How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script?

[Jim Chapman]

Hello,

Rather than re-inventing the wheel, I would like to use Alpha's built in query/filter genie in the context of an xbasic script. In psydo-code, here is what I would like to do:

vQG = a5_load_QueryGenie("TableName")
vQG.activate()

'wait while user enters the query/order

vFilter = vQG.Returned_Filter()

' Use the filter/query in multiple operations
END

The following comes close:

f = form.load("Customer Information")
f.Query_Genie()

as does:

operation_startup("query records","c:\alphasports\customer.dbf",.t.)

But I want to get the results of the Query Genie and do what I want with it. Anyone know if this can be done??

Thanks,
Jim

[whanigsberg]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Hi Jim,

I haven't done exactly that but I have achieved something similar. (And you helped me with an issue related to the syntax.)

I throw up an xdialog and users make choices. Based upon the UI I synthesize a query expression which I pass to the form from which the xdialog is called and to a report called from the form.

But I didn't try to use the query genie itself which is a nice idea.

Bill

[whanigsberg]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Looking at your question again, if you call the query genie from a form and can get the form to display the query generated by the genie, then current_filter_expression can be taken from the form.

I imagine you did this, though.

Bill

[whanigsberg]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Here is the xdialog which serves as the query generator.
Bill

[Bill Parker]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Jim,

I was working on something similar just today, but for a report. I think you are just looking for a5_filter_builder().

Below is the entry I just put in my faq database, although it is slanted for reports.

To prompt for filter criteria in a report, use OnPrintInit and use the filter expression in the record selection criteria of the report.

Following is OnPrintInit code.

DIM Shared vFilter as C ' so report can see it
vFilter = ".t."
vReplyN = ui_msg_box("Question","Any additional filtering criteria?",UI_QUESTION_SYMBOL+UI_SECOND_BUTTON_DEFAULT+UI_YES_NO)
IF vReplyN = UI_YES_SELECTED
vFilter = a5_filter_builder("","donorset.set")
IF vFilter = "" ' Cancel from filter builder
vFilter = ".t."
END IF
END IF

Then the record selection criteria in report must be
... .and. eval(vFilter)

eval() needed so vFilter is evaluated as an expression. Otherwise can't save filter because a5 does not parse it. I also set vFilter as a Shared variable in the report, but don't know if that is necessary.

For this report there is also an Ask variable in the record selection criteria. It is prompted for before OnPrintInit, and that is what I wanted.

Bill.

[Jim Chapman]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Hello Bill,

Thanks for the thoughtfull replies. I will probably have to approach this as you have done. Your xdialog looks great.

I don't want to have a set of canned query options, and the query genie has a ton of capabilites that would take a long time to duplicate. It would be great if we could highjack the built-in functionality that Alpha provides, and you know that at a lower level, this is probably how Alpha uses this tool. It just doesn't appear that they expose it to us, or the syntax is not documented to the public.

Thanks,
Jim

[Jim Chapman]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

""a5_filter_builder() ""


Bill you are a life saver!

Exactly what I was hoping to find. I've never ran into this one.

Thanks a ton,
Jim

[Jim Chapman]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Hello Bill,

""eval() needed so vFilter is evaluated as an expression. Otherwise can't save filter because a5 does not parse it. ""

Don't understand ?? Why not do:

vfilter = a5_filter_builder("","customer")

:report.preview("Customer List",vfilter)


Thanks again,
Jim

[Bill Parker]

RE: How to use Query Filter Genie in Xbasic Script

Absolutely, you could do that.

I was just doing it all internal to the report. My users may run the report directly and I need to have the same custom stuff happen.

If you were going to use the same filter in several places, you would want to do it your way.

Bill.