Learn how to create SQL Reports SSRS in less than 5 minutes, ssrs tutorial for beginners

Introduction

Creating SQL reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) can seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can build a professional-looking report in under five minutes. This tutorial will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Starting the Report Builder

1. Open SQL Server Reporting Services: Begin by launching the SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Click on New, then select Paginated Report.

2. Report Builder Installation: If you haven't installed Report Builder yet, click on Get Report Builder. This will redirect you to the Microsoft website where you can download the tool. If you already have it installed, simply click on Open Microsoft Report Builder.

Step 2: Selecting the Report Type

3. Choose Your Report Type: Upon opening Report Builder, you'll select the type of report you want to create. For this tutorial, we'll choose to create a Table or Matrix Report.

Step 3: Data Set Configuration

4. Set Up Your Data Set: The first task is to configure your Data Set, which is similar to your SQL query.

   • Select your data source, which typically consists of your server name and database.
   • You can opt to use a shared data source or create a new one. For demonstration, let's create a new connection.

5. Create a New Data Connection:

   • Name your connection (e.g., "My Database").
   • You can either manually input the connection string or click Build for a guided setup. Since the database will be on your local computer, input localhost.
   • Hit Refresh to load the available databases on your server, and select the one you wish to use.
   • If you have the required permissions, use your Windows user credentials, or select a database user. Click OK to create your connection string.

Step 4: Selecting the Data

6. Choose Your Table or View:

   • Once the connection is established, you will be prompted to select either a table or a view. You can choose the existing view by checking the corresponding checkbox.
   • Alternatively, you have the option to hit Edit and manually type your SQL SELECT statement.

7. Select Columns: After selecting your source, all available columns will be displayed. Since we are creating a tabular report, select all relevant columns and move them to the Values column.

Step 5: Designing the Report

8. Preview and Finalize: After selecting your values, you’ll get a preview of your report. Click Next to go ahead and then Finish to create your report.

9. Customizing Your Report: In the Report Builder, you can now give your report a title and customize it. Activate the properties pane to change elements like header background colors, adjust column widths, etc.

Step 6: Running the Report

10. Run Your Report: To see your report in action, click on the Home tab and select Run.

11. Save the Report: After reviewing your report, go back into the design mode and save your work. Choose a location on your computer (e.g., your desktop) and name your report (e.g., "Sales by Customer").

12. Upload to Report Server: Finally, navigate back to your report server and upload the report so that it's accessible to end users.

Congratulations! You have successfully created and deployed a SQL report using SSRS in under five minutes.

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Keyword

• SQL Reports
• SSRS
• Report Builder
• Data Set
• Table Report
• Matrix Report
• Database Connection
• Preview
• Save Report
• Upload

FAQ

Q1: What is SSRS?
A: SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a server-based report generating software system from Microsoft.

Q2: Do I need to install Report Builder?
A: Yes, if you don't have it already, you can download it from the Microsoft website as guided in this tutorial.

Q3: Can I use a SQL SELECT statement in SSRS?
A: Absolutely! You have the option to enter a SQL SELECT statement to customize the data displayed in your report.

Q4: What kind of report can I create with Report Builder?
A: You can create various types of reports including tables, matrices, charts, and more.

Q5: How do I share my report?
A: You can upload your report to the SSRS report server, making it accessible for end-users to run.