A query is a SQL SELECT statement created in the Query painter and saved with a name so that it can be used repeatedly as the data source for a report.
Queries save time, because you specify all the data requirements just once. For example, you can specify the columns, which rows to retrieve, and the sorting order in a query. Whenever you want to create a report using that data, simply specify the query as the data source.
To define a query:
Select File>New from the menu bar.
In the New dialog box, select the Database tab.
Select the Query icon and click OK.
Select tables in the Select Tables dialog box and click Open.
You can select columns, define sorting and grouping criteria, define computed columns, and so on, exactly as you do when creating a report using the SQL Select data source.
For more about defining the SELECT statement, see “Using SQL Select”.
