## F

#### field

A field is the basic building block of a record. Each record is made up of one or more fields, and each field can hold one piece of data (known as a value). A customer record in a typical customer mailing list database might contain fields similar to these: Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Fax. A field can be empty, or it can contain a value. Field data is typically displayed/printed in columns in the Details section of a report.

#### field value

See value.

#### field width

Field width is the size of the field in the originating database. A field width is generally fixed, and values in the field may take up all or only a part of the allotted width. The program includes Trim functions for removing excess white space from field values that do not fill their respective fields.

#### file

A file is a collection of related data stored under one name. In Seagate Crystal Reports, each report is stored as a single file.

#### fixed properties

Properties that will always be performed on the object.

#### flag

A flag is a character or group of characters used to highlight or identify items of interest to call them to the user's attention. For example, in an accounts receivable report, the words "past due" might be printed as a flag beside every past due account.

#### footer

The footer is the text that appears at the bottom of a report page. Footer text frequently includes page numbers, and may include other information that describes or identifies the report. Seagate Crystal Reports gives you the option of printing the footer on all pages or on only selected pages of your report.

#### formatting toolbar

This toolbar displays buttons that you can click to perform many common formatting tasks.

#### form letter

In Seagate Crystal Reports, a form letter is a letter that can be reproduced, personalized, and customized using the program's powerful text object capabilities. Form letters generally include both text and field values. You create the letter, and the program runs it each time inserting values from a different record in the database.

#### formula

A formula is a symbolic statement of the modifications you want performed on certain data before it is printed on your report.

For example, if your report is to contain a {file.SALES} field and a {file.COST} field, you may want to create a GrossProfit field and designate its text strings as {file.SALES} - {file.COST}. This is a simple formula that tells the program to subtract the value of the {file.COST} field from the value of the {file.SALES} field and then to print the result.

You can use formulas to calculate numeric values, compare one value to another and select alternative actions based on the comparison, join multiple value into a single string, and to perform a multitude of other operations. Creating a formula in Seagate Crystal Reports is much like creating a formula in your favorite spreadsheet.

Note: The term "formula" in Seagate Crystal Reports is equivalent to the term "expression" in Microsoft Access.

#### Formula Editor

The Formula Editor is used to create and edit formulas. It contains tools for inserting fields, functions and operators into the formula, for checking formula syntax and for typing in formula components and arguments. Modified versions of the Formula Editor are used for creating Record and Group Selection formulas.

#### formula syntax

Formula syntax is the set of grammar rules you are required to follow when creating formulas using the formula language.

#### free form

Free form implies that placement of objects is not limited to grids (vertical or horizontal).

#### function

A function is a built-in procedure or subroutine used to evaluate, make calculations on, or transform data. When you specify a function, Seagate Crystal Reports performs the set of operators built into the function without needing each operator specified separately. In this way, a function is a kind of shorthand that makes it easier and less time consuming for you to create reports.

Seagate Crystal Reports comes with a wide range of functions, and it also includes tools that allow you to build and save additional functions for yourself.

Seagate Software, Inc. http://www.seagatesoftware.com Please send comments to: techpubs@seagatesoftware.com