Mastering JavaScript Debugging in BIRT

Introduction to BIRT and JavaScript Integration

Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools (BIRT) is an open-source software project that provides reporting and business intelligence capabilities for rich client and web applications. BIRT is a top-level software project within the Eclipse Foundation, an independent not-for-profit consortium of software industry vendors and an open source community.

When creating reports in BIRT, integrating JavaScript can enhance the interactivity and functionality of your reports. However, debugging JavaScript within BIRT can sometimes be challenging. This guide aims to simplify the process by introducing an efficient method to debug JavaScript using BIRT's console mode.

Setting Up Console Mode for Debugging

Launching BIRT in Console Mode

To initiate debugging, you must first launch BIRT in console mode. This allows you to view outputs and errors directly in the console window, facilitating a quicker debugging process. Here’s how you can start BIRT in console mode:

1. Navigate to your BIRT installation directory.
2. Run the executable with the 'c' suffix, for example, eclipsec.exe:

   "C:\BIRT 251\eclipsec.exe"
   

   This differs from the standard eclipse.exe by providing a console window alongside the main BIRT Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

Creating a Basic Report

To demonstrate the use of console mode, you might start with a simple report. For instance, using a dataset like the ClassicModels customer table, you can list all customers. This basic setup helps in focusing solely on the debugging process without complications from complex data manipulations.

Debugging with JavaScript in BIRT

Accessing the Script Area

To insert and modify JavaScript in your BIRT report:

• Select your dataset.
• Click on the script tab located at the bottom of the main layout window.
• Ensure that beforeOpen is the selected script event.

Example Script and Debugging

Consider a simple script intended to display a counter using a for loop:

for(int i=1; i<11; i++) {
    Packages.java.lang.System.out.println("Count is: " + i);
}

This script contains a syntactical error in the declaration of the variable i. When you run the report, the console window will display an error message indicating the issue.

To correct the script, modify the variable declaration from int to var, which is appropriate for JavaScript within BIRT:

for(var i=1; i<11; i++) {
    Packages.java.lang.System.out.println("Count is: " + i);
}

Running this corrected script will successfully output the value of i to the console window, confirming the fix.

Additional Resources and Further Reading

For those new to BIRT or seeking to expand their knowledge, "BIRT for Beginners" by Paul Bappoo is an excellent resource. It covers a range of topics from installation to advanced reporting features. More information and supplementary materials are available on the BIRT Reporting website, which also offers membership to the BIRT User Group UK.

Conclusion

Debugging JavaScript in BIRT doesn't have to be a daunting task. By utilizing the console mode and understanding the basics of JavaScript integration, you can efficiently troubleshoot and enhance your BIRT reports. This approach not only saves time but also improves the accuracy and functionality of your reporting solutions.