Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows. User Guide

Transcription

1 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide Release B A February 2010

2 The product or products described in this book are licensed products of Teradata Corporation or its affiliates. Teradata, BYNET, DBC/1012, DecisionCast, DecisionFlow, DecisionPoint, Eye logo design, InfoWise, Meta Warehouse, MyCommerce, SeeChain, SeeCommerce, SeeRisk, Teradata Decision Experts, Teradata Source Experts, WebAnalyst, and You ve Never Seen Your Business Like This Before are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teradata Corporation or its affiliates. Adaptec and SCSISelect are trademarks or registered trademarks of Adaptec, Inc. AMD Opteron and Opteron are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. BakBone and NetVault are trademarks or registered trademarks of BakBone Software, Inc. EMC, PowerPath, SRDF, and Symmetrix are registered trademarks of EMC Corporation. GoldenGate is a trademark of GoldenGate Software, Inc. Hewlett-Packard and HP are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. Intel, Pentium, and XEON are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. IBM, CICS, RACF, Tivoli, and z/os are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. LSI and Engenio are registered trademarks of LSI Corporation. Microsoft, Active Directory, Windows, Windows NT, and Windows Server are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Novell and SUSE are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc., in the United States and other countries. QLogic and SANbox are trademarks or registered trademarks of QLogic Corporation. SAS and SAS/C are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc. Sun Microsystems, Solaris, Sun, and Sun Java are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., in the United States and other countries. Symantec, NetBackup, and VERITAS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Unicode is a collective membership mark and a service mark of Unicode, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED ON AN AS-IS BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN NO EVENT WILL TERADATA CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR LOST SAVINGS, EVEN IF EXPRESSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. The information contained in this document may contain references or cross-references to features, functions, products, or services that are not announced or available in your country. Such references do not imply that Teradata Corporation intends to announce such features, functions, products, or services in your country. Please consult your local Teradata Corporation representative for those features, functions, products, or services available in your country. Information contained in this document may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Information may be changed or updated without notice. Teradata Corporation may also make improvements or changes in the products or services described in this information at any time without notice. To maintain the quality of our products and services, we would like your comments on the accuracy, clarity, organization, and value of this document. Please teradata-books@lists.teradata.com Any comments or materials (collectively referred to as Feedback ) sent to Teradata Corporation will be deemed non-confidential. Teradata Corporation will have no obligation of any kind with respect to Feedback and will be free to use, reproduce, disclose, exhibit, display, transform, create derivative works of, and distribute the Feedback and derivative works thereof without limitation on a royalty-free basis. Further, Teradata Corporation will be free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques contained in such Feedback for any purpose whatsoever, including developing, manufacturing, or marketing products or services incorporating Feedback. Copyright by Teradata Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

3 Preface Purpose This book provides information about Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows which is a Teradata Tools and Utilities product. Teradata Tools and Utilities is a group of products designed to work with the Teradata Database or other database. Teradata SQL Assistant is a Windows-based information discovery tool designed to retrieve, manipulate, and store data from ODBC-compliant database servers. Audience This book is intended for use by: SQL proficient users who know how to formulate queries for processing on the Teradata Database or other ODBC-compliant systems Relational Database developers Supported Releases This book supports the following releases: Teradata Database Teradata Tools and Utilities Teradata SQL Assistant Note: See To display information about SQL Assistant on page 34 to verify the Teradata SQL Assistant version number. To locate detailed supported release information: 1 Go to 2 Under Online Publications, click General Search. 3 Type 3119 in the Publication Product ID box. 4 Under Sort By, select Date. 5 Click Search. 6 Open the version of the Teradata Tools and Utilities ##.##.## Supported Platforms and Product Versions spreadsheet associated with this release. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 3

4 Preface Prerequisites The spreadsheet includes supported Teradata Database versions, platforms, and product release numbers. Prerequisites The following prerequisite knowledge is required for this product: Teradata SQL, or the SQL of another ODBC compliant database Relational Database Management Systems Microsoft Windows operating system ODBC connectivity software In addition, the following may be helpful to review prior to using Teradata SQL Assistant: This document... Windows Help file contains this information... Online help, accessible from the Teradata SQL Assistant main window by clicking on the Toolbar. Changes to this Book The following changes were made to this book in support of the current release. Changes are marked with change bars. For a complete list of changes to the product, see the Release Definition associated with this release. 4 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

