Oracle Reports (Report 6i) Technical Interview Question Answers

Question: How many types of columns are there and what are they
Formula columns: For doing mathematical calculations and returning one value
Summary Columns: For doing summary calculations such as summations etc.
Place holder Columns: These columns are useful for storing the value in a variable
Question: Can u have more than one layout in report
Answer: It is possible to have more than one layout in a report by using the additional layout
option in the layout editor.
Answer: Yes it is possible to run the report without parameter form by setting the PARAM value
to Null
Question: What is the lock option in reports layout
Answer: By using the lock option we cannot move the fields in the layout editor outside the
frame. This is useful for maintaining the fields.
Question: What is Flex
Answer: Flex is the property of moving the related fields together by setting the flex property on
Question: What is the minimum number of groups required for a matrix report
Question: How many different triggers are available in Report?
Answer: There are five types of triggers in report 6i
1) Before report trigger
2) After report trigger
3) Before Parameter trigger
4) After parameter trigger
5) Between pages trigger
Question: What is the Firing sequence of report trigger?
Answer: First the before parameter trigger will raise, after firing this trigger parameter form will
displayed, after passing parameter after parameter trigger will fire query will parsed & then
before report trigger will fired then if there are number of pages in your report then the between
pages trigger will fired but it will fire between first & second & so on pages but it will not fired
in reverse condition the after report trigger will fire after closing the runtime parameter form is
closed.
Question: What is bind variables?
Answer: Bind variables are used in report 6i for replacing the single parameter in the select
statement
Question: What is lexical parameter?
Answer: Lexical Parameter is used to replace the where, order by conditions at run time.
Question: What are different types of column in reports?
Answer: There are three types of columns in the report 6i these are:
1) Placeholder Column Placeholder column is used to store a value for a variable.
2) Formula Column
3) Summary Column
Answer: The minimum of groups required for a matrix report are 4

Question: Can u run the report with out a parameter form

Oracle Reports Interview Questions & Answers Part 1

racle Reports - Technical Interview Questions & Answers

How many different triggers are available in Report?
There are five types of triggers in report 6i
1) Before report trigger
2) After report trigger
3) Before Parameter trigger
4) After parameter trigger
5) Between pages trigger

What is the Firing sequence of report trigger?

First the before parameter trigger will raise, after firing this trigger parameter form will
displayed,
after passing parameter after parameter trigger will fire query will parsed &
then before report trigger will fired then if there are number of pages in your report

then the between pages trigger will fired but it will fire between first & second & so on pages but
it will not fired in reverse condition the after report trigger will fire

after closing the run time parameter form is closed.

What is the difference between After Parameter Trigger and Before Report Trigger?
After parameter Trigger: It will fire after the parameter form is displayed.here we can do
validation on parameter values
Before Report Trigger: It will fire before the report is executed and after the query is parsed and
date is fetched.

What is the Format Trigger?

Format Trigger is a PL/SQL function. This trigger is going to fire before an object is printed in

report output. it return boolean-true then go to print -false then don't print.

What is the diff. when Flex mode is mode on and when it is off?
When flex mode is on, reports automatically resizes the parent when the child is resized.

What is the diff. when confine mode is on and when it is off?

When confine mode is on, an object cannot be moved outside its parent in the layout.

What is a lexical parameter?

Lexical Parameter is used to replace the where, order by conditions at run time.

What are bind variables?

Bind variables are used in report 6i for replacing the single parameter in the select statement

How many different layouts are available in Reports?

There are eight different layout formats:
1. Tabular
2. Form Like
3. Form Letter
4. Mailing Label
5. Group Left
6. Group Above
7. Matrix
8. Matrix with group

What is the minimum number of groups required for a matrix report?

The minimum of groups required for a matrix report are 4

What is the lock option in reports layout?

By using the lock option we cannot move the fields in the layout editor outside the frame. This is
useful for maintaining the fields.

What is the Anchoring in Reports?

Anchor is used to make fixed distance between two objects in Reports Layout.

What is the difference between Frame and Repeating Frame?

Frames are used to surround other objects and protect them from being overwritten or pushed by
other objects. For example a frame might be used to surround all objects owned by a group to
surround column headings or to surround summaries.
When you default the layout for a report Report Builder creates frames around report objects as
needed; you can also create a frame manually in the Layout Model view.
Repeating frames surround all of the fields that are created for a groups columns. The repeating
frame prints (is fired) once for each record of the group.
When you default the layout for a report Report Builder creates repeating frames around fields as
needed; you can also create a repeating frame manually in the Layout Model view

What are different types of column in reports?

There are three types of columns in the report 6i these are:
1) Placeholder Column Placeholder column is used to store a value for a variable.
2) Formula Column
3) Summary Column

How many types of columns are there and what are they?
Formula columns: For doing mathematical calculations and returning one value
Summary Columns: For doing summary calculations such as summations etc.
Place holder Columns: These columns are useful for storing the value in a variable

Can u have more than one layout in report?

It is possible to have more than one layout in a report by using the additional layout option in the
layout editor. Yes it is possible to run the report without parameter form by setting the PARAM
value to Null

ORACLE APPS REPORTS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

ORACLE APPS REPORTS INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1.What is SRW Package?

