> #### How to create a basic report parameter

> 1 | In Data Explorer, right-click Report Parameters, and choose New Parameter.

> New Parameter appears, as shown in Figure 11-1.

> Figure 11-1 New Parameter

> 2 | Specify the following basic properties:

> 1

> In Name, type a name for the parameter. It is good practice to use a prefix, such as RP, in the name to help distinguish report parameters from other parameter types, such as data set parameters. For example, a report parameter used to filter on a quantityinstock field might be named RP_quantityinstock. The value you specify in Name appears as the prompt to the report user if you do not specify a value for the next property, Prompt text. Rather than specify only a Name value for the parameter, you should use a technically descriptive value in Name, and provide a user-friendly value in Prompt text.

> 2 | In Data type, select a data type for the parameter.

> The data type that you select for the report parameter determines the formatting options that are available if you choose to provide a default value or a list of values for the report parameter. The data type of the parameter does not have to match the data type of the field in the data source. Values in an orderID field, for example, can be stored as integers in the data source, but the report parameter that is associated with this field can be of string type.

> 3 | Choose OK.

> The parameter appears under Report Parameters in Data Explorer.

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