Using Methods in Dynamic Templates
Methods enable special processing to be incorporated into a Dynamic Template. This mechanism enables modular programming, where processing, such as a sub-query, can be defined once and then used in many Dynamic Templates. A Method can take parameters, perform an action, such as a complex calculation, and then return a value. For example, for the job enterprise object, a method can be used to derive the details about the last full backup: client ID, finish date, and job ID.
Methods have the following advantages:
Modular: Create small, modular pieces of code to query specific data. Combine several methods in one Dynamic Template.
Re-usable: Create SQL code that can be used in many Dynamic Templates. Simply drag-and-drop methods into a Dynamic Template.
Easier to Maintain: Use similar logic in multiple templates. Modifications to a method then get applied to all relevant templates.
More Filter Parameters: More tokens, selected at run time, can be passed into methods (compared to SQL templates). Example: client list.
This advanced feature requires experience in SQL (Structured Query Language) query development, similar to queries written in the SQL Template Designer. Methods can be used only in report templates that have been created using the Dynamic Template Designer.
A set of pre-defined system methods are provided to be used to incorporate complex processing into report templates. Administrators with SQL knowledge can create additional methods. When an administrator creates a method, it is available only to users within the same Domain.
For a complete, current list of pre-defined methods available in the Portal, go to
.