Getting Started with SQR for PeopleSoft

This chapter discusses:

SQR for PeopleSoft overview.
SQR for PeopleSoft implementation.

SQR for PeopleSoft Overview

SQR for PeopleSoft is both a language and a set of tools that enable you to create professional reports:

SQR is a programming language for accessing and manipulating data to create custom reports. SQR has many advantages, including that it is portable across multiple platforms and relational database management systems, and it supports SQL's data manipulation capabilities. It is also a fourth-generation language; it is closer to human languages and therefore more intuitive than first-, second-, or third-generation languages. SQR for PeopleSoft enables you to design report layouts, generate a variety of output types —including complex tabular reports, multiple page reports, form letters, mailing labels, and more—and create HTML, PDF, or configured output for laser printers and phototypesetters.
SQR Execute enables you to run previously compiled SQR programs.
SQR Print enables you to configure reports for most printers.
SQR also provides a library of sample programs and output that you can use both as a learning tool and as a basis for creating your own reports. These samples live in the SQR for PeopleSoft directory <PS_HOME>\bin\sqr\<database_platform>\SAMPLE (or SAMPLEW, for Windows).

See Understanding SQR for PeopleSoft.

SQR for PeopleSoft Implementation

This section describes the steps that you should carry out before you can begin to implement SQR for PeopleSoft.

You need a sound understanding of SQL and structured programming languages to use the SQR language.
You do not need to carry out a separate installation procedure because SQR for PeopleSoft is installed automatically when you install PeopleTools.

See PeopleTools 8.49 Installation Guides for your database platform.
Typically, you should use Application Engine to run background SQL processing programs. You may want to explore whether Application Engine can meet your needs before delving into SQR.

See Getting Started With PeopleSoft Application Engine.
You can run SQR programs locally by using the SQR executable (for Windows it's SQRW) and through the PeopleSoft Process Scheduler. For the details on installing Process Scheduler:

See The PeopleTools 8.49 Installation guide for your database platform.

For the details on running SQRs using the Process Scheduler:

See Submitting and Scheduling Process Requests.

Other Sources of Information

This section provides information to consider before you begin to use SQR for PeopleSoft.

In addition to implementation considerations presented in this section, take advantage of all PeopleSoft sources of information, including the installation guides, release notes, PeopleBooks, red papers, the Updates + Fixes area of Customer Connection, and PeopleSoft's curriculum courses.