Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Column-Level Settings
There aren't as many column-level setting as there are report-level settings. Figure 13-27 shows the few
settings that do apply at the column level.
Figure 13-27.
All the column-level options
For columns that contain large amounts of non-repeating text data, you should remove the filter
capability from the heading. For the Products report that I have been using, this would be wise for the
product name because, as a unique key, there will never be a repeating value so the column list of values
would just be a repeat of the report.
There are also columns that you may want to ensure the user cannot hide by accident. For those,
you uncheck the Hide within the Column Definition. Again, referencing the Products report, I would not
want users hiding the product name or they would lose all context for the data. I would also never want
someone to attempt to group by the product name—it just does not make sense. (If you leave it on,
someone will try it.) Basically, look at each of your columns, consider your data model, and decide which
options make sense and then turn off the rest. This will help to protect your users from themselves (e.g.,
“But why can't I build a chart on product description?”).
Utilities
Within Application Express, there are many utilities that provide cross-region, page, and application
reporting and update. Several of these utilities are particularly useful when working with Interactive
Reports.
The first handy utility worth mentioning is the Edit Interactive Report Column Headings page (from
the Page Definition, edit all regions > Utilities tab > Grid Edit Interactive Report Column Headings).
From here, you see all your IR columns and can easily update your headings (see Figure 13-28).
Figure 13-28.
Edit Interactive Report Column Headings
