Arrays - Practical Application

[RS12]

I am new to using arrays and I am first trying to understand their practical application.
I understand them to be data lists that can often be used in place of subreports for improved processing.
95% of the reports I build use SQl command objects. I can’t seem to build an array on data elements that are not included in that sql. If the data element is in the sql, I do not see the value in utilizing arrays, when I can just group on that field, for example.
Perhaps there is more value if one builds reports based on linking tables and such?? Is this true?
It is odd that the 2 crystal books I have do not even really touch on the use of arrays. Tough, I find those books limited in most discussions entering into advanced formula creation.
Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[synapsevampire]

Arrays are not really to replace subreports, generally that's done by subqueries.

Youe statements are far too generic, define what you have and what you need.

Sometimes subreports make perfect sense, especially if it contains different data then the main report, and is used in the report header or report footer.

Anyway, arrays are generally not very efficient either, so use them only as required.

-k

 

[Madawc]

An array is mostly used to gather information from several sources. Suppose your report listed accounts by account types, but you also wanted the totals by branch, you might also accumulate by branch.
Except that Crystal's not well suited for that use - a subreport in the report footer might well be more efficient. It all depends on the language.
A crosstab can also be used for some fucntions where you might otherwise use an array or a subreport. It all depends what you're doing.

Madawc Williams (East Anglia, UK). Using Windows XP & Crystal 10