Ans: The Report builder Built in package know as SRW Package (Sql Report Writer)
This package extends reports, Control report execution, output message at runtime,
Initialize layout fields, Perform DDL statements used to create or Drop temporary
table, Call User Exit, to format width of the columns, to page break the column, to set
the colors
Ex: SRW.DO_SQL, Its like DDL command, we can create table, views , etc.,
SRW.SET_FIELD_NUM
SRW. SET_FIELD_CHAR
SRW. SET FIELD _DATE
2.What are Lexical Parameters and bind parameters?
Lexical Parameter is a Simple text string that to replace any part of a SELECT
statement. Column names, the from clause, where clause or the order by clause. To
create a lexical reference in a query we prefix the parameter name with an ampersand
(ex. &.dname,)
3. What is User Parameters?
A parameter, which is created by user. For to restrict values with where clause in select
statement.
Data type, width, input mask, initial value, validation trigger, list of values
We can use Lovs in use in user parameter with static and Dynamic Select Statement.
4. What is System Parameters: These are built-in parameters by
corporation.
BACKGROUND: Is whether the report should run in the foreground or the background.
COPIES
Is the number of report copies that should be made when the report is
printed.
CURRENCY Is the symbol for the currency indicator (e.g., $).
DECIMAL
Is the symbol for the decimal indicator (e.g., .).
DESFORMAT Is the definition of the output devices format (e.g., landscape mode for a
printer). This
parameter is used when running a report in a character-mode
environment, and when
sending a bitmap report to a file (e.g. to create PDF or HTML output).
DESNAME Is the name of the output device (e.g., the file name, printers name, mail
userid).
DESTYPE
Is the type of device to which to send the report output (screen, file, mail,
printer, or
screen using PostScript format).
MODE
Is whether the report should run in character mode or bitmap.
ORIENTATION Is the print direction for the report (landscape, portrait, default).
PRINTJOB Is whether the Print Job dialog box should appear before the report is
run.
THOUSANDS Is the symbol for the thousands indicator (e.g., ,).

5. How many Types of Reports available in Reports

Tabular
form-like
form letter
Group left
Group above
matrix
Matrix with group
Mailing label
Matrix Report: Simple, Group above, Nested
Simple Matrix Report required 4 groups
1.Cross Product Group
2. Row and Column Group
3. Cell Group
4. Cell column is the source of a cross product summary that becomes the cell
content.
Frames: 1.Repeating frame for rows (down direction)
2.Repeating frame for columns (Across)
3.Matrix object the intersection of the two repeating frames
6.What Types of Triggers are Available in Reports.

Report level Triggers

Data Model Triggers

Layout Model Triggers

Report Level Triggers
Before parameter form:
If u want take parameters passed to the report and manipulate them so that they appear
differently in the parameter form., this is where modification can be done for ex: when u
want pass a deptno but show the dname selected , use a before parameter form trigger.
After parameter form & Before Report:
These two triggers are fired one after the other. No event occurs in between them.
However the way the way that the reports product behaves when the triggers fail is quite
different. If the After Parameter trigger fails the report will be put back into the
parameter form. Its useful to place code here to check whether values in your parameter
form are valid. Even though the Before Report trigger is executed before the query runs,
if this trigger fails it wont fail until reports tries to display the first page of the report.
This means that even if something goes wrong in the before report trigger (meaning that
you may not want to run the query at all) It will run anyway

Between pages:
This Trigger fires before all pages except first page one. It will not fire after the last
page of a report. If a report only has one page it will not fire at all. You can use this
trigger to send specific control to the change the paper orientation or to do double sided
printing
After report:
This trigger fires the report has printed or in the case of a screen report, after the report
is closed following viewing. This trigger can be used to update a global variable if u r
returning the number of pages in a report. It is also used to delete temporary table used
to print the report
Data Model Triggers
Formula Column,
Group Filter,
Parameter values
Layout Model Triggers
7. What is Format triggers.

i)
ii)
iii)

Format triggers enable you to modify the display of objects dynamically at run time or
to suppress display altogether
For Headings, for repeating frames, for field, for boilerplate object
To format a column based on certain criteria for example
To format the max(Sal) for particular department.
To format the Sal column with a Dollar($) prefix.
To format Date formats.etc
8. What is Data Model?
Data Model is logically group of the Report Objects through query and Data model
tools . Once query is compiled report automatically generates group. The queries build
the groups ant then Groups are used to populate the report. The only function of
queries in report is to create the groups. The Report Editors Data Model view enables
you to define and modify the data model objects for a report. In this view, objects and
their property settings are represented symbolically to highlight their types and
relationships. To create the query objects for your data model, you can use the Report
Wizard, Data Wizard, or the Query tools in the tool palette.
9. What is Layout model?
Layout Model is to Physically arrange Data model group objects on the Report. The
Report Editors Layout Model view enables you to define and modify the layout model
objects for a report. In this view, objects and their property settings are represented
symbolically to highlight their types and relationships.

10 What is Livepreviewer?
Ans: The Live Previewer is a work area in which you can preview your report and
manipulate the actual, or live data at the same time. In the Live Previewer you can
customize reports interactively, meaning that you can see the results immediately as you
make each change.
To activate buttons in the Live Previewer, you must display the report output in the
Runtime Previewer. In order to edit your report, such as changing column size ,move
columns, align columns insert page numbers, edit text, change colors, change fonts set
format masks, insert field the Live Previewer must be in Flex Mode.
Access
Title
Viewing region
Rulers
Grid
Toolbar
Style bar
Tool palette
Status bar
11. What is Parameter Form
Ans: Parameters are variables for report that users can change at runtime immediately
prior to the execution of the report. You can use system parameters to specify aspects of
report execution, such as the output format, printer name , mailed or number of copies.
We can also create own parameters through sql or Pl/sql at runtime.
The Parameter Form view is the work area in which you define the format of the reports
Runtime Parameter Form. To do this, you define and modify parameter form objects
(fields and boilerplate).
When you run a report, Report Builder uses the Parameter Form view as a template for
the Runtime Parameter Form. Fields and boilerplate appear in the Runtime Parameter
Form exactly as they appear in the Parameter Form view. If you do not define a
Runtime Parameter Form in the Parameter Form view, Report Builder displays a default
Parameter Form for you at runtime.
12. What is Query?
The first thing in data model is the query. Through query we access database
objects with sql query. Compiled query creates groups. We can create query through
query builder, sql query and import query from o/s file or database.
13. What is Group?
Ans: Groups are created to organize the columns in your report. When you create a
query, Report Builder automatically creates a group that contains the columns selected

