How are Queries Written

Restriction: This topic applies to Windows environments only.

Queries to XDB Server and other supported database systems are always written in the form of an SQL SELECT statement. When you use SQLWizard to create a query, you can type the SELECT command yourself in an SQL Edit window, or you can use a Query Design window to assist you in generating the statement.

SQLWizard's Query Design facility assists both new and experienced users in writing SQL statements by providing interactive screens, online help, syntax checking, and access to database object information.

Because of the advantages of the prompted method of writing queries, we will focus primarily on this method. However, the section on the SQL Edit window will provide you with the information you need to know if you would rather type queries yourself. In addition, some SQL statements, including some variations of the SELECT statement, cannot be created or executed from the Query Design window. You will need to use the SQL Edit window to create and run these statements. Often you can use a Query Design window to help you write significant portions of these types of SQL statements.