Graphic Mode vs. Text Mode

STATISTICA Query offers two modes of operation, the Graphic Mode and the Text Mode. The default mode of operation is the Graphic Mode and for most users is the only mode of STATISTICA Query ever needed to perform simple or advanced querying.

The Graphic Mode of STATISTICA Query provides you with a very intuitive, graphical means to create your query. No longer do you need to be burdened with a detailed understanding of the complex, technical terms of the SQL language. Using the simple user interface that is provided by the Graphic Mode of STATISTICA Query, you can create intricate SQL statements with only a few mouse clicks and/or menu options. Users with limited knowledge of SQL will therefore be able to create advanced and powerful queries of their data in a quick and straightforward manner. STATISTICA Query automatically builds the SQL statement for you as you select the components of your query via the graphical interface and/or intuitive menu commands and dialogs. See Graphic Mode Overview for further details.

For users who currently have detailed knowledge of the more complex commands of SQL language, the Text Mode is available for further editing and/or customization of the SQL statement that has been created in the Graphic Mode. To manually enter or remove text in the SQL statement with the keyboard, you need to switch to the Text Mode. Once you are in the Text Mode, you can build SQL statements including options that are not available in the Graphic Mode (such as outer joins - see Additional Functionality Available in Text Mode for further details). Hence by using both the Graphic Mode and the Text Mode of STATISTICA Query, you can create advanced queries of your data allowing you to optimize the valuable information that is contained in multiple external data sources.

Note: you can also switch from the Text Mode to the Graphic Mode (via the Graphic Mode command on the View menu or the toolbar button ). If you choose to do this, however, you will lose the SQL statement that has been created in the Text Mode. STATISTICA will always prompt you before you switch modes to make sure that you want to continue. See Text Mode Overview for further details.