Can you sort using a variable?

[cherieh]

In this instance, I have to use a csv file as my source.  Can I sort the report based on a variable instead of a field?  I am using iReport v.3.7.4.  Please help.  Everything i have read in the forums and books is leaning to no but thought there may be a way i am overlooking.

[despec]

I often use a an Ireport variable in my SQL statements.  This gives my users the ability to sort on different fields of the report.  In this case, create a "Parameter" instead of a variable.  Here's a shor example:

I have a parameter called "user_choice" which I default to "city".  The user may change this by selecting from a list, say "City", "State" or "Zip"...The SQL qould look something like this:

select

  name,

  address.

  city,

  zip

from

  phone_book

order by

  $P!{user_choice}

 

Make sure to include the "!" point.

 

David

 

[cherieh]

David -

Thanks for your quick response.  However, I do not have access to create the sql so i am stuck with the static csv file.  Back to the drawing board i guess.

Cherie

[tomstieger]

Thank you for this example. I was getting an error when I was trying to use the order by clause with a parameter. I need the "!"