1 Introduction

Definitions

HEADER

A header is a description of a series of operations to perform at the time a new break level is begun. For example, when a new page is begun the header might print the report name at the top of the page.

TRAILER

A trailer is a description of a series of operations to perform at the end of the current break level after the break condition has been triggered. It is executed prior to the execution of the header routine for the new break level. For example, when a page break occurs, the trailer might print the page number at the bottom of the page before printing the heading for the new page.

BREAK

A break is caused by a change in the value of one of the variables. You define this variable and the change required to the Eloquence Report Writer. A break indicates special action is to take place. For example, assume you specify 60 lines to a page. When the Eloquence Report Writer is about to output the 61st line, a break will occur.

LEVEL

Level is the means of establishing a hierarchical order to the report breaks. The highest level number represents the most frequent breaks and the lowest level number represents the least frequent breaks. For example, in a payroll report the highest level break might be a department and the lowest level be a division. There are nine possible levels, one being the lowest and nine being the highest.

DETAIL LINE

A detail line is the lowest logical group of data in a report. For example, in an inventory report the detail line is the output associated with a particular item (i.e., part number, description, quantity, etc.). The detail line is the primary trigger for all report breaks.

BLOCK STATEMENTS

These statements follow a header or trailer statement. They may be thought of as a subroutine automatically invoked by a break condition. The end of the block is indicated by the next execution of an Eloquence Report Writer header, trailer or end statement.