SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is a powerful tool used for creating and deploying interactive and visually appealing reports in Microsoft SQL Server. One of the key advantages of SSRS is its ability to accept parameters, which allow users to customize the data displayed in a report. These parameters can be passed to SSRS reports programmatically, making it easier to automate and streamline report generation.
In this article, we will discuss the process of passing parameters to SSRS reports programmatically and its benefits.
Why Pass Parameters Programmatically?
Before we dive into the technical details, let's understand the need for passing parameters to SSRS reports programmatically. Imagine a scenario where you have a report that needs to be generated on a daily basis with different parameters, such as date range or department name. Manually changing these parameters every time the report is run can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Automating this process by passing parameters programmatically not only saves time but also ensures accuracy.
Passing Parameters Using URL Access
The most common method for passing parameters to SSRS reports programmatically is by using URL access. This method involves constructing a URL that includes the report server, report name, and parameter values. Let's take a look at an example:
http://servername/Reports/Pages/Report.aspx?ItemPath=/SalesReport&StartDate=2021-01-01&EndDate=2021-01-31&Department=Sales
In the above URL, we are passing three parameters to the SalesReport: StartDate, EndDate, and Department. These parameters will be used by the report to filter the data and generate a report for the specified date range and department.
Using the Report Viewer Control
Another way to pass parameters programmatically is by using the Report Viewer Control. This control is a web server control that can be added to an ASP.NET web application to display SSRS reports. The Report Viewer Control has a property called Parameters that can be used to set the parameter values before the report is rendered. Let's see an example:
ReportViewer1.ProcessingMode = Microsoft.Reporting.WebForms.ProcessingMode.Remote;
ReportViewer1.ServerReport.ReportServerUrl = new Uri("http://servername/ReportServer");
ReportViewer1.ServerReport.ReportPath = "/SalesReport";
ReportParameter[] parameters = new ReportParameter[3];
parameters[0] = new ReportParameter("StartDate", "2021-01-01");
parameters[1] = new ReportParameter("EndDate", "2021-01-31");
parameters[2] = new ReportParameter("Department", "Sales");
ReportViewer1.ServerReport.SetParameters(parameters);
In the above code snippet, we are setting the parameters for the SalesReport using the ReportParameter array. Once the parameters are set, the report will be rendered with the specified data.
Benefits of Passing Parameters Programmatically
Passing parameters to SSRS reports programmatically offers several benefits, including:
1. Automation: By passing parameters programmatically, you can automate the process of generating reports, saving time and effort for your team.
2. Customization: With programmatically passed parameters, you can customize the data displayed in the report based on user input, such as date range, department, or any other criteria.
3. Accuracy: Manual entry of parameters can lead to errors, but with programmatically passed parameters, you can ensure the accuracy of the data displayed in the report.
4. Flexibility: Using URL access or the Report Viewer Control,