by the query. You create additional groups to produce break levels in the report, either
manually or by using the Report Wizard to create a group above or group left report.
14 What is Repeating Frame?
Ans: Repeating frames surround all of the fields that are created for a groups columns.
Repeating frames correspond to groups in the data model. Each repeating frame must
to be associated with a group of data model The repeating frame prints (is fired) once
for each record of the group.
15. What is Reference Cursor?
A ref cursor query uses PL/SQL to fetch data. Each ref cursor query is associated with a
PL/SQL function that returns a strongly typed ref cursor. The function must ensure that
the ref cursor is opened and associated with a SELECT statement that has a SELECT list
that matches the type of the ref cursor.
You base a query on a ref cursor when you want to:
n
more easily administer SQL
n
avoid the use of lexical parameters in your reports
n
share datasources with other applications, such as Form Builder
n
increase control and security
n
encapsulate logic within a subprogram
Furthermore, if you use a stored program unit to implement ref cursors, you receive the
added benefits that go along with storing your program units in the Oracle database.
16. What is Template?
Ans: Templates define common characteristics and objects that you want to apply to
multiple reports. For example, you can define a template that includes the company
logo and sets fonts and colors for selected areas of a report. And properties of the objects
also
Creation of Template: In Report editor , open a existing Template or Create a new
Template and save it concerned directory. Then Edit CAGPREFS.ORA File , and Specify
which type of Template are u going to develop.
Ex. Tabular, form, matrix Then give your developed template *.tdf file name.
Develop Report with Newly developed Template.
17 what is Flex mode and Confine mode?
Confine mode
On: child objects cannot be moved outside their enclosing parent objects.
Off: child objects can be moved outside their enclosing parent objects.
Flex mode:
On: parent borders stretch when child objects are moved against them.
Off: parent borders remain fixed when child objects are moved against them.

18. What is Page Break?

Ans: To limit the records per page.
19 What is Page Protector?
Ans: The Page Protect property indicates whether to try to keep the entire object and its
contents on the same logical page. Setting Page Protect to Yes means that if the contents
of the object cannot fit on the current logical page, the object and all of its contents will
be moved to the next logical page. Ex: if you set yes, the object information
print another page.
Print Condition
The print condition type First, All, All but first, Last, All but last refer to the frequency
with which you want to appear based upon the setting of the print condition object. A
print condition object of Enclosing Object is whichever object encloses the current
object (could be the parent or a frame within the parent), while Anchoring Object is the
parent object (unless you have explicitly anchored the object in which case it is the
object to which it is anchored). The key here is that this is about the pages on which the
Print Condition Object appears, not the current object. Oracle views First as the first
page on which any part of the Print Condition Object is printed, likewise Last is the last
page on which any part of the Print Condition Object is printed. For objects inside a
repeating frame, this condition is re-evaluated for each instance of the frame.
20 What is Print Direction?
Ans: The Print Direction property is the direction in which successive instances of the
repeating frame appear.
21 What is Vertical and Horizental Elacity
Ans: The Horizontal Elasticity property is how the horizontal size of the object will
change at runtime to accommodate the objects or data within it:
22.What is Place holder Columns?
Ans: A placeholder is a column is an empty container at design time. The placeholder
can hold a value at run time has been calculated and placed in to It by pl/sql code from
anther object. You can set the value of a placeholder column is in a Before Report
trigger , A report level formula column(if the place holder column is at report level) A
formula column in the place holder group or a group below it
Uses of place holder columns enables u to populate multiple columns from one piece of
code. U can calculate several values in one block of pl/sql code in a formula column and
assign each value into a different placeholder column. U therefore create and maintain
only program unit instead of many.

Store a Temporary value for future reference. EX. Store the current max salary as
records are retrieved.
23 What is Formula Column?
Ans: A formula column performs a user-defined computation on another column(s)
data, including placeholder columns.
24 What is Summary columns?
Ans: A summary column performs a computation on another columns data. Using the
Report Wizard or Data Wizard, you can create the following summaries: sum, average,
count, minimum, maximum, % total. You can also create a summary column manually
in the Data Model view, and use the Property Palette to create the following additional
summaries: first, last, standard deviation, variance.
25 What is Boilerplate?
Ans: Boilerplate is any text or graphics that appear in a report every time it is
run. Report Builder will create one boilerplate object for each label selected in the
Report Wizard (it is named B_
Column name). Also, one boilerplate object is sometimes created for each report
summary. A boilerplate object is owned by the object surrounding it, unless otherwise
noted.
26 What is Data Link
When we join multiple quires in a report the join condition is stored in the data link
section
Data links relate the results of multiple queries. A data link (or parent-child
relationship) causes the child query to be executed once for each instance of its parent
group. When you create a data link in the Data Model view of your report, Report
Builder constructs a clause (as specified in the links Property Palette) that will be added
to the child querys SELECT statement at runtime. You can view the SELECT
statements for the individual parent and child queries in the Builder, but can not view
the SELECT statement that includes the clause created by the data link you define.
27 What is filter and Group Filter
28.What is Query Builder
Ans: its a gui tool to build a query in Report Wizard, Data Wizard or Data model.
29 What is Break Column?
Ans: We can break a column through data model , it Display once for a group

30.How do u call Report From form?

