## Dictionary overview

A dictionary is a structured and simplified view of data that you can create for some or all of the individuals in your organization that are using Seagate Crystal Reports.

Unlike some systems that force users to access data through a data distribution metalayer, dictionaries are optional components. Data can still be accessed directly by the user. Dictionaries simply provide all of the convenience without the restrictions.

Dictionaries allow you to:

- design a single, dynamic view of all the data that is necessary to create organizational reports and queries
- organize the data and rename tables and fields to make it easier for users to understand the content and purpose of the data
- create complex data-manipulation formulas that users can access without the need to understand formula concepts.

Note: The Formula Editor used in Crystal Dictionaries is not as complete as the one used in Seagate Crystal Reports.

Dictionaries reduce data misuse, loss, and damage. When a Dictionary is used to create a report, the only data used in the report is the data accessed through the Dictionary. You can not use a Dictionary and some other data source in the same report. Because Dictionaries are often used to impose data security, it would breach that security to allow unrestricted data access in a Dictionary report.

Note: You can include a subreport based on a different data source in a primary report based on a Dictionary.

Finally, Dictionaries provide an easy means of changing the underlying data set without changing the view of the data seen by users. You can change field and table names in the underlying data, for example. Then you remap the Dictionary to the new field and table names without changing the aliases assigned to the data. The users create their reports using the same data interface they've been using, never knowing what has changed under the surface.

Once created, the Dictionary acts as a filter, providing a view of complex data that is clear and easy for any user to understand.

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