Using QMF

Accessing your data

When you need information from a database, you write a query, which is a request to the database to get a specific set of data. When you use QMF to get information from a database, you can "communicate" your request for information in any of three different ways. Each of the three ways has its own rules:

Prompted query

An easy-to-use query method that displays prompt panels to help you choose just the information you are looking for. Prompted Query does not require you to know the specific syntax for your database request. It does the work for you by converting your request into a language the database can understand. It is especially suited for beginners and occasional QMF users. You can learn how to use Prompted Query to access your data in Chapter 4, Viewing the Data in the Database Using Prompted Query.

SQL (Structured Query Language)

A powerful query language that lets you define, retrieve, change, and authorize access to data. SQL has a specific syntax you need to follow so the database can process your request. It is especially suited for users who must work with large amounts of data, and who work with QMF frequently. You will learn how to use SQL to access in your data in Chapter 5, Viewing the Data in the Database Using SQL Statements.

Query-by-Example (QBE)

A graphical query method that lets you retrieve and change data with a minimum of keystrokes. Appendix A, Query-by-Example describes how to use Query-by-Example to create queries.