Managing variables in an access definition

Variables are user-defined default values specified in an access definition. You can use these substitution variables to create an SQL WHERE Clause.

By assigning variables, you provide values for the variables each time the access definition is processed. As an option, you can provide default values for substitution variables. The variables are saved with the access definition.

Default values

When you create a variable, you can enter an optional default value to be used when no value is specified for the variable at run time.

Default values must be of the appropriate data type and size for the column and must conform to SQL syntax. For example, assume a variable name is ST (state), the variable delimiter is a colon ( : ), and the column requires character data.

Note: Default values are not validated until run time. If a value has the incorrect data type or size for the column or does not conform to SQL syntax, processing errors may result.

Prompt string

You must enter the text that prompts for the variable value at run time. Type the prompt string exactly as you want it to appear in the process request dialog (up to 50 characters). This prompt is displayed before you run the process.



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