Jasper Report Parameters

[Dennis M Kavanagh]

Hello,

I am a bit confused..I have 2 related questions

1. I have a .jasper file wih a Parameter requiring some D/B access for its value.

ok...

Do I have to use code like: Map parameters = new HashMap();
parameters.put("Report_Title");

in order to cause the D/B to access the already exisitng parameter in my .jasper file? I already have the parameter defined

OR

Will the .jasper file recognize the need to access the D/B and execute the associated .sql startment as defined (?)
in .jasper file.

I have the D/B code in place...

2. I do not have any parameters in a new .jasper file.
I have one field value, Report Title, and associated field variable : $F{ReportTitle}

After I create the .jasper file in ReportDesigner 4.1.1, I cannot convert it to a pdf. using following code as
I get a NULL Exception Pointer error. The following code is based on the example on p.43 of the iReport Ultimate Guide.:

HashMap hm = new HashMap();

JasperPrint print = JasperFillManager ( fileName, hm, new JREmptyDataSource);
JasperExportManager.exportReportToPdfFile(jasperPrint,"C:/jasperReports/demo.pdf");


This is very confusing..........

Thanks for any ideas...