5 Preface Changes to this Book Table i: Changes to this Book Date February Description Option added to prompt whether or not to save a modified query to History when the query is about to be closed. Added Most Recently Used lists to the Find dialog box for Answerset and History. General usability enhancements for Answerset tab and Query tab. Ability to export to Microsoft Access 2007 files added. Option to load either defined or accessible databases to Database Explorer Tree. Support added for conditional logic commands. See Using Conditional Logic in a Query on page 61. New batch import operation allows you to send multiple data rows to the database at the same time. Option added in the General tab to print the related SQL in the Answerset. Option added to display or hide the tooltip in a mouse-over of SQL column in History. Options added for Auto Indent and Brace Matching in the Code Editor tab. Two new shortcut keys added: CTRL+T deletes the query from the current Query tab, CTRL+F2, moves the cursor to the next bookmarked line. Four new options added to the Advanced tab of the Connection Information dialog box. See Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source on page 25. Option added to display SQL text in a single line in History. Find All button added to Find dialog box. Filter added for SQL text in the History filter. Definition updated for the Name(s) or IP address(es) field on the ODBC Driver Setup for Teradata Database dialog box. Added a drop-down list of pre-defined formats for the date format in the General tab. Query syntax and parser errors are highlighted in yellow in the Query window. The default color can be changed in the Code Editor tab of the Options dialog box. Option added to save database tree information to disk and reload it at startup. Database Explorer Tree data is available when not connected to a database. Option to load only column names for views added. Generate SQL menu added to insert additional statement templates to the Query. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 5

6 Preface Changes to this Book Table i: Changes to this Book (continued) Date Aug 2008 Description This release included the following changes: Ability to connect to more than one Data Source at a time. Ability to execute more than one query at a time. Use either ODBC or the Teradata.Net Data Provider. Multi-statement queries now display a log as they execute (shows the statement, result message and row count). Page Setup and Print Preview added for spreadsheets (Answer/ History). Answerset rows can now be 'Grouped' (Expand/Collapse each group). Answerset row display can now be filtered by column values. Answersets can now be saved as PDF files or as Excel 2007 (*.xlsx). Decimal and BigInt values now support up to 28 digits. Quick sort is now performed by clicking a Sort icon in the column header. Right-clicking and selecting Toggle SQL / Results now shows the SQL that generated the results. Find (in Answerset & History) now defaults to searching only the current column. Output from Show, Help, Explain now displays in rich text windows. Explain output syntax is now highlighted to indicate useful phrases Additional columns added to History, and optional millisecond display for elapsed times. Displayed History rows may be filtered by a combination of up to 8 constraints. The order of the History columns can now be changed by click/drag the headers. Dialogs can be scaled to one of 3 sizes (font size 8, 10, or 12). Different appearances can now be selected (for example, Plain 3D style, or 'active' Flat [Office 2007] style). Child windows can now be displayed as tabs (like in Visual Studio). The Database Explorer Tree can now be docked left or right, and unpinned (automatically hides the window when not in use). Added the ability to drag multiple object names at once from the Database Tree. Created new 'syntax' collections from within Query Builder (for example, to create your own snipits). Clicking a menu that was displayed by right-clicking on a tab now applies that function to the tab you right-clicked on. 6 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

7 Preface Additional Information Additional Information Additional information that supports this product and Teradata Tools and Utilities is available at the web sites listed in the table that follows. In the table, mmyx represents the publication date of a manual, where mm is the month, y is the last digit of the year, and x is an internal publication code. Match the mmy of a related publication to the date on the cover of this book. This ensures that the publication selected supports the same release. Table ii: Additional Product Information Type of Information Description Source Release Overview Late Information Additional product information Use the Release Definition for the following information: Overview of all of the products in the release Information received too late to be included in the manuals Operating systems and Teradata Database versions that are certified to work with each product Version numbers of each product and the documentation for each product Information about available training and the support center Use the Teradata Information Products web site to view or download specific manuals that supply related or additional information to this manual. 1 Go to 2 Under Online Publications, click General Search. 3 Type 2029 in the Publication Product ID box. 4 Click Search. 5 Select the appropriate Release Definition from the search results. 1 Go to 2 Under the Online Publications subcategory, Browse by Category, click Data Warehousing. 3 Do one of the following: For a list of Teradata Tools and Utilities documents, click Teradata Tools and Utilities, and then select an item under Releases or Products. Select a link to any of the data warehousing publications categories listed. Specific books related to Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide are as follows: ODBC Driver for Teradata User Guide B mmyx Teradata Query Scheduler User Guide B mmyx Teradata Visual Explain User Guide B mmyx Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 7

