Group with d.id , What will happen?
Here Order By clause is modified just like order by 1, salary.

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69) A Link defines a parent / child relationship between a group & a query. Is
it true? If yes then via which two keys?
Primary and Foreign.
70) Which term in SQL is related to the "link" in reports?
Join.
71) Can you create a link from child query to parent query?
No. Always create a link from Parent query to Child query.
72) What is Bind reference?
A bind reference replaces a single value or expression.
73) What is a Lexical reference?
A Lexical reference replaces any part of a select statement, such as column
names, from clause, where clause, order by clause.
74) In which case Parameter is created by default?
In case of Bind reference Parameter is created by default.
75) Bind reference is used to replace which clause?
Where clause, Group by, Order by, Having, Connected by, Start with.
76) What is a User Parameter?
It is an object that you create to hold a value that user can change at
runtime.
77) What are the properties of Parameter?
Data type, Width,, Input Mask, Initial Value, Validation Trigger.
78) What is the function of 'Restrict the List of Predetermined Values'?
It is used to determine whether to prevent users from entering any value not
included
in your list.
79) If you uncheck the restricted values check box what will happen?
User can also enter values to the List box.
80)What is the default value of System Parameter "COPIES"?
1.
81) What is value of System Parameter "COPIES"?
Any Integer.
82) What is the value of System Parameter "DECEMIAL"?
Any single Character.
83) What is the default value of System Parameter " DESFROMAT"?
dflt.

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84) What is the function of System Parameter " DESTYPE"?
Destination type for output.
85) What are the values of System Parameter "DESTYPE"?
FILE, PRITER, MAIL, SCREEN, PREVIEW.
86) What is the default value of "DESNAME"?
SCREEN
87) What do you mean by System Parameter "MODE"?
Whether report executes in Bitmapped mode or in Character mode.
88) For what purpose you use System Parameter "ORIANTATION"?
It is used to specify the print direction of printer output.
89) What are the values of System Parameter "ORIANTATION"?
Landscape & Portrait
90) What is the default value of System Parameter "ORIANTATION"?
Portrait
91)What is the value of System Parameter "THOUSAND"?
Any single Character.
92) Does Oracle Reports allow DML (i.e. insert, update, delete) in layout
format triggers? No.
93) When you use Group filter in Data Model?
When you need to restrict records in a specific group.
94) Whenever a where clause in a query is not applicable which data model
trigger is useful?
A Group Filter.
95) Do you add a filter to a Matrix Cross_Product group?
No, you cannot
96) A matrix report is also referred to as "CROSS_TAB" report, is it true?
Yes.
97) How many types of matrix reports are there?
Tell their names. There are 4 types. Simple matrix, nested matrix, multi-query
matrix with break and matrix break.
98) If you build a matrix report with only one query, how many groups are
require in addition to one created by default?
3 groups.
99) How many types of query structures are there? Tell their names.
Two. One_Query_Matrix & Multi_Query_Matrix.

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100) Matrix reports are built with four or more groups. Is it true?
Yes.
101) What is the difference between a Nested Matrix and a Matrix Break?
In case of Matrix Break, One or more groups are a parent of the cross_product
group.
And in case of Nested Matrix Three or more groups are surrounded by the
cross_product group.
102) How many types of Columns are there in Reports6i?
Three . There are three types of Columns. Formula Column, summary column,
placeholder column.
103) Can you have more than one layout in One Report?
YES. It is possible to have more than one layout in one Report by using
additional layout option in Layout Editor.
104) Can you run Report without Parameter Form?
YES. Yes it is possible to run the report without parameter form by setting the
PARAM value to Null
105) What are the minimum number of groups required for a matrix report?
The minimum of groups required for a matrix report are 4
106) Which of the following Option is valid for Panel/Print Order Property
in Report Builder?
Across Down/Down Across
107) What is default Unit of Measurement in Report?
Inch
108) How many types of Parameters are available in Reports?
There are two types of Parameters available in Reports. One is System
Parameter and another is User Parameter.
109) What is the purpose of PlaceHolder Column in Report?
A column for which you set the datatype and value in PL/SQL that you define.
110) What is the purpose of Summary Column in Reports?
A performs a computation on another column's data.
111) What is the purpose of Formula Columns?
A column performs a user-defined computation on another column(s) data,
including placeholder columns.
112) Which of the following Procedures displays message number and text
that you specify?
SRW.MESSAGE

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This procedure displays a message with the message number and text that
you specify. The message is displayed in the format below. After the
message is raised and you accept it, the report execution will continue.
113) What are bind variables?
Variable that are used to replace a single value in SQL or PL/SQL, such as a
character string, number, or date. Specifically, bind references may be used
to replace expressions in SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY, HAVING,
CONNECT BY, and START WITH clauses of queries. Bind references may not
be referenced in FROM clauses or in place of reserved words or clauses.
114) Can lexical reference be made in PL/SQL statement?
No
115) Following of which trigger will fire first?
A. Between Pages
B. After Parameter Form
C. Before Parameter Form
D. Before Reprort
Answer : C
116) Is there a way to change the same format mask in a lot of fields in one
step?
Yes. Select all the Items and change the format mask for all the item once.

