A couple of notes to queries: I am still struggling with one particularly long database, which has me scrolling along an endless worm. I know there is a way to attach a form to a query, but we've all been there before, and as soon as I learn more I will be back and review all the helpful information.
In the meantime it is advisable to make sure you keep the parts of your relational database short, so you can keep most of the query info page width instead of having to take a taxi to the end of the thing as I do. Use your samples to see how it is done. (I am not having a heck of a lot of luck getting my worm reduced to various data bases, so expect a really dumb question here soon.)
THere are a couple of tricks for your query that can make your life a little easier.
Your query does not have to be in the answer database on the private folder. That's a royal pain. You can choose to have it anywhere you want. I call mine "search" and have it in my working working directory.
You do this by clicking on Query > properties. You can then name the query and choose the directory . You can change it according to your needs any time you run a query.
You can also use the dialogue boxes to sort the query results (answer table) differently than the original source.
Nifty, not?
You will find further query settings under tools >settings >preferences.
If you are building some sort of constantly changing set of information be sure to check out the pre-formatted button tools in the form designer. There is very little you can do visually to a query, but you can add a number of semi automated tasks to the form you use for you original database and return to that to manipulate your information.
This includes setting up a report, copying and exporting files, etc.
Since I am a form junkie, I have created one form for all of my searches. I use automated buttons to export the information gained by each search to a folder for that client. I then use a copy folder button (both of these are under paradox dialogues in the button tool) to copy a generic form I created to the same folder.
(So I have folder: New York. I export or copy my form to F:\working\New York\NewYork.db and copy the gerneric form using the button to F:\working\New York\NewYork.fsl
I have another form for chicago and another for Cincinnatti. (actually mine read "pastry", "volume" "sous" or have clients' names.)
The first time you open the form it will prompt you to replace the original source file (in my case search.db).
You can apparently also use the buttons to start a report, but I haven't done that yet. Interesting thought, though.
I ramble.
By the way, someone has put a star in front of my name here in the assumption that I have a clue what I am doing. OK, I do have a clue, but just one. I come here in desperation. Lots. I like the book selections. Thanks.
