Sort by multiple fields with parameters.

[cocopud]

We have quite a few reports that we already adding some sorting to; however, the users are asking for additional sorting, but since I am not sure what they would want I was wondering if it would be possible to add a parameter from which they could add multiple options. For instance, one user may want to sort by fields a, b and d, where as another user may want to sort by fields c, d and a. I found an old post that shows how to create a sort parameter listed below, but is there anyway to expand on this so that the user can select more than one option.

Create a string parameter {?sort} with options of process, subprocess, control and dimension. Then create a formula {@sortselected}:

select {?sort}
case "process" : {table.process}
case "subprocess" : {table.subprocess}
case "control" : {table.control}
case "dimension" : {table.dimension}
default : ""

Then go to report->record sort->and add {@sortselected} as your sort field.

 

[Madawc]

What's the question? What you've shown should work, but if it doesn't then you could do it by a set of If.. then ... else commands.

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

 

[lbass]

You can use this same approach, except set up the parameter to allow multiple values. Then create one formula for each level of sorting like this:

//{@Sort1}:
select {?sort}[1]
case "process" : {table.process}
case "subprocess" : {table.subprocess}
case "control" : {table.control}
case "dimension" : {table.dimension}
default : ""

//{@Sort2}:
if ubound({?sort}) >= 2 then
select {?sort}[2]
case "process" : {table.process}
case "subprocess" : {table.subprocess}
case "control" : {table.control}
case "dimension" : {table.dimension}
default : ""

//{@Sort3}:
if ubound({?sort}) >= 3 then
select {?sort}[3]
case "process" : {table.process}
case "subprocess" : {table.subprocess}
case "control" : {table.control}
case "dimension" : {table.dimension}
default : ""

//etc. Add these as your sort fields in order. You might also want to create a formula for the report header that shows the sorting selections:

join({?sort},", ")

-LB