Screenshot of Aqua Data Studio’s Query Builder connected to SQL Server 2000. The left panel displays the database schema for ‘Northwind,’ showing tables and columns. The query builder in the center is configured to filter the ‘Categories’ table with conditions: CategoryID = 102 and CategoryName = 'distributor'. The Index Manager on the right highlights the index inx1 (Categories) with details such as indexed columns and data type. The SQL code generated by the query builder is visible at the bottom.

Features » Visual Query Builder

Visual Query Builder

The Visual Query Builder helps you construct complex database queries without you having to know the syntax of SQL statements. A rich set of visual options are available to let you combine SQL clauses like JOINs, GROUP BY with properties like Indexes, Operators, Aliases, Sort Type, Sort Order and Criteria. Based on your selections, the visual query building tool in Aqua Data Studio will generate a complete SQL statement that can be executed. Features like the Index Manager and drag and drop to include JOINs save you time and make the process of building queries more powerful and intuitive.

Watch Basic Demo: 3.5 mins

Watch Advanced Demo: 6.5 mins

Start for free

Visual SQL Query Builder

Visual Query

To construct SQL queries without typing any SQL statements, open the Visual Query Builder window with a connection to a Database Server. Use the GUI to select tables or views with column selection choices allowing All Columns, Indexed Columns, Leading Indexed Columns or None. Use the “Search for” feature to find specific columns inside your Design Pane for easier access to different objects.

UNION Queries

The Query Builder diagram pane can only display one SELECT clause. Therefore, when working with a UNION query, the Query Builder allows you to create an additional diagram in a tabbed layout to design multiple SELECT clauses which can then be UNION’ed together. The UNION keyword enables you to include the results of two or more SELECT statements in one resulting table.

Create JOINS with Drag and Drop

To create a JOIN in an SQL query, drag table columns from one table entity to another in the diagram panel. The SQL panel displays the type of JOIN and its syntax instantly as changes are made. You can alter the JOIN type by double clicking on the Join line in the diagram and choosing the “Select All Rows” option.

Sub Queries and Derived Tables

The Query Builder allows you to create an additional diagram in a tabbed layout to design multiple SELECT clauses which can also be used as Sub Queries as part of the column list, WHERE clause or as a Derived table to participate in a JOIN clause.

GROUP BY and HAVING Clauses

Quickly insert GROUP BY Clause to a query by selecting the columns and an aggregate function (AVG, COUNT, COUNT_BIG, MAX, MIN, SUM) from the list and into the Group By deck.

Index Manager

Save your workbooks and data extracts to disk for later use or to share with colleagues. Save your full design, metadata and data extracts, or only your design, metadata and server connection information.

Execute Queries for Editing Tables

Execute your query to retrieve query results in an editable, Excel-like grid. The Execute Edit feature is useful for altering, inserting, deleting, cloning and formatting data in the Table Data Editor.

Save Query Builder Files

Once a query is designed it can be saved as a .QBW (Query Builder Workbook) file for reuse in the Visual Query Builder. You can save your query for future use, or to share with colleagues.

References

1. ^ Query by Example Wikipedia article. Graphical query language, using visual tables where the user would enter commands, example elements and conditions.