The Expression Builder window contains various fields and controls to assist you in constructing an expression for your query criteria.
The Expression Builder window is divided into two sections, Simple and Advanced. You can toggle between the two sections by using the Simple and Advanced tabs at the top of the window.
If you access the Expression Builder window from the Field cell, the Advanced section is selected by default, and the Simple button is disabled. If you access the Expression Builder window from the Criteria cell or the Or cell, the Simple section is selected by default, and the Advanced button is enabled.
The Simple section of the Expression Builder window lets you define a simple expression using conditions on the field from which you accessed the Expression Builder window.
The Simple section of the Expression Builder window contains the following features:
Field: A read-only text box that displays the value in the Field cell for the field you selected.
Operator: A list that displays the valid operators to use in the expression, depending on the type of field on which the expression is built.
Field type | Options |
---|---|
Text -or- Character -or- Numeric |
equals |
not equals | |
contains | |
does not contain | |
starts with | |
ends with | |
is null | |
is not null | |
Date |
equals |
is at most | |
is at least | |
not equals | |
is less than | |
is greater than | |
is between | |
is null | |
is not null | |
Logical | is true |
is false | |
is null | |
is not null |
The Advanced section of the Expression Builder window is divided into five main sections, as shown in the following image. These labels correspond to the numbered list following the image.
Buttons that insert symbols to establish a relationship between parts of an expression, or that insert symbols to group those parts. Selecting a button will insert the corresponding symbol into the expression.
Note: If you are using date to build an expression, note that date can be entered in any of the acceptable formats. However, always be sure to select the date in the expression, and then select the Date button. Selecting the Date button converts the date in the expression to yyyy-mm-dd format.
Note: The button opens the Prompt Settings section of the Expression Builder window, which has options that let you add a prompt to a query.
All the codes and descriptions for the appropriate System Code Table if the Valid Values rule is defined as System Code with Field Reference (i.e., in the absence of a field value to use as the reference, there is no way to limit the list).
Note: When you select a System Code to include in your expression, the System Code ID (rather than the description) will be used. Even though System code descriptions appear in the datasheet, the IDs are actually stored in the database. By using the ID instead of the description in the expression, your criteria will apply to all System Codes, including those with different, translated descriptions.
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