Ans: RUN_PRODUCT and
RUN_REPORT_OBJECT
40. HOW CAN U CREATE TWO FORMATS
USING DISTRIBUTION WE CAN CREATE DIFFERENT FORMATS
45 HOW TO DISPLY ONE RECORD PER PAGE ( WHICH PROPERTY WE
SHOULD SET)
Set Repeating Frame Properties : Maximum records per page=1 And it will override
group filter property.
In Data model Layout , Group Property Through Filter Type & No of records to display
Property, Values are First, last, pl/sql
47. What is Header ,Body, Trailer, and Footer in Reports
Header: The header consist of on e or more pages that are printed before report
proper. The type of
Information you might want to print title of the page ,company logo and address or
chart the
Summarizes the report.
Trailer: The trailer consists of one or more pages that print after the report itself,
usually used for nothing more than an end of report blank page, but also used for a
report summary or chart.
Body: The body is where all the main report objects are placed
Margin: the report layout only governs the part of the pages designated for the main
data portion of the report. The margins are can be used to specify page headers and page
footers.
49. what are Executable file definitions in Reports
Report Builder (RWBLD60.EXE)
n
Reports Runtime (RWRUN60.EXE)
n
Reports Convert (RWCON60.EXE)
n
Reports Background Engine (RWRBE60.EXE)
n
Reports Server (RWMTS60.EXE)
n
Reports Web Cartridge (RWOWS60.DLL)
n
Reports CGI (RWCGI60.EXE)
n
Reports Queue Manager (RWRQM60.EXE)
n
Reports Launcher (RWSXC60.EXE)
n
Reports ActiveX Control (RWSXA60.OCX)
What are the Non_query fields?

Aggregated Information, Calculated information, A string Function

Can I highlight and change all the format masks and print conditions of a
bunch of fields all at once?
You can. If you highlight a bunch of objects and then right click and select properties..,
Oracle gives you a stacked set of the individual properties forms for each of the selected
objects. While this may be useful for some things, it requires changing values
individually for each object. However, instead you can select the group of fields and then
select Common properties from the Tools menu which will allow you to set the
format mask , print conditions etc. for the whole set of objects at once.
How do I change the printed value of a field at runtime?
Triggers are intended to simply provide a true or false return value to determine
whether an object should be printed. It is generally not allowed to change any values
held in the cursor, make changes to the database, or change the value of its objects
value.
That being said, there is a highly unpublicized method of doing just that using the
SRW.Set_Field_Char procedure.
The syntax is SRW.Set_Field_char (0,) and the output of the object that the current
trigger is attached to will be replaced by .
There are also SRW.set_fileld_num and SRW.set_field_date for numeric or date fields.
While these options do work, they should only be used if a suitable NVL or DECODE
statement in the original query is not possible as they are much, much slower to run.
Also, note that this change of value only applies to the formatted output. It does not
change the value held in the cursor and so can not be used for evaluating summary
totals
Report Bursting
The capability of producing multiple copies of a given report or portion of it in different
output formats is referred to as report bursting.
Additional Layout:
Additional layout created for to different format using same query and groups
without modifying default layout created by report wizard., we can use both layouts
according to user requirement.
System Variables as Source Field In Layout Editor
Ans: Current date, Page Number, Panel number, Physical Page Number, Total Pages,
Total Panels, Total Physical Pages.

Link File : Is a special type of boilerplate, that doesnt have to remain constant for each
report run
The type of file contents, can be Text, Image, CGM, Oracle drawing format, or image
URL
Source filename :the name of the file the u want link to the report Through import
Image from
USER EXITS

USER EXITS

User Exits are C and Pro C programs which is used to initialize and capture
profile values and flex fields.
User Exits are C and Pro C compilers which are used to capture values of
different environment variables.

Type of User Exits

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWINIT);

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWEXIT);
SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXSQL);
SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXVALID);
SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FORMAT_CURRENCY);

Description

1) SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWINIT);

Is used to initialize profile values.

2) SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWEXIT);

Is used to free the memory allocated.

3)

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXSQL);

Is used to capture description of code combinations.

4) SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXVALID);

Is used to capture code combination ID.

5) SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FORMAT_CURRENCY);

Is used to format currency.

Where the five User Exits are used

In Before Report
trigger

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWINIT);

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXSQL);
SRW.USER_EXIT (FND FLEXVALID);
SRW.USER_EXIT (FND
FORMAT_CURRENCY);

In After Report
trigger

SRW.USER_EXIT (FND SRWEXIT);

Oracle Reports Builder Questions & Answers

What are the different types of reports?

Tabular

Master Detail Reports

Form Reports

Form Letter Reports

Mailing Labels Reports

Matrix Reports

What are Anchors in reports builder?

An anchor defines the actual position of an object. Anchors are used to determine the vertical and
horizontal positioning of a child object relative to its parent.
What are the different types of anchors in Reports?
A There are two types of anchors in Oracle Reports:

Implicit (Creates when a report will run)

Explicit (Anchors you create)

What are different types of report triggers also define their order of firing ?
There are five reports trigger with order:
1-Before Parameter Form
2-After Parameter Form
3-Before Report
4-Between Pages
5-After Report
Before Form Trigger:
It will Fires before the Run time Parameter Form that will displayed on screen. By using this
trigger you can change the value of the parameters.
After Form Trigger:
Fires after the Run time Parameter Form is displayed. From this trigger, you can access
parameters and check their values. This trigger can also be used to change parameter values or, if
an error occurs, return to the Runtime Parameter Form.
Before Report Trigger:
It will Fires before the report is executed but after queries are parsed and data is fetched.
Between Pages Trigger:
Fires before each page of the report is formatted, except the very first page. This trigger can be
used for customized page formatting. (Note : In the Previewer, this trigger only fires the first
time that you go to a page. If you subsequently return to the page, the trigger does not fire again.)
After Report Trigger:
Fires after you exit the Previewer, or after report output is sent to a specified destination, such as
a file, a printer, or an Oracle*Mail userid. This trigger can be used to clean up any initial
processing that was done, such as deleting tables. Note, however, that this trigger always fires,
whether or not your report completed successfully.
Format Triggers :

