Example - controlling dependent lists with variables

This example uses the Best Practices sample database supplied with Application Studio. Selecting an element from a combo box determines the display of a list held in a hyperblock.

See Connecting to the sample database.

  1. Create a combo box on the worksheet.
    See List objects
  2. Link the combo box to the Period dimension.
    See List objects
  3. In the List Designer click Select Level and select Level 3 from the list. The combo box will display only the quarters elements.
    See Structure Selection.
  4. Create the global variable gv_PERIOD.
  5. Open the Object Properties dialog of the combo box and specify gv_PERIOD as the output variable.
  6. Create a hyperblock on the worksheet and link it to the Period dimension.
    SeeAssociating list objects with lists.
  7. Select the hyperblock. In Structure Selection, click Select Children and select <Edit Formula> from the Element drop down list in Selection Settings.
    See Structure Selection.
  8. In the Edit Formula dialog, click Variables and double-click gv_PERIOD.
  9. Apply the changes to the list.
    In View Mode, as you select different quarters from the combo box, the list in the hyperblock displays the appropriate months. Another example of using a global variable with lists is given in this topic:

    Using actions to restructure a list

Parent topic: Variables