PROMPTS
Some queries are designed to prompt you for information when you run them. By entering specific data, the results of your query are narrowed down to only the information you entered, instead of returning all the data from the records in the query. To help you select the correct values, you can perform a search using the drop-down menu or lookup button that appears on the screen.
Adding a prompt lets you further refine a query when you run it. Among the advantages of using runtime prompts is that the query becomes more flexible, and you do not have to create multiple queries with hard coded constant values.
To read about the basics of creating a runtime prompt with an instructive example, take a look at Introduction to PS Query – Part II – Query Manager. Search for Lesson 9.
The following demonstrate innovative ways of utilizing prompts.
How to Use a BETWEEN Prompt (illustrated example using Effective Date)
You may use Between criteria with a prompt for selecting variety of ranges. It is especially useful with a date range, a series of numbers, alphabetical ranges, academic terms, or class years. Click on the above link to see an illustrated, step-by-step demonstration of how to set up a Between prompt.
Using a Wildcard for Prompt Criteria
Using the information in this example, you can combine a wildcard with a prompt to enable the user to return some or all data for given criteria.
Query – Using InList Criteria with a Prompt
In normal use, the In List Condition Type finds fields having a value that matches any one of the values in a list of values. With this option, you are prompted to create a list with an Edit List dialog box. By combining the In List process with the use of Prompts, you can filter for a varied number of choices.
Creating a Query with a Yes/No Table Prompt
Through the use of the Prompt Edit Type of “Yes/No Table,” you can create a checkbox to filter data based on whether a field is populated.