Format Triggers are PL/SQL functions executed before the object is formatted. The trigger can
be used to dynamically change the formatting attributes of the object.
What are Placeholder Columns ?
A placeholder is a logical column for which you can conditionally set the datatype and value via
PL/SQL or a user exit. Placeholder columns are useful when you want to selectively populate a
column with a value.
What are the different page layout sections in Oracle Reports ?
A report has three main sections:
1-Report header pages
2-Report body/margin pages
3-Report trailer pages
What are different types of parameters?
There are two types of parameters:
1-System Parameters
2-User defined (bind and lexical) parameters
What is the difference between Bind and Lexical parameter?
1-Bind parameters are used to replace a single value in SQL or PL/SQL, such as a character
string, number, or date.
2-Lexical parameters are placeholders for text that you embed in a SELECT statement. Use
Lexical reference when you want the parameter to substitute multiple values at runtime. You can
use lexical references to replace the clauses appearing after SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP
BY, ORDER BY, HAVING, CONNECT BY, and START WITH.
Define different types of Matrix report ?
1-Single query
2-Multi query
3-Nested Query
4-Matrix Break
How can you print one record per page in the output?
You can set the maximum records per page property of the Repeating frame to
What is page protect property in report builder?
Page protect property for an object indicates whether to try to keep the entire object and its
contents on the same logical page. Checking Page Protect means that if the contents of the object
cannot fit on the current logical page, the object and all of its contents will be moved to the next
logical page.
What is the Print Condition Type property?
Print Condition Type property specifies the frequency with which you want the object to appear
in the report. The Print Condition Type options indicate the logical page(s) on which the object
should be triggered to print with regard to the Print Condition Object.

What are the various values of the Print Condition Type property in Reports ?
The various values are :
1-All:
All means the object and all of its contents will be printed on all logical pages of the Print
Condition Object. The object will be repeated on any overflow pages of the Print Condition
Object and will be truncated at the logical page boundary, if necessary.
2-All but First:
All but First means the object and all of its contents will be printed on all logical pages of the
Print Condition Object except the first logical page. The object will be formatted only on
overflow pages of the Print Condition Object and will be truncated at the logical page boundary,
if necessary.
3-All but Last:
All but Last means the object and all of its contents will be printed on all logical pages of the
Print Condition Object except the last logical page. The object will be repeated on any overflow
pages of the Print Condition Object except the last one and will be truncated at the logical page
boundary, if necessary.
4-Default:
Default means that Oracle Reports will use object positioning to set the Print Condition Type to
either *First or *Last for you.
5-First:
First means that the object and all of its contents will only be printed on the first logical page of
the Print Condition Object. The object will be formatted and will overflow to subsequent pages,
if necessary.
6-Last:
Last means that the object and all of its contents will only be printed on the last logical page of
the Print Condition Object. The object will be formatted after the Print Condition Object and will
overflow to subsequent pages, if necessary.
What is the difference when Flex mode is mode ON & when it is OFF?
When we set flex mode is ON then reports automatically resizes the parent when the child is
resized.
What is the difference when confine mode is ON and when it is OFF?
When we set confine mode is ON thenobject cannot be moved outside its parent in the report
layout.
What is the minimum number of groups that is required in matrix report?
Four groups are required for a matrix reports.
What is the lock option in reports layout in oracle reports builder?
when we set lock option we cannot move the fields in the layout editor outside the frame. This is
very useful for maintaining the fields.
What are different types of column in reports?
There are 3 types of columns in the reports builder:
1-Placeholder Column

2-Formula Column
3-Summary Column

Oracle Reports Interview Questions and

Answers
Interview questions and answers for Oracle
Reports Interview Questions and Answers
Oracle Reports Interview Questions and Answers
includes, different file extensions that are created
by oracle reports, designation, lexical reference,
bind reference, use of command line parameter
cmd file, external pl/sql library executed, default
parameter, read level consistency, term, link
property sheet, place holder column, hidden
column, break group, anchors, matrix object,
layout editor of the report writer, term panel,
anchoring object, frame & repeating frame.

1. What are the different file extensions that are created by oracle
reports?
Rep file and Rdf file.
2. From which designation is it preferred to send the output to the
printed?
Previewer.
3. Is it possible to disable the parameter from while running the report?
Yes
4. What is lexical reference?How can it be created?
Lexical reference is place_holder for text that can be embedded in a
sql statements.A lexical reference can be created using & before the
column or parameter name.
5. What is bind reference and how can it carate?
Bind reference are used to replace the single value in sql,pl/sql
statements a bind reference can be careated using a (:) before a column
or a parameter name.
6. What use of command line parameter cmd file?
It is a command line argument that allows you to specify a file that
contain a set of arguments for r20run.
7. Where is a procedure return in an external pl/sql library executed at
the client or at the server?
At the client.
8. Where is the external query executed at the client or the server?
At the server.
9. What are the default parameter that appear at run time in the parameter
screen?
Destype and Desname.
10. Which parameter can be used to set read level consistency across
multiple queries?
Read only.
11. What is term?
The term is terminal definition file that describes the terminal form
which you are using r20run.
12. What is use of term?
The term file which key is correspond to which oracle report

Question 1: What is Oracle Developer?