REPORTS 2.5
1.Can you have an or condition when you are linking 2 queries ? E.g. Query
1- deptno,ename,sal - query 2- salgrade,hisal,losal
2.If you then specified a link between sal and hisal, then another link between
sal and losal this presumably would setup the report to show:
3.Where sal >= losal and sal <= hisal
4.But if you really wanted a report to show:
5.Where sal <= losal or sal >= hisal
6.You just can't change the signs around otherwise you would get:
7.Where sal <= losal and sal >= hisal
8.Which would return zero rows.
9.Can this be done ?
10.When i create a link between queries, does the link have to be an equi-join
?
11.What are the differences between lexical and bind parameters
12.What is a 'break group' and how do you create one ?
13.What is the difference in using a group filter vs maximum rows?

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14.I have a report with approx. 16 queries. Each query is contained in it's
own group frame in the layout. When i run the report, each group after the
first page starts printing half way down the page. How do i fix this ?
15.Is there an easy way to have the odd page numbers appear on the right
side of the report page and the even page numbers to appear on the left side
of the report page so when you put the pages together like a book they will
appear on the correct side ?
16.When doing a master detail report, the default layout creates a layout
where the detail group is below and to the right of the master group.
17.Is there a setting i can change so that the detail objects are offset just a
little bit to the right of the master group? We have a lot of reports with 4 or 5
deep master/details and currently have to move them all back manually ?
18.Can the cells of a matrix contain a dynamic number of values, so that the
vertical/horizontal size of the cell is determined at runtime according to the
number of values corresponding to this cell (of course the corresponding
group with print direction down/across would also have to expand
vertically/horizontally)?
19.Is there a way to change the same format mask in a lot of fields in one
step?
20.What is a "printable area" and how can i view it? ?
21.The response time when making a change or moving an object in the
layout editor is very slow. What can i do to improve performance?
22.Is it possible from the layout editor to see implicit anchors?
23.When exactly does the before report trigger fire?
24.Will the before report trigger be the first trigger fired? It appears so from
the order the triggers are listed in the object navigator?
25.Does reports 2.5 support the concept of timers, like graphics? If so how?
Would this be a function of the operating system batch process only?
26.What are the "tradeoffs" of using attached libraries vs. local PL/SQL ?
27.Many of my program units are very SQL intensive. Would i get better
performance if they resided on the server or client
28.How can i create an ASCII output file with oracle reports?
29.Can oracle reports2.5 actually pass Information to and/or create bar
codes? If so how? If not, is a third party tool available that works in
conjunction with reports2.5? (e.g.. For medical id bracelets)?
30.Can reports2.5 be used to create tape file format type reports (with
header records, detail records, trailer records)
31.Is there any conversion utility that can be used to migrate from
SQL*report (rpt) to oracle reports?
32.Is it possible to upgrade directly from SQL*report writer 1.1 to reports 2.5?
33.On windows during the same session if i print several reports from oracle
forms each time r20run.exe is started. Is it possible to keep r20run.exe in
memory similar to oracle graphics batch engine?
34.What oracle.ini parameter is used on windows to search for any external
files used by my report (e.g. Rdf/rep files,.SQL,.lib or image files) ?
35.What oracle.ini parameter is used on windows to redirect where temporary
files are created?
36.What type of ole2 support does reports 2.5 have?
37.Must the reports server on ms-windows always handle a run_product call?
38.How can i create an ASCII report that will print landscape?

