EasyAsk
Select File--> New--> Natural Query to
create a query using the EasyAsk program. This option is only available
if EasyAsk is installed.
EasyAsk is a natural language, English-only, search interface
that transforms your basic search request into a comprehensive advanced
search for relevant information in documents and relational databases.
EasyAsk returns precise answers in the format that best suits your
needs.
You can ask questions in English without learning complex database
languages, such as SQL. With EasyAsk, you can access information
stored in any database that supports SQL. EasyAsk translates your
plain-English request into SQL and displays the answer in a number
of useful formats, such as:
- graphs
- spreadsheets
- OLAP pivot tables
- native formats of multiple, third-party reporting tools
Note:
EasyAsk translates questions written in English
into SQL; other languages are not supported.
Table 22. EasyAsk Options
Option |
Description |
Open Dictionary |
Select the Open Dictionary option
to open an existing dictionary. A dictionary is a compilation of definitions
used to translate everyday English-languages into SQL. |
Query Builder |
Select the Query Builder option
to open a window for entering questions for EasyAsk to answer. |
View Interpretation |
Select the View Interpretation option
to review EasyAsk's interpretation of a question. This
option displays the actual SQL generated for the question and provides
a means to view a modified English translation of your question. |
Dictionary Editor |
Select the Dictionary Editor option
to customize a dictionary by adding, editing, and removing definitions. |
Dictionary Map |
Select the Dictionary Map option
to obtain a graphical view of the tables contained in the EasyAsk dictionary
that illustrates the relationships between the tables. |
Set Date |
Select the Set Date option
to set date parameters, such as:
- defines the word today as any date
- affects the meaning of other time-sensitive references, such
as "last month" or "this quarter"
- provides ability to query as-of a certain date
- provides the ability to specify the last month of the fiscal
year in your application
|
Construction Kit |
Select the Construction Kit option
to set dictionary parameters such as:
- creates an EasyAsk dictionary for your ODBC data source
- adds or deletes tables, columns and defined values to or from
an existing dictionary
|
Dictionary Properties |
Select the Dictionary Properties option
to customize settings for the current dictionary, such as:
- general properties
- dialect properties
- security properties
- search properties
|
