Using GUIDE in DQL Mode

In DQL mode, select GUIDE from the Main Menu to invoke the GUIDE function. Select GUIDE under these conditions if you:

Are a new CA Dataquery user
Only use CA Dataquery occasionally
Want to have CA Dataquery build your queries
Want to learn more about particular DQL words

The GUIDE function allows you to preselect the components of your query. Next, depending on your selections, it prompts you through each step of building a simple or fairly complex query. You cannot leave out a required step. All you do is respond to each panel as it appears by making entries or skipping the panel where permitted.

A special PF key is available at any point in building a query that will display the actual query CA Dataquery is creating for you. If you like, you can press this key after completing any panel and see how the actual query statement, like FIND, relates to a step you have completed.

With Guided Query, you respond to panels and create the same query you might create by writing DQL, with only two restrictions.

Reserved Words

Guided Query should not be your choice if you want to:

Select data from three or more database tables.
Create a dialog (although you can edit a query created with Guide and make it into a dialog).

When naming such things as queries, dialogs, terms, temporary results, or any CA Datacom item, do not use words from the following categories:

CA Dataquery commands
CA Dataquery EDITOR commands
DQL keywords
SQL keywords
Ignored words, such as rows, records, or from that are used in constructing queries and dialogs

Because these words have special meanings to CA Dataquery or are ignored by CA Dataquery, failure to avoid them causes problems when you execute any query in which they are contained. A complete list of reserved and ignored words appears in the CA Dataquery Reference Guide.

There are several GUIDE panels, divided into groups according to which part of the query they produce. On the first panel, you indicate which Guide panels you need to create your query. If you decide to view all of the panels, only four of them require entries to create a complete, simple query.

Just as in any other CA Dataquery function, you can always press <PF2> RETURN to return to a previous task.

Press <PF2> when the first panel in a group is displayed: To return to first panel of previous group
Press <PF2> when the Subordination panel in a group is displayed: To return to the previous panel in that group

When you return to a previous panel, you can change your selections or leave them as they are. If you scroll back through panels, you must redisplay all previous entries if you want CA Dataquery to retain them.

If you are using all GUIDE features, CA Dataquery displays the initial panel in each component group. Only a few require entries and with most panels, you can accept the default entries.

Optional Panels

If you complete an optional panel, subordinate panels appear and might require entries. If you press <PF2> to redisplay a previous panel in the same group, your previous selections are retained only if you redisplay them on your terminal screen before going on to the next panel.

Note: For detailed instructions on operation and purpose of any panel, see the CA Dataquery Reference Guide.