Oracle Developer consists of Oracle Components that are helpful in designing the meaningful
applications.
Question 2: What is a Report Builder?
Report Builder is a component of Oracle Developer that is used to display data in a specified
format required by the user.
Question 3: What are the various styles used in the Reports?
Various styles used in Reports are:
a)

Tabular

b)

Form-Like

c)

Mailing Label

d)

Form Letter

e)

Group Left

f)

Group Above

g)

Matrix

h)

Matrix with Group

Question 4: What is GUI?

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. GUI is a program interface that takes advantage of the
computers graphics Capabilities to make the program easier to use.
Question 5: What are the different Report Builder Components?
Report Builder Components are:
a)

Object Navigator

b)

Property palette

c)

Data Model Editor

d)

Layout Model Editor

e)

Parameter Form Editor

Question 6: What is a difference between Object Navigator and property Palette?

The object navigator shows a hierarchical view of objects in the report and a property palette is a
window that displays the settings for defining an oracle report object.
Question 7: What is a Syntax Palette?
Syntax palette is a programming tool that helps in copying the syntax of Constructs into the
PL/SQL Editor.
Question 8: What are the different ways of viewing the Report output?
Different ways of viewing the Report output are:
a)

Screen

b)

Preview

c)

Printer

d)

Mail

e)

File

f)

Cache

g)

Localfile

h)

Sysout

Question 9: Can Report output to multiple destinations?

Yes, the Report can be Output to multiple Destinations in one single run of the Report.
Question 10: What is a difference between Screen view and Preview?
Use the Screen font to format. It does not consider printer fonts. Use the Printer font to format
and Screen font to Display. Using Preview gives you a better impression of how the printed
result will appear.
Question 11: What are the different types of Report Builder Modules?
Different types of Report Builder Modules are:

a)

Reports

b)

Templates

c)

External SQL Queries

d)

PL/SQL Libraries

Question 12: Explain different types of Report Builder Views?

Different types of Report Builder Views are:
a)

Data Model

b)

Layout Model

c)

Live Previewer

d)

Parameter Form

Data Model: Defines the Data structure and the values to be Displayed.
Layout model: Formatting Information about how the values appear in the Output.
Live Previewer: Displays Report Output and allows simple modifications to the Layout without
having opened the Layout Model.
Parameter Form: Allows the user input values at runtime through runtime parameter values.
Question 13: Explain Report builder objects?
Report builder objects falls into following three categories:
Data model objects:
a)

Query: defines the Data structure i.e. SQL Query.

b) Group: Each group is owned by a Query. Used to group columns selected in the query.
Oracle Report automatically creates a group for each query.
c)

Columns: consists of Formula, Summary and Placeholder columns.

d)

Data Link: Join Queries for complex data relationships.

e)

Parameter: consists of System and User Parameters.

Layout model objects:

a)

Repeating Frame: Contains objects that can print once for each record of associated group.

b)

Frame: Contains objects that can print only once.

c)

Field: Contains data and other variable values and their format.

d)

Boilerplate: Consists of general, text or graphics type.

Parameter form objects:

a)

Field: Contains Parameter values.

b) Boilerplate: Contains constant text or graphics that appears on the runtime parameter form.
Consists of graphical, text and image type.
Question 14: What are the different styles of breaking the reports?
There are two different styles of breaking the reports:
a)

Group left

b)

Group above

Question 15: Name three different templates options in report builder?

Three different templates (.tdf) options in report builder are:
a)

Predefined Template

b)

Template File (browse)

c)

No Template

Question 16: What are the different ways to store Report builder module?
There are two different ways to store Report builder module:
a)

Operating System File

b)

Report Builder Database Table

Question 17: Where can you store Template module?

Template module can be stored in an operating system file only, not in the database tables.

Question 18: Explain different extensions of Reports?

Different extensions of Reports are:
a)

. Rdf: Binary mode, executable (Full Report definition is modifiable)

b)

. Rep: Binary mode, executable (not modifiable, no source code)

c)

. Rex: Contains ASCII text. Not executable.

Question 19: Give any one reason of saving the report builder module in the database?
One reason for saving in the database is to use the reports utility to document your Report
definition.
Question 20: How can you convert your report definitions from one storage type to
another?
You can convert your report definitions from one storage type (.rdf, .rep, .rex) to another by
using RWCON60 executable.
Question 21: How many query and group do Tabular style, Group above and Group left
prepares?
The objects that the report wizard creates by default depend on the style of report that you
choose:
a)

Tabular Style: one query, one group

b)

Group Above, Group Left: one query, two or more groups.

Report Wizard creates only one Query.

Question 22: How can you delete a database column from the group?
You cannot delete a database column object directly from the group. To delete a column you
must remove the corresponding expression from the SELECT statement in the Query.
Question 23: Do Report wizard supports page summaries?
Report Wizard does not support page summaries. Create the field manually in the Layout editor.
Question 24: What is the minimum number of groups in Matrix Report?
The minimum number of groups in Matrix Report is Four.

Question 25: Name the three sections of Layout model?

Three sections of Layout model are:
a)

Header Section

b)

Main Section

c)

Trailer Section

Question 26: What is a difference between Confine and Flex mode?

To avoid errors in Layout model always work in the layout using the Confine Mode and Flex
Mode.
Confine Mode consist of:
a)

Close Padlock: Restrict to move objects position

b)

Open Padlock: Does not restrict to move objects.

Flex Mode consist of:

a)

Enabled: Layout boundary moves with the objects.

b)

Disabled: Only the object can move.

Question 27: What is an Anchor?

Anchor is used to position the object position in relative to another object. Anchor is also used
for suppressing spaces.
Question 28: What are the advantages of using Button on Reports?
Button is used to perform additional actions such as:
1)

Accessing a URL

2)

Calling another report etc.

