Receiving Parameters

This article explains the different ways that parameters can be received in DataPages.  You can receive parameter data and input it directly in your DataPage fields.  You can also receive parameters to display the data in formatting blocks such as headers and footers, and HTML blocks. When receiving parameters from outside Caspio it is easiest to use query strings.

Enable advanced options and parameters

You must enable parameters to receive parameters.

Receiving parameters as field data

To receive parameters as field data proceed to a Configure Fields screen.  Web Forms have one Configure Fields screen and Search and Report DataPages have three.  Now that parameters and advanced options have been enabled you will see an extra tab along the top of the screen labeled "Advanced".  Select the field which will catch the parameter and click on the Advanced tab.  The area of the Advanced tab that deals with parameters is called External Associations and Defaults.  The section of the Advanced tab that allows you to receive parameters is labeled “on load:”

Click on Receive parameter.  A default parameter using the current fieldname will automatically be generated.  You must make sure that the parameter name in the receiving DataPage matches exactly to the parameter name created in the passing Datapage.  If you are using a query string, then the field name must match exactly with the fieldname used in the URL.  Parameters should always have the syntax [@xxxxx].

Receiving a parameter in a formatting block

In HTML blocks, headers, or footers, you can receive a parameter by copying the parameter name from the passing DataPage and pasting or writing it directly into the formatting block. Be sure that the parameter uses the correct syntax [@xxxxx], and that the fieldnames match exactly.

Receiving an AutoNumber parameter

AutoNumbers passed from a Web Form have a slightly different syntax than other parameters.  You must add "InsertRecord" as a prefix before the fieldname to receive this unique field type.  The syntax of this type of parameter is shown in the following image:

sample: [@InsertRecordApplication_ID]

Using parameters as pre-defined search criteria

Pre-defined search criteria are used to bypass the search page.  You can receive parameters as pre-defined criteria and go directly to a list of results, or directly a specific details page.  First, create a Search and Report DataPage in the DataPage wizard.  Click Next.  In the Search Type screen choose pre-defined criteria and click Enable parameters in criteria. To receive query strings make sure you enable Bridge and external parameters.

In the next screen you will select your pre-defined criteria fields by moving them to the panel on the right.  Press Next.  On the Configure Fields screen, you will configure your predefined criteria to receive a parameter value in the Advanced tab.

Testing DataPages that receive parameters

When opening a DataPage that receives a parameter you will first see the Parameter Simulation window.  This window allows you to perform basic testing of receiving DataPages before you even create the DataPage (or outside element) that will be passing the parameters.