Query Classes – Sept./Oct. – Joins, Criteria, Expressions, Wesleyan Functions
Sep. 23, 2014 by Carolyn Pike
This is a review of our most recent Query Instruction meetings both of which focused on using Joins in Query. This is also an overview of the content of the next classes which will be about using Expressions and Functions (including Wesleyan Functions).
If you are unable to attend the classes, feel free to make use of any of the material in the SFIS Blog. As always, I am available if you have any questions, general or specific, on working with Query. Please send an email to cpike01@wesleyan.edu .
On September 4th, in our Track 1 Query instruction class we discussed Joins in Query and how to select Criteria. These topics are found in the Query Manager module in the SFIS Blog:
- Lesson 7: Mastering Record Joins and Selection Criteria (starting at slide 30)
Through building a query with IDs and states, we joined two records and narrowed the criteria. We focused on adding a join using the Auto Join feature which looks for common keys among the joining records and creates a criteria row for each common key combination. Then we looked in detail at the attributes of the Edit Criteria Properties page and the steps that comprise adding criteria. In the Query Manager module you will find in-depth descriptions and examples of the most commonly used criteria.
The next Track 1 class (rescheduled to Thursday, October 9 at 2:00) will concentrate on Expressions and Functions:
- Lesson 8: Adding Expressions and Using Functions
In addition to defining and demonstrating the parts of an Expression through combining multiple fields, we will observe how a Wesleyan Function can be used to streamline the extraction of Wesleyan specific data from the database.
In our latest Track 2 Query class on September 18 we looked in depth at Joins in two lessons in the Advanced Concepts section of the Query Instructions in the SFIS Blog:
- Lesson 12: Join Variations (starting at slide 13)
- Lesson 17: Outer Joins (starting at slide 45)
In Lesson 12 we looked at and stepped through different types of Joins and at how they make record selection easier. In Lesson 17 we defined an Outer Join and created two queries that displayed two methods of producing an outer join. In both instances, on the criteria page there were examples of reordering and grouping to achieve the desired results.
The next Track 2 class (Thursday, 10/16/2014 at 2:00 p.m.)will look at more illustrations of Expressions and Wesleyan Functions.
- Lesson 13: Expressions – More Examples
- Lesson 14: Wes Functions Review
This examination of Expressions and Wesleyan Functions will offer examples of using common functions in an Expression. There is also a demonstration of using an Expression with a Prompt. The review of Wes Functions will include a discussion of how to locate and utilize these tools.