Elements
- A set of fields
- A set of criteria (where-conditions)
- A set of orders
Dot-notation
Dot-notation is a way of specifying columns, tables, and joins across the entire data dictionary (including partner tables). It is extremely powerful and almost unlimited. There is always 1 root table, and it is the same for all columns.Defining your starting point
Any search has to start somewhere. You need to put your boot on the ground before you start exploring. You set your point like this:Criteria
Conditions, or where-clauses, are constructed from 0 or more lines. Each line contains a field, an operator, a value, a row-operator, and an indent.- The field is compared to the value using the operator.
- The row-operator is used to relate this line to the next line (βORβ or βANDβ)
- The indent value is used for specifying parentheses around the conditions.
Indents
When reading the lines from top to bottom, add parentheses as follows:- Whenever the indent increases from a line to the next, add a left parenthesis.
- Whenever the indent decreases from a line to the next, add a right parenthesis.