8 Preface Additional Information Table ii: Additional Product Information (continued) Type of Information Description Source CD-ROM images Ordering information for manuals General information about Teradata Access a link to a downloadable CD-ROM image of all customer documentation for this release. Customers are authorized to create CD-ROMs for their use from this image. Use the Teradata Information Products web site to order printed versions of manuals. The Teradata home page provides links to numerous sources of information about Teradata. Links include: Executive reports, case studies of customer experiences with Teradata, and thought leadership Technical information, solutions, and expert advice Press releases, mentions and media resources 1 Go to 2 Under the Online Publications subcategory, Browse by Category, click Data Warehousing. 3 Click CD-ROM List and Images. 4 Follow the ordering instructions. 1 Go to 2 Under Print & CD Publications, click How to Order. 3 Follow the ordering instructions. 1 Go to Teradata.com. 2 Select a link. 8 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

9 Table of Contents Preface Purpose Audience Supported Releases Prerequisites Changes to this Book Additional Information Chapter 1: Getting Started Introduction What is Teradata SQL Assistant? How Teradata SQL Assistant Works Teradata SQL Assistant s Key Features Defining a Data Source Defining an ODBC Data Source Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source Starting Teradata SQL Assistant Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source Connecting to an ODBC Data Source Connecting to.net for Teradata Connecting to Multiple Data Sources Changing the Database Password Main Window Menu Bar Hiding Toolbars Using the Status Bar Tabbing Windows Cascading Windows Tiling Windows Arranging Windows Using Online Help Using Shortcut Menus and Commands Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 9

10 Table of Contents Database Explorer Tree Viewing Object Types Opening and Closing the Database Explorer Tree Navigating to the Database Explorer Tree Changing the Width of the Tree Area Moving the Explorer Tree Window Dragging Object Names to the Query Pane Dragging Multiple Objects Using Quick Paste Adding Double Quotes around Object Name Adding Object Types Displaying Object Definitions Displaying Data Source Information Copying a List of All Columns Adding Databases Removing Databases Refreshing the Database Explorer Tree Displaying the Shortcut Menu Listing All Tables or Views In a Database Listing All Columns In a Table or View Setting Database Tree Preferences Setting General Program Preferences Setting Default File Paths Using Page Setup Using Print Preview Support for Unicode and UTF Displaying Unicode Data Exporting Unicode Data Importing Unicode Data Limitations General Limitations Teradata.Net Specific Limitations ODBC Specific Limitations Chapter 2: The Query Window Introduction to the Query Window Using the Query Window Using SQL, DDL, and DML Statements Displaying the Query Window Toolbar Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

11 Table of Contents Allowing Multiple Queries Splitting the Query Window Into Two Windows Selecting Text and Inserting Bookmarks Using the Query Window Margin Creating Statements (Single and Multi) Parameterized Queries Zooming the Query Window Setting Query Options Setting Code Editor Options Entering and Executing Queries Entering a Query Using Conditional Logic in a Query Executing a Query Running Multiple Queries Executing Multiple Statements in Parallel Submitting Part of a Query Aborting a Query in Progress Executing a Query Saved To a File Automatically Minimizing the Teradata SQL Assistant Window Renaming a Query Tab Deleting a Query Tab Working With SQL Text in the Query Window Copying SQL from Previous History Record to the Query Window Copying SQL from Next History Record to the Query Window Preventing Queries from Being Saved in the History Window Undoing or Redoing Query Window Changes Setting Repeat Count Recording and Executing Query Window Macros Saving a Query Performing a Quick Save Adding a Query to Favorites Opening a Query from a File Copying a Query to Notepad Printing a Query Adding Comments to Queries Showing Whitespace Converting Tabs to Spaces Indenting Lines in a Query Using the Right-to-Left Editor for Queries Deleting Blank Lines from a Query Finding a Text String in the Query Window Replacing a Text String in the Query Window Displaying an Explain Plan of Your Query Displaying a Visual EXPLAIN Plan Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 11

12 Table of Contents Displaying a Textual EXPLAIN Plan Query Builder Overview SQL Statements Procedure Builder <User Defined> Using Query Builder Supported Databases for Query Builder Creating Custom SQL Sets Scheduling Queries for Later Execution Before Scheduling Queries Scheduling Queries for Later Execution Formatting a Query Indentation Language Definition Files Importing Data Before You Begin Importing Data from a File Exiting from Import Mode Types of Import Operations Import Rules Defining the Null Value for an Import Operation Generating Multiple Reports From a Single Query Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu Displaying the Shortcut Menu Functions in the Query Window Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Introduction to the Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Viewing Your Results Adjusting Row Height Adjusting Column Width Re-arranging Column Order Keeping Selected Columns From Scrolling Out of View Viewing Long Strings of Text Within Cells Closing Answerset Windows Before Submitting a New Query Selecting All Answerset Rows Merging Cells in the Answerset Displaying the SQL That Generated an Answerset Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

