Join Aggregate Function

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Article Goal

Learn how to use the Join() aggregate function in Finished Reports to concatenate grouped field values into a single string.

What Is the Join Function?

The Join() aggregate is used to combine values into a single string, typically grouped by a specific condition. It’s useful when you want to summarize or display multiple related values from a dataset in a condensed format (e.g., listing all Dispositions for a Client in one line).

For example, the following expression:

[][ [Client] == [^.Client] ].Join([Disposition], ',')

Will return all Disposition values for the same Client, separated by commas.

Where Is It Used?

This feature is configured in the Finished Reports Designer in VDM using the Expression Editor on a selected Label.

Download Sample View

You can follow along using the example View file below:

Download Sample View

Steps to Use Join Aggregates

Step 1: Open and Run the View

Launch your desired View and execute it so the data loads into the Finished Reports Designer.

Step 2: Open Finished Reports Designer

Click on the Finished Report Designer button once your View has finished executing.

Step 3: Select the Label for Summary

Choose the Label where you want to display the grouped data (typically within a Group Header band).

Step 4: Access Label Tasks

Click the Label Tasks button (small arrow on the right side of the label box).

Step 5: Open Expression Editor

From the Label Tasks menu, click the ( ... ) Expression to open the Expression Editor.

Step 6: Enter the Join Expression

Paste or type the Join() expression into the editor.

This example groups by Client and lists their Disposition values in one string.

Step 7: Preview the Report

Run a preview of the report to ensure the expression outputs as expected. If necessary, make further adjustments to formatting or field structure.

Article Summary

The Join() aggregate function allows you to group and concatenate values into a single field using a customizable separator. It’s highly effective for summarizing grouped data into clean, readable strings. This technique enhances Finished Report readability by eliminating the need to display multiple rows for grouped items.