
Crystal
Reports
Crystal Reports enables users to visually design data connections and report layouts. Within the Database Expert, users can select and connect tables from a diverse range of data sources, including Microsoft Excel, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, BusinessObjects Enterprise business views, and local file systems.
Report designers can drag fields from these sources onto the report design surface and utilize them in custom formulas (using BASIC or Crystal's syntax) that can also be placed on the design surface. These formulas can be evaluated at different stages during report generation as determined by the developer. Crystal Reports employs an ActiveX control named CrystalReport to connect with other applications.
Programmers can adjust properties of the CrystalReport control both during design and run time. Developers can utilize automation tools known as Experts to assist with common tasks such as linking and embedding reports. Crystal Reports manages all text, graphics, and database fields as objects that programmers can arrange and format on forms. Additionally, the program creates a recordset object and the necessary code to carry out programming tasks like loops or mathematical operations.