Add expressions
Use the Expression Builder window to add expressions to an SQL statement. You can type an expression directly into the
Expression field, or you can use the fields and controls in the Expression Builder window to build an expression.
An expression specifies a value. It can be a simple value that consists of only a constant or a column name, or it can be more complex. Several
expression types are supported in SQL Assist.
To add expressions to an SQL statement:
- Use the Columns, Operators, and Case
lists to select the components of the expression. Double-click a
column, operator, or case keyword to add it to the Expression
field. Each item that you double-click is appended to the expression in
the Expression field, so be sure to select items in the order that
you want them displayed.
- Optional: Add specific values to the expression. Type a value in the
Value field, then click the checkmark to add the value to the
Expression field.
- Optional: Add a function to the expression:
- Select a category from the Functions list. The list
below the Functions field changes to display functions in the
specified category.
- Double-click a function in the list below the Functions
field. The Function parameters window opens.
- In the Function parameters window, select the format of the function and
specify the parameter values.
- Click OK. The Function parameters window closes. The function and its parameters are displayed in the Expression
field.
- Optional: Add a constant to the expression:
- Select a category from the Constants list. The list
below the Constants field changes to display constants in the
specified category.
- Double-click a constant in the list below the Constants
field. The constant is added to the expression in the
Expression field.
- Optional: Use the following push buttons to work with the expression:
- Click Clear to remove all input from the Expression
field.
- Click Undo to remove the last change that you made from the
Expression field.
- Click Redo to reverse the last change that you made in the
Expression field.
- Click OK. If the expression syntax is valid, the Expression Builder window closes and the
expression is added to the field where you launched the Expression Builder window. If the expression syntax is
invalid, an error message window opens.
See also: