Define Columns

This page shows how to define the columns in the result set of a report extraction.

A report column is defined by its name, offset and length. Per default, all columns are of data type string. To identify a columns, the report needs to be executed. Columns can then be identified based on the output.

• Some classical ABAP reports are developed to use the pipe symbol '|' as a delimiter for the output columns. In this case the Xtract Report component can automatically identify the columns. Automatic column detection also works for most ALV reports. Example:
  
• For reports where the output is not separated by the pipe symbol, the columns must be identified manually. Example:
  

For information on how to parse rows as columns, see Parse Header Row as New Column.

Define Columns Automatically

Automatically detect columns

Click [Automatically detect columns] to execute the report based on the selected variant or selections. If they can be identified automatically, the column name, width and offset are displayed in the Columns section in the main window of the component.

Dynamic column width and offset

If this option is active, the column width and offset is adjusted dynamically at report runtime. This can be required for reports that have varying column widths depending on the report's selection criteria.

Define Columns Manually

When automatic column detection is not possible, the column names, widths and offsets must be set manually.

1. Make sure no columns are defined yet. If columns are defines, click [ ] in the Columns section in the main window of the component to delete the columns.
   
2. Click [Load live preview]. The report is executed based on the selected report variant or selections. The output of the report is displayed in the Load Preview section.
3. To define the beginning (offset) of a column, press and hold down the left mouse button in the Load Preview section.
4. To define the length of a column, move the mouse pointer to the right while still holding down the left mouse button.
5. Let go of the cursor. The report column is highlighted with a green background and an entry is added to the Columns section.
   
6. To change the column name, offset and width, click in the respective fields in the Columns section and enter a new value.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all columns are defined.

Related Links

• Knowledge Base Article: Parse Reports in Xtract IS.