Database Reference
In-Depth Information
How it works...
The recipe is split into two parts. How each part works is as follows:
•
Creating the Event Levels shared dataset
: This part of the recipe provides the
steps to create a dataset as a standalone entity that can be reused in multiple re-
ports. The common element when using a shared dataset is the data source target.
When you select
New Dataset
from the wizard, Report Builder switches to a
shared dataset mode. Once you have created the dataset, selecting the
Save
option
allows you to create a shared dataset.
•
Creating the Events Last 30 Days report
: The second part of the recipe provides
steps to create a report that leverages the shared dataset you created in the first
part. This report uses a variable that is fed from a SQL query (dataset). When you
define a parameter using the
@<parameter>
name, you get the option to create a
manual list of valid values or, in this case, a dynamic list that is generated by a
SQL query to return the current data at the time of execution.
The dataset definition is only stored once in SQL Server Reporting Services rather than in-
side each individual report. This allows you to make a modification in one place and
propagate the change to all the dependent reports.
Shared datasets are commonly used for report parameters. This allows you to have the
same parameters using one shared dataset in several reports.
