What are Parameters and UI Controls?

This is the first topic in the tutorial about configuring UI controls.

Parameters specify the data to use in a report. They allow you to filter data, vary appearance, and connect to related reports. When you create a report parameter and run a report, you allow the user to choose values for the report parameter. In your report, you can write expressions that refer to the value of the parameter at run time and change the data or appearance of the report. Parameters are also used when you include a link to another report or to a sub-report from your main report.

The UI control or Parameter Type determines how the user selects input for the parameter at run time. The following are examples of UI controls:

• Pick lists
• Check boxes
• Text boxes
• Date fields

You cannot edit the UI controls for Sub-reports and Report Parts.

The Parameter Type for user input must be matched to Data Type.