Generate a data schema from a Genero BDL report program

After you write or modify a Genero report program, you must generate the data schema. This file is used by the Genero Report Designer to provide a list of data objects for use in the report design.

The data schema file is based on the REPORT statement in your Genero report application source file (.4gl). The schema contains the list of database columns and fields that make up your data record, as well as grouping details. This data schema is used in the report design document (.4rd) to populate the Data View with details about the streamed data.

Although the data for the report originally may have come from several different data tables, the PRINT statement in your BDL REPORT program block outputs the data as part of a single record. See Writing the Genero BDL report program.

From the command line

Use the --build-rdd command-line option of the fglcomp tool to create a data schema. For example:

fglcomp --build-rdd SimpleReport.4gl

The output of this command will be SimpleReport.rdd. The data schema is stored in the same location as the application source file.

Note: If your Genero program contains multiple application source files, run fglcomp against the file containing the REPORT program block.

From Genero Studio

If you are using the language Genero, add --build-rdd to the Compiler options property for all Genero source files containing the REPORT block. This will automatically generate the data schema with each compile of the application. To find the Compiler options property, select the Genero source file in the Projects view to display its properties in the Properties view. After compilation, the data schema will be written to the directory specified in the Target Directory property of the application node that contains the Genero source file.

If you are using the language Genero (no link), setting --build-rdd in the Compiler options does not work. You must modify the build rules or you can add a post compile command to each Genero source file containing a REPORT block. To add a post compile command to a Genero source file:
  1. Within the Projects view, right click on the Genero source (.4gl) file and select Advanced Properties.
  2. Select the Pre/Post Compile command page.
  3. Within the Post Compile commands box, enter this post compile command.
    fglcomp --build-rdd "$(InputPath)"
  4. Click Apply > OK.