13 Table of Contents Hiding Columns/Showing All Columns Closing All Answersets Hiding Column Headers Hiding Row Headers Displaying Totals for Numeric Columns Displaying Aggregate Values Finding a Text String in the Results Grid Naming an Answerset Window Naming an Answerset Tab Deleting an Answerset Tab Opening a Saved Answerset Saving an Answerset to a File Saving as XML Copying an Answerset to Notepad Printing an Answerset Using Print Preview Cancelling Print Jobs Sorting an Answerset Filtering the Answerset Grouping the Answerset Setting Answerset Options Changing the Font for the Entire Window Zooming the Answerset Window Formatting an Answerset Formatting a Block of Cells Formatting a Single Cell Formatting a Single Row or Column Formatting Multiple Rows or Columns Formatting the Entire Spreadsheet Displaying Commas to Mark Thousand Separators Displaying Numbers in Scientific Notation Displaying Decimal Places Exporting an Answerset Exporting Results Single-Clicking to Display the Export File Saving Multiple Answersets Exporting to Access - Formats and Data Types Setting Export/Import Options Setting Export Options Setting Import Options Understanding Large Object Support Using Answerset Shortcut Menus Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 13

14 Table of Contents Chapter 4: The History Window Introduction to the History Window The Columns of the History Window Using the History Window Opening the History Window Closing the History Window Viewing the Result Message Viewing DBS Error Messages Viewing the History Rows Rearranging History Columns Filtering the History Rows Copying SQL from Previous History Record to the Query Window Copying SQL from Next History Record to the Query Window Selecting All History Rows Sorting the History Records Finding a Text String in the History Table Zooming the History Window Setting History Window Options Editing History Records Displaying and Navigating the Edit History Dialog Editing a History Record Compacting History Adding or Change a Note in a History Record Saving, Copying and Printing History Saving History Rows Copying Rows to the Clipboard Copying Rows to Notepad Printing the Contents of the History Window Cancelling Print Jobs Windows 95/98 Print Drivers Storing History Files Changing the Location of History Files The History Window Shortcut Menu Appendix A: Startup Parameters and Default Preferences Startup Parameters Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

15 Table of Contents Default Preferences (Options) Miscellaneous and General Default Preference Settings Query Default Preference Settings Code Editor Tab Default Preference Settings Answerset Tab Default Preference Settings Export/Import Tab Default Preference Settings History Tab Default Preferences and Descriptions Database Tree Default Preferences and Descriptions File Paths Tab Default Preference Settings Page Setup Default Preferences and Settings Appendix B: Menus, Toolbars and Shortcuts Using Toolbars and Buttons The Main Toolbar The Answerset Toolbar The Query Toolbar Toolbar Button Descriptions Customizing Menus and Toolbars Adding a Command to a Menu or Toolbar Menu Commands Only Removing a Command from a Menu or Toolbar Moving a Command Adding or Removing a Break Between Commands Changing the Name for a Command Assigning or Changing a Keyboard Shortcut Changing Menu Behavior Showing Recently Used Commands First Resetting the Default Menu Bar Hiding the Toolbars Showing or Hiding Toolbar Screen Tips Adding, Removing, Renaming or Resetting a Toolbar Command Shortcut Keys Cursor Movement/Text Highlighting Shortcut Keys Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 15

16 Table of Contents Glossary Index Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

17 List of Figures Figure 1: The Default Main Toolbar Figure 2: The Default Answerset Toolbar Figure 3: The Default Query Toolbar Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 17

18 List of Figures 18 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

19 List of Tables Table 1: ODBC Data Source Types Table 2: ODBC Driver Setup for Teradata Database Dialog: Field Descriptions Table 3: Description of the.net Dialog Option Table 4: Sub folders Created When Objects are Added Table 5: Explorer Tree Shortcut Menu Commands Table 6: Options dialog, DB Tree tab Table 7: Options Dialog, General tab Table 8: Description of the File Paths Options Table 9: Description of the Page Setup Dialog and Print Preview Window Table 10: The Query tab in the Options dialog Table 11: Code Editor Tab in the Options Dialog Table 12: Query Builder Statements Table 13: Query Builder Icon Descriptions and Right-Click Options Table 14: The Query Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions Table 15: Clipboard Support - Edit Commands Table 16: Aggregate Value Display Options Table 17: Find dialog box Table 18: Answerset File Format Types Table 19: Answerset tab in the Options Dialog Table 20: How SQL Assistant Maps Teradata Data Types to Access Data Types Table 21: Import/Export tab in the Options Dialog Table 22: Export tab in the Options Dialog Table 23: Import tab in the Options Dialog Table 24: The Answerset Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions Table 25: The History Window Column Descriptions Table 26: Description of History Window Filter Options Table 27: Find dialog box Table 28: History Tab in the Options dialog Table 29: Answerset File Format Types Table 30: The History Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions Table 31: Startup Parameters Table 32: Miscellaneous and General Default Preferences and Descriptions Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 19

