A query filter is an instruction you give to the database when you request information. This instruction tells the database to select and return only the data that matches the criteria you define. You apply this filter in the Query panel before the data arrives in your Web Intelligence document. In other words, you filter the data at the source.
For example, if your database contains all your company's sales data:
- Without a query filter, when you request the Country, Year, and Sales revenue objects, the database sends the entire set of sales data for all countries and all years.
- With a query filter, you specify Country = 'France' and Year = 2024. The database then returns only the rows that meet these two conditions.
Advantages of the Query Filter
- Improved performance: The document loads faster because the database processes and transfers a smaller volume of data.
- Data relevance: The document contains only the information you need, making it clearer and easier to analyze.
Use Predefined Query Filters
Predefined query filters are preset filters, usually created by a database administrator and stored in the universe. You can reuse these filters across multiple queries and documents, which ensures consistent filtering criteria.
Create Query Filters
Watch the video to define the components of a query filter.
List of Operators
Operators perform different actions based on their context. You can use operators to do math, combine text, or compare values to return true or false.
The Operators drop-down list provides options such as:
| Operator | Retrieves data | Example | Data retrieve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equal to | Equal to a specified value. | Country - Equal to US | For the US only. |
| Greater than or Equal to | Greater than or equal to a specified value. | Revenue - Greater than or equal to 10,000 | For revenue of $10,000 or greater. |
| Less than or Equal to | Lower than or equal to a specified value. | Customer age - Less than or equal to 30 | For customers aged 30 or less. |
| Between | Including and between two specified values. | Weeks - Between 25 and 36 | For all weeks excluding week 25 through to 36. |
| In List | Same as specified values. | Country - In list 'US; Japan; UK' | For US, Japan, and UK only. |
| Is null | For which there is no value in the database. | Children - Is null | For customers without children, where no value is entered as a value in the children column. |
List of Operands
You use the operand to enter values that filter the object.
You can select from the following operands:
- Constant: You compare the object against a constant value to filter the query result.
- Value(s) from List: You compare the object against values from a list of values to filter the query result.
Let's Summarize What You've Learned
- Query filters select and return only data that matches your defined criteria, improving data relevance and performance.
- You can use predefined query filters for consistent filtering or create custom filters for specific needs.
- A query filter consists of an object, an operator, and an operand to define filtering conditions.
- Operators and operands determine how data is compared and which values are included in the query results.