CR XI - Table ENTRY order to report?

[OrionStar]

Group:

Is there someway that I can identify the ORDER in which my data tables were entered into my report?

It seems that AFTER I enter the tables, I have no way of knowing which table was entered FIRST, then SECOND, etc. This is important to know for linking purposes, correct?

Please advise

Thanks:

MV

"What would you attempt to do... if you knew ... you could not fail?

 

[lbass]

No, it doesn't matter. You can rearrange the tables in the linking expert however you want to. The direction of linking, however, does matter if you are using outer joins.

-LB

 

[IdoMillet]

Actually, the order of tables in the FROM clause can cause different performance depending on the back end database.

Some DBMSs allow you to embed hints in the SQL statement to help the query engine optimizer in selecting the best execution plan. All advanced DBMSs include an optimizer that you can rely on (in most cases) to find the best execution plan regardless of how you write the SQL.

By the way, some reporting tools give you a way to indicate the relative sizes (called "weight" in Impromptu) of the tables. If memory serves, this then influences the order of tables in the FROM clause (as a way to help reach an optimized execution plan).

This is getting long, so I'll stop. Bottom line: unless your DBMS is unique, you don't have to worry about this.

Cheers,
- Ido

Visual CUT & DataLink Viewer:
view, e-mail, export, burst, distribute, and schedule Crystal Reports.

http://www.MilletSoftware.com

 

[lbass]

Ido, Thanks for that clarification.

-LB

 

[OrionStar]

Ok but, let me just ask this. In CR XI, or CR in general, in Database linking expert, ... when I drag and move a table from the RIGHT SIDE....to the LEFT SIDE,... does THIS place that table moved into a different order?

The reason I ask, is the LINKS stay attached and unchanged as far as I can tell, but just the visual position changes on the screen. SO, does moving effect any of the table orders?

I think that when I look into my DB linking expert, the tables are always in ALPHA order regardless of the order of their, being placed in the report. Does this question make sense?

I just want to understand.

Thanks

Thanks:

MV

"What would you attempt to do... if you knew ... you could not fail?