Entity and link semantic types in queries

Semantic types can be used to search for data in several different entity types or link types in a single query. You can use semantic types in this way if your database is an SQL Server database and semantic types are assigned.

Procedure

To search entities that are assigned a particular semantic type:

  1. List the available semantic types by either:

    • Drag the {Semantic Type} icon from the query palette onto the pane on the right.

    • Drag the {Any Entity Type} icon from the query palette. Then:

      • Click Assign Semantic Type.

      • Right-click on the icon, and select Semantic Type.

  2. Select the required semantic type from the tree view or type the first few letters in Search Available Semantic Types.

  3. Select the required option:

    Option

    Description

    means

    Finds all entity types that are assigned either the selected semantic type or one descended from it in the hierarchy.

    is exactly

    Finds all entity types that are assigned the selected semantic type, but not a semantic type descended from it in the hierarchy.

    does not mean

    Finds all entity types that are not the selected semantic type and are not descended from it in the hierarchy.

    is not

    Finds all entity types that are not the selected semantic type, but might be a semantic type descended from it in the hierarchy.

  4. Click OK. The query pane is updated to show the selected semantic type and match option.

  5. You can then set more specific conditions on the properties of the entity. In the Conditions area, click the first line of the table below the Field heading, and then select the field name from the list. The list is the same as for the {Any Entity Type} entry and contains:

    • Fields that are common to all entity types in your database, for example standard fields.

    • A <Semantic Type...> entry to search fields that are used by the selected entity semantic type.

  6. Continue to construct the rest of your query as usual.