Definition of Query Fields

During the definition of a new query (see Definition of Queries) you have to define query fields. Query fields define the structure and type of the data that the system sends to and receives from the underlying search connector.

The definition of a query field in the configuration center, includes the following:

• On the Input Fields and Output Fields tab pages, you choose Load Fields and the system loads the input fields from the search connector automatically. You can select the required input fields the system offer.

The definition of a query field in Customizing involves the following:

• You specify the field ID.

• By selecting a type, you have to define whether the system uses the field in the selection criteria for input data, as a result field for output data, or both.

• By selecting the origin of the query field, you specify whether the system links the query field to a search connector.

• You specify the internal ID of the search connector that is used in the query. You can specify one or two search connectors. If the query uses two search connectors, you must also enter a query join that describes how the system should combine the search connectors. For more information, see Combination of Data Providers in a Query.

• You enter the ID of search connector field to specify an already existing search connector field that the system links to the query field.

• You specify the data element of the query field. If you specify the data element, the system automatically fills the following fields:

  • data type

  • length

  • decimals

  • lowercase

  • short description

  • short, medium, and long field labels

• You enter the data type of the query field. The system uses this information to determine what kind of data the field can handle.

• You specify the length and decimals of the query field.

• You enter the name of a conversion exit. The system uses this conversion exit to convert field values from the internal to the external format and the other way around.

• You specify whether lowercase letters should be allowed in query input field values.

• You enter a short description of the query field. The system uses this description as a tooltip for table columns representing this field.

• You enter the short, medium, and long field labels of the query field. The system uses these field labels as a header text of table columns or as a label text of chart axes representing this field.

• You can specify a reference field for the query field. This field contains additional information on the values of the current field (such as currency units and description).

• If you specify a reference field, you must also enter the type of information that is provided by the reference query field.

• You specify whether a non-initial value is required for the query input field when the query is processed.

• You specify the selection mode of the query input field.

• You can select an existing meaning for the field. For more information, see Definition of Meanings.