Query types

QMF provides multiple ways to query data. What you can do with queries and the query results can vary depending on the type of query you run.

The following table lists the different query types supported in QMF and provides usage information about each type.

Type Description Characteristics of this type of query
Visual Query A query written in SQL or created with the Query Builder editor.
The Visual Query contains SQL and a set of formatting commands for QMF for Workstation and QMF for WebSphere® family to execute on the result set:
  • grouping and aggregation of columns
  • formatting of the data cells and text
  • creation of Calculated Columns using a new more powerful syntax that includes user defined functions in JavaScript
  • instructions to build Charts that can be toggled through by the user
  • filter criteria that act on the result set
  • multilevel prompts for substitution variables

Results can be Exported or used with forms, Visual Reports, and Visual Dashboards.
Analytical Query Manipulates results sets of other queries to perform client side joins, appends, crosstabs and other types of analytical transformations.
  • The analytical query is saved as a query in the repository or as a file, NOT saved to the QMF Catalog.
  • Not shared with QMF for TSO and CICS.
  • Contains the SQL from all other queries referenced by it, and a set of formatting commands, identical to those available in the Visual Query, QMF for Workstation and QMF for WebSphere to execute on the result set.
  • Results can be Exported or used with Forms, Visual Reports, and Visual Dashboards.
Cloudant Query An HTTP request that extracts data from a Cloudant database.

Cloudant query is a query that is written in JSON and is created with the Cloudant Query editor.
  • Cloudant queries retrieve data by using the index of the database.
  • Cloudant queries can be saved to a repository or file and cannot be saved to the QMF catalog.
  • Cloudant queries are not shared with QMF for TSO/CICS.
  • Cloudant queries can be used in visual projects.
  • To work with Cloudant query results (for example, to apply filtering, add a calculated column, create a chart, and so on) a Cloudant query must be added to an analytical query. The results of an analytical query can be managed.
  • You can create a virtual table from the result set of a Cloudant query. Once the virtual table is created, you can fire visual query on the table and explore various formatting options.