Understanding data selection gadgets

Users can filter data being displayed on a dashboard by using data selection gadgets. These gadgets present the user with values taken from BIRT data objects. Other gadgets, such as data visualization and report gadgets, enable users to filter their content by linking to the data selection gadgets. Dashboard designers can filter, format, and sort values that display in the data selection gadgets.

The calendar and slider can optionally be used without binding to a BIRT data object. Dashboard designers can set fixed values in these gadgets.

Gadgets that link to a data selection gadget filter data according to the configuration of the data selection gadget. The available filter operators used by data selection gadgets are shown in Table 4-7.

Table 4-7  Operators used by data selection gadgets 

Operator	Calendar	Check box	Combo Box	List	Radio	Slider
Any of		√		√
Between						√
Equal to	√		√	√	√	√
Greater than	√					√
Greater than or equal to	√					√
Less than	√					√
Less than or equal to	√					√

Dashboard designers can select which operator to use in calendar and slider gadgets.

Multiple data selection gadgets can be linked to each other to enable users to select detailed information. For example, a list gadget showing customer names and a list gadget showing order numbers can be linked together. When a user selects a customer name, the customer’s order numbers appear in the list gadget showing order numbers. Dashboard designers link a report gadget to the list gadget showing order numbers, causing the report gadget to show data about the selected order.

For more information about linking gadgets, see About linking to gadgets.

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