Control Your Element Names

For most people, the default element names are just fine. Typically, I write a lot of code because I am trying to show off features of the language. For me, it is easier to use standard and distinct names for all of my report elements. For example, when you add a new DataSource to your project you get the following dialog:


















The name of the DataSource is "Data Source". I like all of my DataSources to start with the prefix src and then have a logical name to the DataSource, so I would name this srcClassic. So what I do is I go in and delete the word Data Source, and change it to src.

Fortunately, there is a better way. If you go to:
Windows -> Preferences -> BIRT -> Element Names
you can specify the basic name that is used for any of the BIRT report elements. This makes it easy to create a common set of prefixes to your elements.




















I have changed all of my DataSource elements to start with src and all of my DataSet elements start with set. I use ssrc and sset for ScriptedDataSources and ScriptedDataSets. Once I have made this change, I get a new base name for my data sets.

When I create a new DataSrc after applying these changes to the editor, I get the following dialog.



















Now my DataSet starts with a prefix of src, all I need to do to change this is add my standard name. This allows me to impose a bit better naming standards on my designs.

This is also a great place to start learning about the differences between the different types of report elements that make up a report. As you start to add prefixes to all of your report elements, you will start to see how each of these elements maps to the Report Object Model.

Scott Rosenbaum