PL/SQL Functions dialog: Arguments tab

Use this dialog to define arguments for PL/SQL functions that are registered.

You can register PL/SQL functions that have been defined in the database, using SQL commands.

For more information, see:

"Why do you need PL/SQL functions?"

Functions

This field displays Oracle-supplied PL/SQL functions and user-defined PL/SQL functions that have already been registered for use with Discoverer Administrator.

Arguments

This field displays a list of arguments defined for the function currently selected in the Functions field.

New

Use this button to create a new argument. Discoverer generates a default argument name and fields are initialized with default values. You can then edit the default values to configure the new argument as required.

Delete

Use this button to delete the currently selected argument. The argument is removed from the Arguments field.

Move Up/Move Down

Use these buttons to rearrange the list of arguments in the Arguments field. This is useful if an argument is out of place ordinally, or if the function itself has been modified and you need to update the function definition.

Attributes for <argument selected in Arguments field>

This area displays information about the selected PL/SQL function.

Name

Use this field to enter the argument name. When you add an argument, a default name is created by Discoverer Administrator.

Description

Use this field to enter additional information about the argument. When you add an argument, a default description is created by Discoverer Administrator.

Data Type

Use the drop down list to specify the argument data type for this field (the default is Number).

Identifier

Use this field to change the unique name that Discoverer uses to identify EUL and workbook objects.

Usage

• Optional

  Use this option when the argument is an optional argument to the function.

• Required

  Use this option when the argument is a mandatory argument to the function.

Notes

• This dialog becomes read-only if the current user does not have the Create/Edit Business Area privilege (for more information, see "Privileges dialog: Privileges tab").

• When a PL/SQL function contains an argument with a boolean data type, you can manually input the PL/SQL function only if the following conditions are met:

  • the boolean argument has a default value defined for it (for example, Arg1 on boolean:=TRUE)

  • you select the Optional option