Accessing/importing user defined classes in jrxml - import

Question

Have anyone tried to import user defined classes in jasper report (.jrxml file)?
I want to use some (user defined) Util class inside my jasper report to cook some bean attributes. I am using Javabean datasource
Please let me know if you need further clarification.
syntax to import class is
<import value="java.util.HashMap"/>
I want to use
<import value="mypackage.MyUtil" />
....
....
<field name="myVar" class="java.lang.String">
<fieldDescription><![CDATA[MyUtil.cook(myData)]]>
</fieldDescription>
</field>
The simple definition for MyUtil.java could be
package mypackage;
public class MyUtil
{
public static String cook(String data)
{
return data + "_cooked";
}
}

Answer 1

I think I should have tried sufficiently before asking this.
There is nothing extra needed apart from
There are two sections in jrxml:
1. Defining fields from javabean source
2. Using fields defined in step 1. to populate values in detail band
I was trying to cook the value of javabean members even before they are used to create fields
So, jasper was trying to parse that 'expression' as javabean member.
Following is wrong
<field name="myVar" class="java.lang.String">
<fieldDescription><![CDATA[MyUtil.cook(myData)]]>
</fieldDescription>
</field>
When I used the Util class on field value, it worked.
<textField>
<reportElement x="200" y="0" width="100" height="13"/>
<textElement/>
<textFieldExpression class="java.lang.String">
<![CDATA[MyUtil.cook($F{myVar})]]>
</textFieldExpression>
</textField>
Thanks
Nayn

Answer 2

You have to set the classpath in your iReport. It depends on its version, but is generally under Settings/Classpath