Creating a query

Queries allow you to find entities and links using complex conditions. You can describe the items you are looking for in a graphical way, using multiple conditions and linked entities.

The Query dialog has two modes:
  • Simple mode displays only the query conditions for one type of entity.
  • Extended mode displayed a graphical area in the lower half of the dialog allowing you to drag entities onto the dialog and link them together. This allows you to find interconnected entities.
You can move from one mode to the other by clicking the Query Structure button.
  1. A default name is given to your query but you should enter a more meaningful name in the text box at the top of the dialog.
    Note: You cannot give two queries the same name. Query names must be unique.
  2. Set up the conditions for your query using simple mode or extended mode or a combination of both. You can also define parameters in your query so that you are prompted to enter values when the query is performed.
    Note: The at (@) sign is a special character that is used to specify parameters in Creating a parameterized query, if any values in the Value 1 column of the Query dialog start with an at (@) sign then you must prefix the entire value with an additional at (@) sign if you do want to be prompted for a search value each time the query is performed. For example, if the value in the Value 1 column is @123 then you must enter @@123.
  3. Sometimes abstract entities are also available on which you can perform your queries. These are useful if you wish to look across several entity types during your query. At any time, you can click the Show Types button to display the entity and link type hierarchies.
  4. When you are satisfied with the conditions that you have set up, you can perform the query.