Question 29: What is Conditional Formatting?

Conditional formatting is a programming tool that is used to hide, change font, color etc of
objects based on some conditions.
Question 30: Explain different types of columns used in report builder?

Different Columns contained in Report Builder are:

a)

Data Columns

b)

Formula Columns

c)

Summary Columns

d)

Placeholder Columns

Data Columns: Data Columns contain the data values for a report. Data Columns are
corresponding to the table columns included in the select list of a query. Each column is placed
in the group associated with the query.
Formula Columns: Formula Columns performs user-defined computations. Formula Columns
executes a PL/SQL function and must return a value. Formula Columns can be placed at the
Report or Query level. Formula Columns should not be used to set a parameters value. Formula
Columns is denoted by CF_
Summary Columns: Summary Columns are used for calculating summary information like: Sum,
Average, Minimum, Maximum, Count, First, Last, % of Total, Std Deviation and Variance.
Summary Columns can be placed at the Report or Query level. Summary Columns is denoted by
CS_.
Placeholder Columns: Placeholder Columns are storage areas in the Data Model. Used for
Temporary storage of data for future reference. Placeholder Columns value can be set in the
following places: Before Report Trigger and Report-Level Formula Columns. Placeholder
Columns can be populated by a Before Report Trigger but are generally populated by a Formula.
Although Placeholders allow PL/SQL to be written within them, they cannot be Self-populated,
their value must be set by an external program Unit and any attempts at self-population will
result in a runtime compilation error. However the Formula assigned to the Placeholder must
return a value. Placeholder Columns is denoted by CP_.
Example: At Formula column:
Function CF_1formula return Number is
Begin
If :no_in_stock<10 then
:CP_1:=Only||:no_in_stock||Items left in stock!!;
End if;
Return 1;

End;
Example at Placeholder column:
Function CP_1formula return Char is
Begin
Return null;
End;
Question 31: How many types of Report Builder Triggers are there?
There are five different types of Report Builder Triggers:
a)

Before Parameter Form

b)

After Parameter Form

c)

Before Report

d)

Between Pages

e)

After Report

Question 32: Explain Report Builder Triggers in detail?

Before Parameter Form fires before the Runtime Parameter Form is displayed. From this Trigger,
you can access and change the value of parameters, PL/SQL Global variables and report-level
columns. If the runtime parameter form is suppressed, this trigger still fires. This Trigger can be
used for validation of command line parameters.
After Parameter Form fires after the Runtime Parameter Form is displayed. From this Trigger,
you can access and check Parameter values. Is used to perform dynamic query through Lexical
parameters. Columns from the Data Model are not accessible from this Trigger If the runtime
parameter form is suppressed, this trigger still fires. This Trigger can be used for validation of
command line parameters. Any processing that will affect the data retrieved by the report should
be performed in these triggers (Before and After Parameter Form Triggers).These are the two
triggers that fire before anything is parsed or fetched.
Before Report fires before the report is executed but after the query is parsed.
Between Pages fires before each page of the report is formatted, except the very first page. This
trigger can be used for customised page formatting. In the previewer, the trigger only fires the

first time that you go to a page. If you subsequently return to the page, the trigger does not fire
again.
After Report fires after you exit the previewer, or after report output is sent to a specified
destination, such as a file, printer etc. This trigger can be used to clean up any initial processing
that was done such as deleting tables. This trigger always fires, whether or not your report
completed successfully. Any processing that will not affect the data retrieved by the report can be
performed in these triggers (Before, After report and between Pages).
Question 33: What is a Format Trigger? Explain in brief?
Format Trigger is used to format objects based on some conditions. Format trigger are PL/SQL
functions executed before the object is displayed. The function must return a Boolean value
(TRUE or FALSE). Format triggers do not affect the data retrieved by the report. Dont perform
calculations or use DML in a format trigger because it cannot be sure how many times a format
trigger will fire for a particular object. For example: Highlighting a value, Highlighting a row,
Suppressing labels, Suppressing values, Placing commas between fields etc.
Question 34: What are Lexical Parameters?
Lexical Parameters performs dynamic SQL query. Use to change the data definition at runtime.
Use Lexical references to replace the clauses appearing after SELECT, FROM, WHERE,
GROUP BY, ORDER BY, HAVING, CONNECT BY, and START WITH. Is denoted by &. You
cannot make lexical references in a PL/SQL statement. However, use a bind reference in PL/SQL
to set the value of a parameter that is then referenced lexically in SQL. Code is written in
AFTER PARAMETER FORM Trigger.
For example:
DATA MODEL QUERY:
Select * from employee where dept_id=10 &statuslexical parameter
CODING AT AFTER PARAMETER FORM
Function AfterPForm return Boolean is
BEGIN
IF :status=ALL Then
:status:=AND (STATUS IN (P,N) OR STATUS IS NULL);
ELSIF :status=P Then
:status:=AND STATUS=P ;

ELSE
Null;
END IF;
END;
Question 35: What is difference between Vertical and Horizontal Elasticity?
Vertical Elasticity property deals with how the vertical size of the object may change at runtime
to accommodate the objects or data within it.
Vertical Elasticity is categorised into four properties:
a)
Contract: Means the vertical size of the object decreases. If the formatted objects or data
within it are short enough, but it cannot increase to a height greater than that shown in the Report
Editor. Truncation of data may occur.
b)
Expand: Means the vertical size of the object increases, if the formatted objects or data
within it are tall enough, but it cannot decrease to a height less than that shown in the Report
Editor.
c)
Fixed: Means the height of the object is the same on each logical page, regardless of the
size of the objects or data within it. Truncation of data may occur.
d) Variable: Means the object may expand or contract vertically to accommodate the objects or
data within it (with no extra space).
Horizontal Elasticity property deals with how the horizontal size of the object may change at
runtime to accommodate the objects or data within it.
Vertical Elasticity is categorised into four properties:
a)
Contract: Means the horizontal size of the object decreases. If the formatted objects or data
within it are wide enough, but it cannot increase to a width greater than that shown in the Report
Editor. Truncation of data may occur.
b)
Expand: Means the horizontal size of the object increases, if the formatted objects or data
within it are wide enough, but it cannot decrease to a width less than that shown in the Report
Editor.
c)
Fixed: Means the width of the object is the same on each logical page, regardless of the
size of the objects or data within it. Truncation of data may occur.

