The Task Properties Window - Overview 

The Task Properties screen manages the meta-data for a single task within your project. A task validates your report by executing two queries, typically, one against the report and another against a SQL database.

Definitions 

Task -    A process designed to validate a report, consisting of two queries; usually, one running against an Excel report, and another against a database

Usage 

On the Task Properties screen you can: 

  • Set the name of the task.
  •  Enable / Disable the task.
  • Select a report to test with.
  • Develop and test your validation queries.
 

 

How to get to the Task Properties window

Illustration of the Task Properties screen. 

 

 

How to use this window

Task -    A process designed to validate a report, consisting of two queries; usually, one running against an Excel report, and another against a database

1.   Setting your task name: The task name must be unique within the project. If it is changed, the change will be propagated to all screens referencing it after a screen refresh. 
 

2.   Enable/Disable a task: A task can be disabled to prevent it from running. A change to the Enabled setting on this screen is permanently saved. A change to the Enabled setting on the Run Project screen is temporary.


3.   Project Name: The project this task belongs to. The project name was set in the Project Properties screen. 


4.   Tasks Data Source: The database connection this task will use when executing a database query. This data source is used by SQL type database queries only. It is not used by Excel type queries. The Tasks Data Source property is set in the Project Properties screen. This field is read only.


5.   Report Folder:  The directory your reports can be located in. As you develop your Excel validation query, you select one Excel report which is then read to aid in the development.


6.   Select a Report: A selection box with a list of the reports you selected in the Run Project screen. The report you select will be used to develop your Excel query and its data will be used in any popup wizards.   


7.   Task Input Parameters: A list of the parameters that were generated by the Report List Query on the Run Project screen for the selected report. The Task Input Parameters are specific to the report and will change as the selected report changes. 


8.   Query Type: A selection box that lists the types of queries that can be run. Currently there are two Query Types available:

      a. SpreadSheet: Select a SpreadSheet query to run against an Excel spreadsheet report. This is an SQL query that can be run against an Excel workbook when opened as an OLE DB data source.

      b. SQL_Database: Select a SQL_Database query to run against any database that supports SQL queries and OLE DB data source connections.

SpreadSheet Query Type

9.  Advanced Settings: A popup window the list advanced setting available for spreadsheet queries. (SpreadSheet queries only).


10. Select a spreadsheet: A selection box providing a list of all spreadsheets found in the Excel workbook you selected in the Select a Report box above. (SpreadSheet queries only).


11.  First row contains column names…: This option allows you to choose whether to view spreadsheet data columns by name or as sequential numbers (F1, F2, F3…). If the first row of your spreadsheet contains column names, you can choose the first option. the column naming options. (SpreadSheet queries only).


12.  Query Tabs: There are two ways to develop a SpreadSheet query.  (SpreadSheet queries only).

       a.  Tab: Use query wizard: This method provides popup wizards that display the data in your selected spreadsheet, and allows you to pick and choose the values used to build your SQL query for you. (Recommended).


       b.  Tab: Enter free-form query: This method provides an edit screen that allows you to devise your own SpreadSheet query.

 

 


13. Select spreadsheet columns and functions:  Pick the columns and functions you wish to include in the SELECT cause of your spreadsheet query. Click the edit link to view the wizard screen providing a list of available functions and columns to choose from. (SpreadSheet queries only).

 

 

 

 14.   Select filtering options:  Pick the columns, operators and comparators you wish to include in the WHERE cause of your spreadsheet query. Click the edit link to view the wizard screen providing a list of available functions and columns to choose from. (SpreadSheet queries only).

 

 

15.    View Parsed Query:  The View Parsed Query link allows you to view how parameters will be resolved in your query.

16.    Test Query: The Test Query button executes your query. The results of the query are presented below.

17.   Results of Query: Here you can view the results of your query test. If your query executes successfully, the resulting columns and rows of data are displayed. If your query fails, a system message indicating the reason will display.

 SQL_Database Query Type 18.    Developing an SQL Query for a Query Type of SQL_Database:  When you select a Query type of SQL_Database you intend to run a standard SQL query against a database. This editor is provided in which to place your query and to test it.  19.    View Parsed Query:  The View Parsed Query link allows you to view how parameters will be resolved in your SQL query.