Oracle Reports Glossary


AFM
Acronymn for Adobe Font Metrics. AFM and PPD files are supplied by Adobe and by
printer vendors. These files contain information about the printer. Along with other
parameters, these files are read for the information about the available fonts for the
printer, which Oracle Reports will use. For all the fonts listed in the PPD file, Oracle
Reports searches for the corresponding AFM file according to the font name and loads
all of the fonts for which there is an available AFM.


CGI
Acronym for Common Gateway Interface. A standard for transferring information
between a Web server and a CGI program. CGI specifies how to pass arguments to
the program as part of the HTTP request, and defines a set of environment variables
that are made available to the program. The program then generates output to pass
back to the browser. CGI provides server-side processing to allow Web servers to
interact dynamically with users.

column
1. A vertical space in a database table that represents a particular domain of data. A
column has a column name (for example, ENAME) and a specific datatype (for
example, CHAR). For example, in a table of employee information, all of the
employees' names would constitute one column. A record group column
represents a database column.
2. A data model object created automatically for each column expression in a query's
SELECT list, or created manually to perform summaries, formulas, or act as a
placeholder.
3. The representation of an attribute of an entity.

data model
A relational model that defines what data should be fetched from the data source(s),
what values should be computed, and how data should be ordered in a report. Reports
Builder objects that define the data model are queries, groups, columns, parameters,
and links.

Data Model view
One of the views of the Report Editor that displays a structural representation of the
data in a report. The objects do not appear in the report output, but the structure
determines the layout style, and the data objects provide the values that appear in the
layout objects.Glossary-2

database
1. A set of dictionary tables and user tables that are treated as a unit.
2. (Oracle Express) A single file (possibly accompanied by extension files) that
contains objects that organize, store, and manipulate data. In Express, examples of
such objects are variables, dimensions, formulas, models, and programs.

data source
A source for data returned by a query, including database objects such as tables,
views, synonyms, snapshots, and queries stored as views. OracleAS Reports Services
enables you to access any data source.
The new pluggable data source (PDS) architecture replaces Oracle Open Client
Adapter (OCA), and the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers are no longer
supported in Oracle Reports 10g. However, Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) is one
of the pluggable data sources available that can utilize the JDBC-ODBC bridge,
allowing access to other data sources.

detail query
When defining a master/detail report, the detail query retrieves all related records for
each record retrieved by the master, or parent, query.

dialog box
A partial screen or window that prompts you to enter information necessary to
complete an operation.

disabled
An interface element state that means a menu item, button, and so on, cannot be used
in the current context (that is, it does not respond to keyboard or mouse input).

enabled
An interface element state that means that a menu item, button, and so on, can be used
in the current context (that is, it responds to keyboard or cursor/mouse input).

field
1. An interface element in which you enter, edit, or delete data.
2. A layout object that defines how the data for a specific query column appears.

foreign key
A value or column in one table that refers to a primary key in another table.
format mask
A setting that defines the appearance of the value of a field. For example, a format
mask is used to specify the display of currency amounts and dates.

format trigger
A PL/SQL function that enables you to dynamically change the formatting attributes
of an object. Glossary-3

formula column
A user-created column that gets its data from a PL/SQL function or expression, a SQL
statement, or a combination of these.

frame
A layout object used to enclose other layout objects and control the formatting,
frequency, and positioning of several objects simultaneously.

group
1. In Reports Builder, a data model object that is created automatically to contain all
the columns selected by a query, or created by the user to modify the hierarchy of
the data appearing in a report; it is used primarily for creating breaks in a report,
as well as for resetting computations.
2. An object that is composed of several other objects.

HTML
Acronym for HyperText Markup Language. A tag-based ASCII language used to
specify the content and links to other documents on Web servers on the Internet. End
users with Web browsers view HTML documents and follow links to display other
documents.

HTTP
Acronym for HyperText Transfer Protocol. The protocol used to carry Web traffic
between a Web browser computer and the Web server being accessed.

hyperlink
A reference (link) from some point in one document to (some point in) another
document or another place in the same document. A Web browser usually displays a
hyperlink in some distinguishing way (in a different color, font or style). When users
activate hyperlinks (by clicking on them with a mouse) the browser displays the target
of the link.

