DB2 graphic QMF Version 8

EasyAsk

Select File--> New--> Natural Query to create a query using the EasyAsk program. This option is only available if EasyAsk is installed.

EasyAsk is a natural language, English-only, search interface that transforms your basic search request into a comprehensive advanced search for relevant information in documents and relational databases. EasyAsk returns precise answers in the format that best suits your needs.

You can ask questions in English without learning complex database languages, such as SQL. With EasyAsk, you can access information stored in any database that supports SQL. EasyAsk translates your plain-English request into SQL and displays the answer in a number of useful formats, such as:

Note:
EasyAsk translates questions written in English into SQL; other languages are not supported.

Table 22. EasyAsk Options
Option Description
Open Dictionary Select the Open Dictionary option to open an existing dictionary. A dictionary is a compilation of definitions used to translate everyday English-languages into SQL.
Query Builder Select the Query Builder option to open a window for entering questions for EasyAsk to answer.
View Interpretation Select the View Interpretation option to review EasyAsk's interpretation of a question. This option displays the actual SQL generated for the question and provides a means to view a modified English translation of your question.
Dictionary Editor Select the Dictionary Editor option to customize a dictionary by adding, editing, and removing definitions.
Dictionary Map Select the Dictionary Map option to obtain a graphical view of the tables contained in the EasyAsk dictionary that illustrates the relationships between the tables.
Set Date

Select the Set Date option to set date parameters, such as:

  • defines the word today as any date
  • affects the meaning of other time-sensitive references, such as "last month" or "this quarter"
  • provides ability to query as-of a certain date
  • provides the ability to specify the last month of the fiscal year in your application
Construction Kit

Select the Construction Kit option to set dictionary parameters such as:

  • creates an EasyAsk dictionary for your ODBC data source
  • adds or deletes tables, columns and defined values to or from an existing dictionary
Dictionary Properties Select the Dictionary Properties option to customize settings for the current dictionary, such as:
  • general properties
  • dialect properties
  • security properties
  • search properties


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timestamp Last updated: March, 2004