Query interfaces

QMF provides robust querying capabilities. You can create new queries using the query building editors or import existing queries. Imported queries can be edited as needed.

In the Visual Query Editor, you can create relational, analytical, and OLAP queries using different query interfaces that are tailored to different skill and knowledge levels. A technical user might select to use a familiar SQL interface, while a business user might opt for a graphical user interface.

In the Cloudant Query Editor, you can create Cloudant queries. IBM Cloudant does not have the Content Assist feature, and hence it is not available in the Cloudant Query Editor

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

Type Description Characteristics of this type of editor

SQL Editor

Query is written in SQL.
  • Use to create visual queries.
  • SQL statements entered directly into editor.
  • User should be familiar with SQL.

Prompted Query Editor

Query is built by prompting the user for information about the tables, columns, rows, and conditions to use to create the query.
  • User guided through the query build process.
  • User does not need to be familiar with SQL.
  • Prompted Query editor constructs the SQL statements.

Query Builder Editor

Query is built visually by specifying table, join, column, sort, and row information.
  • Use to create visual queries.
  • User diagrams the information used by the query.
  • User does not need to be familiar with SQL.
  • Query Builder editor constructs the SQL statements.

Cloudant Query Editor

Query is built with the help of the metadata table that defines that presentation of the JSON data, which is retrieved from a Cloudant database, as a relational table in the result set.
  • Use to create Cloudant queries.
  • User modifies the metadata table and specifies query parameters to display specific data in the results.
  • Cloudant does not have the Content Assist feature, and hence it is not available in the Cloudant Query Editor
In the Visual Query Editor, you can switch between the editors by selecting the SQL, Prompted, or Build tabs in the query interface.
Tip: Actions taken in one tab automatically appear in the query views shown in the other tabs, allowing users to develop the query using a blend of the three query editors if necessary. However, certain changes made to the query text in the SQL editor (such as unions and subselects) might render the query unsuitable for the Prompted Query or Query Builder editors. In these cases, the query will remain editable in the SQL view only.

You can use the Draw Query wizard to create a query object automatically based on the query type and tables that you specify. This menu option is the same as the DRAW command in QMF for CICS/TSO.

Experienced QMF users can use the command bar to access a query or database table. The command bar includes an area for the command itself, along with a means of selecting the server against which the command will run.