IANA
Acronym for Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. An organization working under
the auspices of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) that is reponsible for assigning
new Internet-wide IP addresses. IANA-defined character sets refers to those character
sets that can be defined for the charset tag and may be used in the Internet.

icon
A graphic representation of a window or tool.

image
A bitmapped object that can be stored and loaded into an application. The client
cannot modify an imported image.

intranet
An internal TCP/IP network, access to which is restricted (through a firewall) to
individuals inside the company or organization. An intranet provides similar services
within an organization to those provided by the Internet, but is not necessarily
connected to the Internet. A common example of an intranet is when a company sets
up one or more Web servers on an internal network for distribution of information or
applications within the company. Glossary-4

Java
A computer language that supports programming for the Internet in the form of
platform-independent "servlets" or "applets".

JAR
Acronym for Java ARchive. A file used for aggregating many files (Java class files,
images, and so on) into one file.

J2EE
Acronym for Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition. An environment for developing and
deploying enterprise applications in Java consisting of a set of services, application
programming interfaces, and protocols that provide for developing multitiered,
Web-based applications.

JSP
Acronym for JavaServer Page. JSP technology is an extension to the Java Servlet
technology from Sun Microsystems that provides a simple programming vehicle for
displaying dynamic content on a Web page. JSP is a server-side technology. A JSP is an
HTML page with embedded Java source code that is executed in the Web server or
application server. The HTML provides the page layout that is returned to the Web
browser, and the Java provides the business logic.
margin
An optional report region that appears at the top and bottom of each logical page in a
report section (Header, Main, or Trailer). The margin may include any layout object,
but typically contains boilerplate and fields (for page numbers, page totals, grand
totals, and current date and time).

object
1. An item that can be placed on the layout. The following are examples of objects:
rectangle, line, ellipse, arc, polygon, polyline, rounded rectangle, freehand, chart,
text, symbol, and text field.
2. In an Oracle database, an instance of an object type. An object can be a row in an
object table, or the portion of a row contained in a column object in a relational
table.

Object Navigator
A hierarchical browsing and editing interface that enables you to locate and
manipulate application objects quickly and easily. Features include:
A hierarchy represented by indentation and expandable nodes (top-level nodes
show module types, database objects, and built-in packages), enabling tasks such
as creating, editing, renaming, and deleting objects.
A find field and icons, enabling forward and backward searches for any level of
node or for an individual item in a node
Icons in the horizontal toolbar replicating common File menu functions

Oracle Application Server (OracleAS)
A strategic platform for network application deployment. By moving application logic
to application servers and deploying network clients, organizations can realize Glossary-5
substantial savings through reduced complexity, better manageability, and simplified
development and deployment. OracleAS provides the only business-critical platform
that offers easy database Web publishing and complete legacy integration while
transitioning from traditional client/server to network application architectures.

Oracle Developer Suite
Combines leading Oracle application development and business intelligence tools into
a single, integrated product. Built on Internet standards such as Java and XML, the
suite provides a complete and highly productive development environment for
building applications for Oracle Application Server and the Oracle database.

ORACLE_HOME
An alternate name for the top directory in the Oracle directory hierarchy on some
directory-based operating systems. An environment variable that indicates the root
directory of Oracle products.
You can refer to the directory specified by ORACLE_HOME in syntax:
On UNIX: $ORACLE_HOME
On Windows: %ORACLE_HOME%

OracleAS Portal
A browser-based development tool for building scalable, secure, extensible HTML
applications and Web sites. OracleAS Reports Services uses OracleAS Portal to control
end user access to reports published on the Web by storing information about report
requests, the secured server, and any OracleAS Reports Services printer used to print
report output.

Paper Design view
One of the views of the Report Editor that displays output for paper reports and
enables you to make many commonly required, simple modifications to the layout,
such as spacing, formatting fields, color, and editing text, without having to open the
Paper Layout view.

Paper Layout view
One of the views of the Report Editor that displays the layout objects in a paper report
and enables you to make many modifications to any layout object. All layout objects
have properties that you can modify using the Property Inspector. The hierarchy of the
layout objects is determined by the Data Model.

