You can use the type dropdown to specify the parameter type. First select a parameter from the list, then specify a value in this text box. There are two types of parameters, substitution parameters and bind parameters. Please note that while talking about parameters we sometimes also call them variables.

Bind variables are real variables. You can give them a data type and a direction (input or output). Bind variables are specified by using the following syntax

:variable_name

SQL examples:

select * from emp where sal > :minimum_salary;
select * from dept where deptno = :A1;
select * from emp where employee_name = :Sheet1!A1;

Substitution variables are simpel text replacement variables. SQL*XL will replace the parameter name with the value you specify. All substitution parameters have the text data type and they can only be input parameters.Substitution variables are specified by using the following syntax

&variable_name

SQL examples:

select * from emp where sal > &minimum_salary;
select * from dept where deptn = &A1;
select * from emp where employee_name = '&Sheet1!A1';

See also:

• Parameter dialog