Conditional Searches - Query By Example

Each QBE Query can consist of one or more questions, logically connected with an AND or an OR logical operator. In order to complete a valid "computer" question, there must be three components of information: Field, Operator and Value.

Field

The Field is generally representative of information contained within in the database. The field is therefore considered the subject of the question or what you would like to learn about. A few examples of fields would be Description, Last Name or Zip Code.

Operator

The Operator represents the comparison to be made between the Field and Value. Due to the nature of the value, operator selections for numbers are limited when compared to those for text. For example the most common numeric operators are Greater Than, Less Than or Equal To. The nature of text operators allow for such comparisons as Contains and Begins With.

Value

The Value will be compared (via the operator) to the field in your database. The value entry is the way you wish to describe the subject (field) of the question. In essence the value describes the trait the field should have (or not have).

Join

The "AND" logic means ALL the query conditions must be met.

The "OR" logic means ANY of the query conditions can be met.

Saved Queries

Save - Type in a Query Description and click on the OK button to save the QBE Query.

Retrieve - Retrieve a previously saved QBE Query. This will open the Saved QBE Queries window.

Reset - This will reset the current displayed QBE query (all field and value entries are cleared).

Query Description Already Exists!

This Query description already exists - you can choose to add it to the saved queries (with the same name) with the Create button. You will still be able to distinguish between the two queries if they have different creation dates. Also, you may be able to distinguish between the two queries by the Clarion language syntax format of the query that is displayed on the Saved QBE Queries window.

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