Configure query expression columns in the query designer

In the Bold Reports® query designer, an expression column combines data columns, operators, and built-in functions into one expression. The expression column acts as a calculated measure. You can configure it to a report item like other numeric columns as a quantitative measure.

Prefer watching over reading? Watch this video on configuring an expression column:

How do I open the Query Expressions dialog?

To open the Query Expressions dialog in the Bold Reports® query designer, click the Expression icon in the query designer toolbar.

Query expresssion dialog

The Query Expressions dialog opens, as in the following image.

Query expresssion dialog

Note: The expression icon in the tools pane will be in disabled state, if there is no table found dropped in table design view.

How do I create an expression column?

You create an expression column in the query designer from the Query Expressions dialog. Follow these steps:

  1. Click the Add button in the Query Expressions dialog.

  2. In the Name field, type the name for the expression column or use the default name. By default, manually created expression column names are similar to Expression1. Query expresssion dialog

  3. Define an expression in the Expression text area. The syntax for a simple expression is:

    {function name(}[columnname]{operator[columnname])…}

    Content within curly braces is optional.

    Some expressions for reference:

    1. YEAR([Order Date]) computes the year of the order date.

    2. [Freight]+100 computes the total with 100 added to Freight.

  4. To add function names and column names to the Expression text area, double-click the function or column name in the Functions or Column Settings list view. Query expresssion dialog

  5. After you design the expression in the text area, click the Save button. Query expresssion dialog

  6. To create multiple expression columns, repeat these steps. Query expresssion dialog

  7. The Column Settings list view lists the new expressions, as in the following image. Query expresssion dialog

Read the Supported Built-in functions section to learn more about supported built-in functions.

How do I edit an expression column?

You edit an expression column in the query designer by changing its fields in the Query Expressions dialog. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the expression column you want to update in the left pane.
  2. Edit the Name and Expression fields as required.
  3. Click the Save button to save the changes.

How do I delete an expression column?

To delete an expression column in the query designer, click the delete icon in the expression field.

Query expresssion dialog

How do I close the Query Expressions dialog?

To close the query designer Query Expressions dialog, click the Cancel button in the dialog footer or the Close icon in the dialog header.

Query expresssion dialog

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Expression icon disabled?

The expression icon in the tools pane is disabled if no table is dropped in the table design view.

What is the default name of a new expression column?

By default, manually created expression column names are similar to Expression1.

See also