OUTPUT Section

OUTPUT Section
The OUTPUT section is an optional section that can specify the number of lines on each page of report output and the size of the margins. Without the OUTPUT section, INFORMIX-4GL uses default values to format each page.

command is a quoted string, specifying a program, shell script, or command line to receive the output from the report.

filename is a quoted string, specifying the name of a file to receive the report output. The filename can also include a path name.

size is a literal integer that specifies the vertical height of the page or the top or bottom margin (in lines), or the horizontal width of the left or right margin (in character positions).

string is a quoted string, specifying the page-eject character sequence.

ariable is the name of a CHAR or VARCHAR variable that contains a shell script or command line to receive the output from the report.

This section can direct the output from the report to a file or to a printer as the default output destination.

Sending Report Output to a Pipe
The specification after the PIPE keyword must return the name of a program, shell script, or command line that is to receive the report output. This can also include command line arguments.

The REPORT TO PIPE option can direct the output to a program that sends the output to the correct printer, or to some other process. The pipe feature is supported under Windows by writing to a temporary file GXRPT.TMP in the current working directory. Once the report is complete, this file is automatically deleted. Since no other window can be active during execution of a report that specifies REPORT TO PIPE, there is no possibility of competition for this temporary file between two 4GL applications.

Sending Report Output to a Printer
If you specify REPORT TO PRINTER, INFORMIX-4GL sends the report to the Print Manager.

(INFORMIX-4GL on UNIX uses the DBPRINT environment variable to specify a default printer. On Windows systems, 4GL produces printed output through the Print Manager and ignores the value of the DBPRINT environment variable.)

Sending Report Output to a File
Use the REPORT TO "filename" option to send output to a file. You can then send the file to a printer of your choice. If filename is stored in a program variable, you must pass that variable as an argument to the REPORT routine in the argument list.

Sending Report Output to the Report Window
If both the REPORT TO clause and the TO clause of the START REPORT statement are omitted, output is directed to the Report window. 4GL reports are generated in ASCII characters for output to files or printers, but 4GL changes the way they are displayed on the screen. The Report window is a persistent GUI window that appears when the report is completely assembled and ready for viewing.

The Report window is controlled by the GUI window manager. It has no mouse bar, but it does have a 4GL ring menu with Next, Previous, and Resume options. Rather than prompt the user for a RETURN at the end of a screen, the Report window highlights the Next option and waits for the user to click that option or press RETURN.

References
BOTTOM MARGIN Clause