Linked Queries

Linked queries, or Drill-Down, are a powerful way to improve the user experience.

In a query grid, rather than constantly accumulating new columns, it is better to let the user choose to “zoom in” on a record to get more detail. The grids flow seamlessly into each other.

We start by constructing a first query which, for an address code (ABAN8) accepts a parameter ({address}) and returns the information of this address. Here is an overview of its properties

In a second step, another query is created that gives all the customer orders. This query returns, among other things, the address codes of the recipient (SHSHAN), the parent company (SHPA8) and the ordering company (SHAN8).

• select the order query in the pannel
• click Linked queries button.

The following screen allow you to add a new link with button.

The setup windows opens and you can define link parameters.

You must specify :

• A name for this link.
• Choose if the path will be :
  • Absolute to the user directory (e.g. \EQUIPE\SYLVAIN\DrillDown\Adresses).
  • Absolute versus shared directory (e.g., \EQUIPE\SYLVAIN\DrillDown\Adresses).
  • Relative (e.g., .\Adresses)
• output type :
  • Either a consultation grid
  • or the type that is specified at the level of the query called
• The kind of connection:
• Link on a column
• Link on one line

• the bottom of the window let you manage parameters mapping, using button.

We can link several times the same query called. In our case we will link the 3 address code fields available in our Orders query:

In the preview you can see a new item:

From now on, if we execute the parent query (Orders), we will have a new contextual menu, accessible by right-clicking, to consult the address information for one of the 3 possible columns.