What is the proper way to handle a query in a custom function?

[zlipinski]

I am trying to use a custom function to display certain data in the report based on a query. Putting the column in a function in the expression editor like this, testFunction($F{COLUMN_NAME})  ,does not cause any errors but when it comes time to display it, it will not work as I intend it to.

What am I missing? Are there additional steps I need to take so the function can act on every incoming query and display in the report?

[darth_fader]

post some code snippets, let's see what you're working with