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39.Is pcl5 supported in reports 2.5? If not, when will it be supported?
40.Recently i had a customer asking about out postscript capabilities. They
questions are:
41.If we generate postscript code?
42.Using the wysiwyg editor, does the report print to a postscript printer
exactly the way it looks on the screen?
43.Why don't i see the reports progress dialog box when a run_product to
reports is issued from forms?
44.Why when calling a report from forms do you still get the parameter form
with a destype=screen when the report was designed with a default value of
destype=printer?
45.Why does my embedded graphics display sometimes look unreadable? It
appears to have shrunken the size of the display to point where for the user it
is unreadable.
46.How does one pass parameters (e.g. Data ranges) to reports2.5 running in
batch mode?
47.Other than the database limits, does reports.5 have any type of query
limits? I know about what the database can do and the operating systems
specific things.
48.What guidelines are out there for setting up batch processing of reports so
that it can be as operating system independent as possible? We need the
ability, if desired, to move the application/batch processing from rs6000 aix
to mvs and back!!
49.Are there any facilities to restart a report that was stopped in the middle
of processing for whatever reason?
50.Is there anyway to programmatically disable the print button in the
previewer?
51.Is it possible to at runtime programmatically maximize the previewer
window and determine the x/y coordinates?
52.Is there any way in reports 2.0 or 2.5 to trap all errors in order to display
your own error message, similar to the on-error and on-message triggers in
forms?
53.Do i need to install the product specific tables for reports?
54.What are placeholder columns in report?
55.How do you print a character mode report?
56.In a break report how can you shift to next page in the same value?
57.Can you have dynamic report query? If yes, how?
58.How can you print in bold or compressed fashion?
59.What are SRW packages?
60.Can you include a PL/SQL block in another PL/SQL block?
61.How do suppress index using in a where clause
62.How do you get the sources of database processes
63.What are the pros and cons of basing a base table on a view rather than
on a base table?
64.What are triggers
65.What is a host array
66.What is an indicator variable.
67.What is dynamic SQL
68.When should one use and not use indexes
69.How do you develop a master detail report

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70.What are the advantages of reports 2.0 over pro*c
71.What are the disadvantages of reports 2.0 over pro*c
72.Which is the most complex report that you have used.
73.What is anchoring ?
74.What are format triggers ?
75.What is a user exit ?
76.How can you increase the performance of reports ?
77.How you print a break report?
78.How do I call reports from forms ?
79.What are the various parameters of run_product built-in ?
80.What are lexical parameters?
81.What is a complex report that you have done?
82.What are the prerequisites of a matrix report?
83.Can you call report from report? How if yes? If No Why?
84.How do you go about optimizing report? What all is required to be done?
If u are showing experience on paper in APPS then u may have to list the
modifications in the report, forms & justify the same
85.How to implement the break logic reports?
86.What is SQL.pno
87. What is page 0. What is it used for
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. How many types of Canvas are there in a form?
2. Can you have a form without a Canvas?
3. Does a stacked canvas require a content canvas?
4. How many types of cursors are there?
5. What is a property class?
6. What is a Visual attribute? How can you set the visual attribute of an item?
7. How is a property class different from a visual attribute?
8. What is Call by Reference and Call by Value?
9. If there are two text items in a block, say text1 and text2. If the focus is on
text2 and user moves the cursor to text1 by doing shift tab, then which
triggers will fire? In what order?
10. What is the structure of a PL/SQL block?
11. What is a cursor?
12. How to do error handling in Exceptions?
13. What are the types of Error handling Exceptions?
14. Explain what are stored procedures and functions.
15. What are form triggers?
16. What are Bind variables?
17. What is a Pragma Exception?
18. What are the attributes of a cursor?
20. What are the types of cursor? what are the attribute for the explicit
cursor?
21. What is a bind variable and why do we use bind variables?
22. Which triggers are associated with a text item?
23. What is a View?
24. Why do u require an explicit cursor?
25. What is the difference between call form, new form and open form?

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26. What are the types of layouts in reports?
27. What is a formula column and placeholder column? Where are they used?
28. Can you pass a parameter to a cursor? If yes then how?
29. What are Lexical parameters in Reports? What is the maximum length of
lexical parameters in report? Can lexical parameters can be used to replace
whole statement?
30. What is the difference between Lexical parameters and User parameters
in reports?
31. What type of trigger in report?
32. Explain the types and sequence of triggers in Reports.
33. What is a format trigger? How do you use it?
34. When after parameter form trigger is executed and before report trigger
is going to execute, what happen in between this?
35. In report what is the advantage of between page trigger?
36. What is group filter in report?
37. What are Lexical parameters in Reports? Can lexical parameters can be
used to replace whole statement?
38. What is Normalization?
39. What is De-normalization?
40. What is PL/SQL table? How many columns in PL/SQL table?
1. How do you tune SQL statements?
2. What does the 'On mouse over' and 'on mouse out' trigger do?
3. What is the maximum length of lexical parameters in report?
4. How do you handle exceptions in reports?
5. If you have a procedure in a remote database, which has an error, in which
database would you write the exception to handle the error?
6. While using a cursor, will 'too_many_rows' exception occur or not?
7. What is a sub-query? What is a co-related query?
8. Can you use an insert statement in a report?
9. How can you call report in a form?
10. What is user exit? Name the user exit and their functionality?
11. What is the purpose of custom.pll?
12. When you click on a record how can you show a message for the block
name?
13. What is alert? What is the return type of alert?
APPS
1. How can you call one program to another?
2. How can you define more then one table-to-table type?
3.What is request group?
4. What is profile? How can you set the profile option?
5. What is incompatibility?
6. What is compulsory parameter when you create report?
7. Steps to register a form and report?
8. Different types of executables?
9. What are the values set what is the advantage of value set?.

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