Paper Parameter Form view
Displays the layout of the Parameter Form that, at runtime, allows user input of
parameter values in the Runtime Parameter Form.

PDF
Acronym for Portable Document Format. A file format (native for Adobe Acrobat) for
representing documents in a manner that is independent of the original application
software, hardware, and operating system used to create the documents. A PDF file
can describe documents containing any combination of text, graphics, and images in a
device-independent and resolution independent format.Glossary-6

PL/SQL
Oracle's proprietary extension to the SQL language. Adds procedural and other
constructs to SQL that make it suitable for writing applications.

PPD
Acronymn for PostScript Printer Definition. PPD and AFM files are supplied by
Adobe and by printer vendors. These files contain information about the printer.
Along with other parameters, these files are read for the information about the
available fonts for the printer, which Oracle Reports will use. For all the fonts listed in
the PPD file, Oracle Reports searches for the corresponding AFM file according to the
font name and loads all of the fonts for which there is an available AFM.

Property Inspector
A window that enables you to view, locate, and set the properties of the currently
selected object(s) in the Object Navigator, Report Editor, and Template Editor. Every
Reports Builder object (query, group, frame, parameter, and so on) has associated
properties that can be viewed using the Property Inspector. The Property Inspector
features:
expandable and collapsible nodes
in-place property editing
search features
multiselection
complex property dialogs
the ability to invoke multiple instances of the Property Inspector
To get help on any property, click the property in the Property Inspector and press F1.

query
A SQL SELECT statement that specifies the data you wish to retrieve from one or more
tables or views of a database.

RDF file
A file that contains a single report definition in binary format. .RDF files are used to
both run and edit reports.

record
One row fetched by a SQL SELECT statement.
REP file
A file that contains a single report definition in binary format. .REP files are used
solely to run reports; you cannot edit a .REP file.

repeating frame
A layout object used to display rows of data that are fetched for a group.

Reports Cache
A component of OracleAS Reports Services that stores completed jobs output.Glossary-7

Reports CGI (rwcgi)
An Oracle Reports executable, also known as the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) or
Reports Web Cartridge, that translates and delivers information between either a Web
Server or a J2EE Container (for example, OC4J) and the Reports Server, to run a report
dynamically from your Web browser.
Reports Client (rwclient)
An Oracle Reports executable that provides a command-line interface to send a report
to a remote Reports Server (rwserver).

Report Editor
The Reports Builder window that provides different views to help you handle the data
objects and layout objects for Web and paper reports. The views are:
Data Model view
Paper Layout view
Paper Design view
Paper Parameter Form view
Web Source view

Reports Engine
A component of OracleAS Reports Services that fetches data from the data source,
formats the report, send output to cache, and notifies the Reports Server that the job is
ready.

Reports Builder (rwbuilder)
An Oracle Reports executable that provides a design-time user interface to enable
report developers to create and maintain report definitions.
Reports Queue Manager (rwrqm)
(Windows only) Maintains timestamp and status information about reports jobs
managed by the Reports Server (rwserver).

Reports Runtime (rwrun)
An Oracle Reports executable that runs a report using the OracleAS Reports Services
in-process Reports Server.

Reports Server (rwserver)
An Oracle Reports executable that provides reporting services to execute, distribute,
and publish your reports for enterprise-wide reporting. A component of OracleAS
Reports Services that processes client requests, including user authentication,
scheduling, caching, and report distribution. Use Oracle Reports clients such as
rwservlet, Reports JSP, CGI, and rwclient send a report to Reports Server.
Note: With Oracle Reports 10g, Reports CGI (rwcgi) is
deprecated (maintained only for backward compatibility); instead,
use Reports JSPs, rwservlet (Reports Servlet), or Reports Web
Services.Glossary-8

Reports Services
The runtime environment for Reports Developer applications. OracleAS Reports
Services executes, distributes, and publishes your reports for enterprise wide
reporting. Using OracleAS Reports Services to deploy your reports results in gains of
flexibility, time savings, and processing capacity.

