The report parameters are separated into four sections within the .RPT file: inside the level specification block, inside the report type block, inside the report block, and the overall .RPT file. These four sections are nested within each other as shown in this illustration:

For more information about these commands, see:

A global definition block consists of a series of global parameters, and is placed at the beginning of a Report Definition file. The settings and definitions are applied to all reports in the Report Definition file, unless specifically overridden by a setting or definition in a local definition block.

The level specification block consists of a series of level parameters (SELECT, WHERE, and ORDERBY commands). Level specification blocks are often contained between JOIN commands.

A local definition block consists of a series of local parameters, and is placed inside a report block. The settings and definitions are only applied to the individual report. The settings and definitions contained in the local definition block can be used to override settings and definitions in the global definition block.

The report block consists of the report name specification, followed by a series of local parameters (local report block), followed by the report type block. The local parameters (level specification block) and report type block are enclosed within curly braces.

The report type block consists of the report type specification (TABULAR or MATRIX), followed by a series of level specification blocks contained within curly braces.