ext_qry

A Query by Example utility to help users write SQL predicates.

Syntax

ext_qry()

Description

The extended query utility helps a user create custom SQL queries. The user toggles to a field and hits [F8] to open a list of query examples. The selections in the list vary according to the datatype of the active field. Both the field name and the field mask are displayed in the list. The user selects an example, edits the field mask, and hits enter. The selected predicate is assigned to G.query_buf and used as a predicate in the query trigger.

Query Examples for Numeric Fields

• struct_no= 9999999
• struct_no> 9999999
• struct_no< 9999999
• struct_no<> 9999999
• struct_no> 9999999 and struct_no < 9999999
• struct_no between 9999999 and 9999999
• struct_no between 9999999 and 9999999

Query Examples for Numeric Fields

• name= 'A50'
• name> 'A50'
• name< 'A50'
• name<> 'A50'
• name LIKE '%A50%'
• name= IN ('A50','A50','A50')
• name= NOT IN ('A50','A50','A50')

Query Examples for Date Fields

• reg_date= 'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date> 'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date< 'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date<>'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date> 'DD-MON-YY' and struct_no < 'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date between 'DD-MON-YY' and 'DD-MON-YY'
• reg_date between 'DD-MON-YY' and 'DD-MON-YY'

Example

It is useful to place the following code in the key_f8 trigger, in an Extended Query menu item under Query on the menu bar or in a popup menu displayed with the right mouse button. Key_f8 and the Extended Query action should be active only during query mode.

 {

 /* Key_f8 trigger */
 if (p.mode)                             /* in query mode? */
   ext_qry();       /* provide selection of sql predicates */
 }