Report design process
You can create a report object in the AL Language development environment to define the data model or dataset of a report. To define the underlying data model, you can use the report dataset. A report dataset determines the data that is extracted or calculated from the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central database tables that can be used in a report. You can build the report dataset by adding data items and columns.
Reports are used to print or display information from a database. You can use a report to structure and summarize information and to print documents, such as sales quotes and invoices.
Creating a report consists of two primary tasks:
Create the underlying data model
Define the visual layout that displays the data
The report object defines the underlying data model and specifies which database tables and fields to pull data from. When the report is run, that data is displayed in a specified layout: the visual layout, which determines the content and format of a report when it is viewed and printed.
You build the layout of a report by arranging data items and columns, and specifying the general format, such as text font and size. There are three types of report layouts; client report definition, also called RDL layouts, Word layouts, and Excel layouts. RDL layouts are defined in Visual Studio Report Designer or Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services Report Builder. Word layouts are created using Word. Word layouts are based on a Word document that includes a custom XML part representing the report dataset. Excel layouts are created in Excel based on the report dataset, utilizing the Excel capabilities such as sliders, diagrams, charts, pivot tables, and PowerQuery. One report can contain multiple report layout definitions.
If you want to modify an existing report, for example, add new columns, add to the request page, or add a new layout, you can create a report extension instead.