d) Variable: Means the object may expand or contract horizontally to accommodate the objects
or data within it (with no extra space).
Question 36: What is difference between Page Break Before and page Break After?
Page Break before indicates that you want the object to be formatted on the page after the page
on which it is initially triggered to print. Note that this does not necessarily mean that all the
objects below the object with Page Break Before will move to the next page. Suppose that you
want each instance of a repeating frame to be on a logical page by itself. First, set Maximum
Records per Page to 1 for the repeating frame so that only one instance appears on each logical
page. Then, specify Page Break Before and Page Break After, to make sure that the first instance
of the repeating frame starts on a new logical page.
Page Break After property indicates that you want all children of the object to be moved to the
next page. In other words, any object that is a child object of an anchor (implicit or explicit) to
this object will be treated as if it has Page Break Before set to Yes. Note that this does not
necessarily mean that all the objects below the object with Page Break After will move to the
next page. Suppose that you want each instance of a repeating frame to be on a logical page by
itself. First, set Maximum Records per Page to 1 for the repeating frame so that only one instance
appears on each logical page. Then, specify Page Break Before and Page Break After, to make
sure that the first instance of the repeating frame starts on a new logical page.
Question 37: What is Page Protect in Oracle Reports?
The Page Protect property indicates whether to try to keep the entire object and its contents on
the same logical page. Setting Page Protect to yes means that if the contents of the object cannot
fit on the current logical page, the object and all of its contents will be moved to the next logical
page. Suppose that you have a group report. If at all possible, you would like to have all of the
details and the master appearing on the same page. To do this, you specify Page Protect for the
master repeating frame (the outermost repeating frame). If the details and the master cannot fit
on the first page on which they are triggered to print, they will be triggered to print on the next
page instead.
Question 38: What are the parameters of RUN_PRODUCT Procedure in Oracle Reports?
The Syntax of RUN_PRODUCT is:
RUN_PRODUCT (Product Number, Module Varchar2, Commmode Number, Execmode
Number, Location Number, Paramlist_id Varchar2, Display Varchar2)
Product: Oracle product you want to invoke can be a Forms, Graphics, Reports, Book.
Module: Defines a Path from where to call a Product.
Commmode: Communication mode to be used when running the called product. Can be either:

a)
Synchronous: Specifies that control returns to form only after the called product has been
exited. The end user cannot work in the form while the called product is running.
b) Asynchronous: Specifies that control returns to the calling application immediately even if
the called application has not completed its display.
Execmode: Execution mode to be used when running the called product. For Reports and
Graphics Builder execmode can be either BATCH or RUNTIME. For Form Builder only
RUNTIME is used.
Location: Location can be either FILE SYSTEM or the DATABASE.
Paramlist_Id: Specifies the Parameter list to be passed to the called Product.
Display: Used only for Graphics Builder. (Blockname.Item_name)
Question 39: What we use SRW Package in Oracle Reports?
Some of the uses of SRW Package are:
a)

SRW.DO_SQL

b)

SRW.RUN_REPORT

c)

SRW.MESSAGE

d)

SRW.PROGRAM_ABORT

e)

SRW.DO_SQL_FAILURE

Question 40: What is difference between Live Previewer and Runtime Preview?
The main difference between Live Previewer and Runtime Preview is as below:
Live Previewer
1
2
3
4

Can open one at a time

Can modify the layout without opening
the layout Editor
Cannot magnifying or reduce the report
O/P.
Cannot split the report output
horizontally or vertically

Runtime Preview
Can Open many at once
throughSRW.Run_Report Package defined
at Button.
Cannot modify the Layout.
Can magnifying or reduce the report O/P.
Can split the report output horizontally or
vertically

Question 41: Explain System Parameters of Oracle Reports in detail?

The main System Parameters of Oracle Reports are:

a)

BACKGROUND: Is whether the report should run in the foreground or the background.

b)

COPIES: Is the number of report copies that should be made when the report is printed.

c)

CURRENCY: Is the symbol for the currency indicator (e.g., $).

d)

DECIMAL: Is the symbol for the decimal indicator (e.g., .).

e)
DESFORMAT: Is the definition of the output devices format (e.g., landscape mode for a
printer). This parameter is used when running a report in a character-mode environment, and
when sending a bitmap report to a file (e.g. to create PDF or HTML output).
f)
DESNAME: Is the name of the output device (e.g., the file name, printers name, mail
userid).
g)
DESTYPE: Is the type of device to which to send the report output (screen, file, mail,
printer, or screen using PostScript format).
h)

MODE: Is whether the report should run in character mode or bitmap.

i)

ORIENTATION: Is the print direction for the report (landscape, portrait, default).

j)

PRINTJOB: Is whether the Print Job dialog box should appear before the report is run.

k)

THOUSANDS: Is the symbol for the thousands indicator (e.g., ,).

Question 42: How can you create Additional Report Layout in Oracle Reports?
Additional Report Layout can be created by dragging an Additional Default Layout button from
a tool palette in layout section.