Reports Servlet (rwservlet)
A component of OracleAS Reports Services that translates and delivers information
between either a Web Server or a J2EE Container (for example, OC4J) and the Reports
Server, enabling you to run a report dynamically from your Web browser.

row
One set of field values in a table; for example, the fields representing one employee in
the example table EMP.

Runtime Parameter Form
A screen or window appearing optionally at runtime in which a user can modify print
options and parameters prior to report execution.

schema
A collection of related database objects, usually grouped by database user ID. Schema
objects include tables, views, sequences, stored program units, synonyms, indexes,
clusters, and database links.

SELECT statement
A SQL statement that specifies which rows and columns to fetch from one or more
tables or views.

servlet
A Java application that runs in a Web server or application server and provides
server-side processing, typically to access a database or perform e-commerce
processing. Because they are written in Java, servlets are portable between servers and
operating systems.
The Reports Servlet (rwservlet) and JSP are components of OracleAS Reports
Services that process custom (JSP) report tags and deliver information between the
Oracle HTTP Server and the Reports Server.

SQL
A standard interface for storing and retrieving information in a relational database.
SQL is an acronym for Structured Query Language.

SQL file
A file that contains a query stored in text (for example, ASCII or EBCDIC) format.

SQL script
A file containing SQL statements that you can run to perform database administration
quickly and easily. Several SQL scripts are shipped with Oracle products.

SQL statement
A SQL instruction to Oracle. A SELECT statement is one type of SQL statement. Glossary-9
style sheet
HTML extensions that provide powerful formatting flexibility in HTML documents.
To view an HTML document that takes advantage of style sheets, display it in a
browser that supports style sheets.

table
A named collection of related information, stored in a relational database or server, in
a two-dimensional grid that is made up of rows and columns.

tabular
A default layout displaying labels at the top of the page and rows of data underneath
the labels.

template
A skeleton definition containing common style and standards, and may include
graphics. A template provides a standard format to enable quick and easy
development of professional standard look-and-feel reports.

Template Editor
A work area in which you can define objects and formatting properties for your
templates. It is similar to the Paper Layout view of the Report Editor. You can create,
delete, and modify objects (for example, page numbers, text, and graphics) in the
margin area. You cannot create and delete objects in the body area, but you can
modify the properties of body objects in the Property Inspector.

tool
An iconic button used to create and manipulate objects in an application.

tool palette
A collection of tools represented by iconic buttons in the user interface that allow a
report developer to perform tasks, such as drawing a rectangle in the Paper Layout
view or creating a query in the Data Model view.

toolbar
A collection of iconic buttons that perform product commands. Usually aligned
horizontally along the top, or vertically down the side of a window.

URL
Acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. A compact string representation of the
location for a resource that is available through the Internet. It is also the text string
format clients use to encode requests to OracleAS.

view
1. In Reports Builder, a work area in which you perform a specific set of tasks, such
as defining a report data model, layout, or Parameter Form.
2. A virtual table whose rows do not actually exist in the database, but which is
based on a table that is physically stored in the database.

Web browser
A program that end users utilize to read HTML documents and programs stored on a
computer (serviced by a Web server).Glossary-10

Web server
A server process (HTTP daemon) running at a Web site which sends out Web pages in
response to HTTP requests from remote Web browsers.

Web Source view
One of the views of the Report Editor that displays the HTML or JSP source for a
report. You can use this view to add dynamic content to a Web page using the Report
Block Wizard and the Graph Wizard. Experienced Java developers can edit the Web
source directly in this view.

wizard
A step-by-step interface for commonly performed tasks. The wizards in Reports
Builder are:
Report Wizard: guides you through the steps to create a basic paper or Web
report. Each page of the wizard asks you for information to help you create your
initial report.
Data Wizard: helps you helps you quickly define or modify a query for a
multiquery data models.
Graph Wizard: Adds variety of charts and graphs, including true 3-dimensional
graphs. Implemented in Reports Builder with the Oracle BI graph bean.
Report Block Wizard: enables you to add data to a static HTML page.

XML
Acronym for Extensible Markup Language. A metalanguage using SGML to define
and structure data. Reports Builder supports XML output to enable Web publishing as
well as electronic data exchange with third-party applications. You can also use XML
to build report definitions that can be merged with other report definitions at runtime
or run separately