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Chapter 5 DATABASE TOOLS HP ALLBASE/QUERY Enhancements by Michael Pardy Australian Software Operation HP ALLBASE/QUERY (B.01) is the Hewlett-Packard query management facility for relational data. It provides end-users with a forms-based environment for the simple creation of reports and ad hoc queries. HP ALLBASE/QUERY can be used to access data stored under the relational dbms, HP ALLBASE/SQL. HP ALLBASE/QUERY is divided into a number of task-oriented modules that have a common easy-to-use interface. Release B.01.00 of HP ALLBASE/QUERY introduces two new modules called EZCreate, and EZUpdate. These modules give end-users the power to create and update relational tables. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION HP ALLBASE/QUERY consists of five modules. These are EZCreate, EZUpdate, EZAccess, EZReport, and SQLAccess. A brief description of each module follows. EZCreate: the easy way to create tables With this new module, end-users and infrequent users of the database are taken through the process of creating or modifying a table. Users can quickly create a new table, add new columns to an existing table, change the access mode, or delete an existing table definition. Naturally, users can only create or modify a table after being granted appropriate authorities to the database. EZUpdate: the easy to update your data The new EZUpdate module enables you to add, delete, or modify data in HP ALLBASE/SQL tables. EZUpdate displays the rows (records) of a table and allows the data to be updated one row at a time. Changes are made directly to the DBEnvironment so that each time you access the table, the contents reflect the changes you last made. EZAccess: creating ad hoc queries and reports With EZAccess, end-users and infrequent users of the database can quickly and easily formulate queries. The following features of EZAccess make it possible for a user with no knowledge of the database structure (or computers in general) to satisfy ad hoc queries and generate reports. The "Next Step" function key. This guides EZAccess users through the screen forms they must complete to create a report. The "Display Report" function key. This enables EZAccess users to see the report in its present state at any time. Detailed, context-sensitive help. This is available throughout HP ALLBASE/QUERY. As EZAccess users become more proficient, they can utilize the advanced features attached to the function keys. Experienced users can directly enter line commands, create calculated fields, and include counts, totals and averages in their reports. EZReport: the easy way to edit and format reports Pressing the function key "Display Report" displays the results of a query within seconds, and places the user in the EZReports module. In this module, function keys are available to edit the layout (format and spacing), edit the text (titles and footings), and edit the control break statistics. Each function key summons a screen with default report specifications. The user can then overtype new specifications. EZReport is simple enough for end-users, yet includes powerful features like group breaks and summary prints for the advanced user. EZReport also supports calculated columns, current date and time, and left and right scrolling of the report on the terminal display. SQLAccess: increased productivity for the advanced user Advanced users can formulate SQL queries and a variety of other database operations from within HP ALLBASE/QUERY by using the SQLAccess screen-based editor. This module can increase the productivity of software development by assisting in the design and testing stages. SQLAccess can also be used to quickly develop end-user reporting facilities by including variables in commands that prompt end-users for search criteria. SQLAccess: increased productivity for the advanced user The HP ALLBASE/QUERY User Guide (P/N 92534-00011) provides self-paced training and also includes a reference information section. In addition, most of the information needed by users who have completed the tutorial is always available with the HP ALLBASE/QUERY online Help Facility.