How SQL statements are entered

• Use the Database Explorer window to easily find and run saved queries (also known as a canned query) that everyone at the same database server can share.
• If you know SQL, type the SQL statement directly in the window.
• If you don't know SQL, use the prompted or diagram interface to build the SQL statement.

The Database Explorer presents the objects that are saved on a server in a tree structure. By expanding and collapsing branches, you can easily locate and use saved queries. You can open the selected query and see the SQL statements or run the query.

If you need to build a new query, you can enter the SQL statements directly in the query window, or you can create the SQL statements using diagrams or prompts. As you build a query by using diagrams or prompts, you can open a view to see the SQL that is being created.

How you can work with query results

When you finish building the query, you can click the Run Query button to execute the SQL statements. After you run the query, DB2 QMF for Workstation returns the query results in an interactive window.

The query results are formatted by the comprehensive formatting options of DB2 QMF for Workstation. A robust expression language lets you conditionally format query results by retrieved column values. You can add calculated columns to the query results and group data columns on both axes with or without summaries. You can also use extensive drag-and-drop capabilities to easily restructure the appearance of the query results.

In addition to formatting the query results, you can perform the following actions:

• Create traditional text-based reports or state-of-the-art reports with rich formatting.
• Display query results by using charts and other complex visuals.
• Share reports by storing them on the database server.
• Send query results to various applications such as Microsoft® Excel or Lotus® 1-2-3®.