Using the Query Wizard

The Query Wizard allows you to create and save your own queries in plain English. The Query Wizard interface is very easy to use and guides you through building simple or complex queries step by step. You can use the queries to view the selected data in the browse window or to print to a report. You have the ability to view and or print just the items you want.

Query Button

This button allows you to create queries (Insert Query Button), select  (Select Query Button), change (Change Query Button) and delete (Delete Query Button) queries.

Insert Button

To create a new query select the Inset Button. Each query consists of one or more selection rules that tell the program to retrieve data selectively based on the criteria you establish. Each selection rule consists of three elements:

       1. A field from the database.

       2. A Comparison Operator.

       3. A comparison value.

After pressing the Insert button select a field from Wizard Field Selection Screen. Select one of the fields from the list and press the Next button.

Next select a Comparison Operator from the Wizard Comparison Screen, then press the Next button.

The Wizard Value Entry Screen is displayed next. You can enter a Constant Value (most cases), Another field or an Expression.

If the field selected on the Wizard Selection Screen is non numeric, you will see the following check box displayed at the bottom of the screen:

               [ ] Compare using case sensitive matching.

You will normally leave this checkbox unchecked.

If the field selected on the Wizard Selection Screen is numeric, you will see the following checkbox displayed at the bottom of the screen.

               [ ] Compare using absolute values.

Again you will normally leave this box unchecked.

After entering a complete selection rule, you will have a query displayed in the window. For example:

               Category Is Equal To Comedy

On the screen are six buttons, Add, Or, Change, Delete, Finish and Cancel.

And/Or

If you want to add additional selection rules you will join them with "And" or "Or". Joing selection rules with "And" means that records must meet the selection criteria established by both rules joined by "And". See example below:

               Category Is Equal To Comedy

                               And

               Year Yaer Is Equal To 2000

The above would only select all comedy movies released in 2000.

Saving Queries

After clicking the Finish button you are asked if you want to save the query. Click Yes to save the query for later recall.  When you click Yes, a dialog box is displayed where you can enter a name (description) for the saved query.