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Query Management
By definition, a query is much the same as a question. In the case of database queries, a user is asking their database a question. Computer programs use languages that we, as humans do not ordinarily use in our daily lives. In this case Query Wizard acts as our interpreter. The Query Wizard interpreter allows questions to be asked in a language that both the user and their database will understand.
Each Query may consist of one or more questions, logically connected with an AND or an OR logical operator to complete a valid "computer" question Query Wizard must collect three components of information: Field, Operator and Value. Given these three components, Query Wizard will construct a meaningful question.
This is the Query Drop List you will see on the sermon and library windows.
Field:
The Field is generally representative of information contained within in the database for which the developer has made available here for considered the subject of the question or what you would like to learn about. A few examples of fields would be Book of the Bible, Author name or Subject.
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. When searching for a subject or propositional noun always use Contains or your query will not find a match.
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).
Lookups:
When the value you are searching for is available in another file the Query Wizard has a lookup window you can use to pick your criteria.
Click on the ellipse button to the right of the entry field to access the list. Selecting a book of the Bible is an example of a lookup file. If the criteria must match a constant list it will be available to you to pick your option. The type of resource is an example of this constant list.
Once the design of the query is complete press the Finish button. You now have the option of saving this query. This will allow you to select the saved query from the dropdown list of Saved Queries.
When you select Yes you must enter a name for the query. The naming convention we suggest is to use the query criteria used to design the query. This way there will not be queries with the same name that actually display different results.
As soon as the new, or changed query has been saved it will run. The results of the query will be displayed in the sermon list box.
The name of the currently active query is displayed in the Select Query dropdown field at the bottom right of the window.
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