20 List of Tables Table 33: Query Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 34: Code Editor Tab Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 35: Answerset Tab Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 36: Export/Import Tab Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 37: History Tab Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 38: Database Tree Default Preferences and Descriptions Table 39: File Paths Tab Default Preferences Table 40: Page Setup Defaults and Descriptions Table 41: Toolbar Button Descriptions Table 42: Adding, Deleting, Renaming and Resetting a Toolbar Table 43: Shortcut Keys Table 44: Cursor Movement/Text Highlighting Hot Keys Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

21 CHAPTER 1 Getting Started Getting Started describes preliminary information needed to use Teradata SQL Assistant. This section contains the following information: Introduction Defining a Data Source Starting Teradata SQL Assistant Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source Changing the Database Password Main Window Using Shortcut Menus and Commands Database Explorer Tree Setting General Program Preferences Support for Unicode and UTF-8 Limitations Note: This document uses the term database as the term for table qualifier (the object that contains data tables). This term varies depending on the database vendor, and may be referred to as owner, schema or catalog in the vendor's own documentation. Introduction This section basic information about Teradata SQL Assistant and provides a brief overview of its features. What is Teradata SQL Assistant? How Teradata SQL Assistant Works Teradata SQL Assistant s Key Features What is Teradata SQL Assistant? Teradata SQL Assistant is an information discovery tool designed for Windows XP and Windows Teradata SQL Assistant retrieves data from any ODBC-compliant database server. The data can then be manipulated and stored on the desktop PC. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 21

22 Chapter 1: Getting Started Defining a Data Source How Teradata SQL Assistant Works Teradata SQL Assistant combines the data retrieved from ODBC databases with desktop applications such as Excel to create consolidated reports, or to analyze the merged data. Teradata SQL Assistant records all SQL activity, complete with source identification, timings, row counts and notes. This is especially useful in data mining because the historical record can be used to build scripts from the SQL that produced positive results. Teradata SQL Assistant s Key Features The key features of Teradata SQL Assistant are: Create reports from Teradata or any Relational Database that provides an ODBC interface. Export data from the database to a file on a PC Import data from a PC file directly to the database Use an import file to create many similar reports (query results or Answersets). For example, display the DDL (SQL) that was used to create a list of tables. For more information, see Generating Multiple Reports From a Single Query on page 86. Send queries to any supported database or send the same query to many different databases Create a historical record of the submitted SQL with timings and status information such as success or failure Use SQL syntax examples to tailor statements Use the Database Explorer Tree to easily view database objects Use a procedure builder that provides a list of valid statements for building the logic of a stored procedure Limit data returned to prevent runaway queries Defining a Data Source When connecting to a database, use either ODBC or the.net Data Provider for Teradata. Connection to any other database must be made through an ODBC connection. (SQLA does not install unless the.net Data Provider for Teradata has already been installed.) In order to use the ODBC connection, a vendor specific ODBC driver must be installed. See Defining an ODBC Data Source on page 22 for more details about installing ODBC drivers. For more information see the following sections: Defining an ODBC Data Source Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source Defining an ODBC Data Source An ODBC-based application like Teradata SQL Assistant accesses the data in a database through an ODBC data source. 22 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

23 Chapter 1: Getting Started Defining a Data Source After installing Teradata SQL Assistant on a workstation, start Teradata SQL Assistant (see section above). Next, define a data source for each database. The Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator maintains ODBC data sources and drivers and can be used to add, modify, or remove ODBC drivers and configure data sources. An About Box for each installed ODBC driver provides author, version number, module size, and release date. Use the Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator program installed on the workstation to define a data source in one of two ways. To define an ODBC data source 1 Do one of the following: From the Windows desktop, select Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Data Sources (ODBC). From the Windows desktop, select Start > Programs > Teradata SQL Assistant 13. After Teradata SQL Assistant launches, select Tools > Define Data Source. 2 In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog, decide what type of data source to create: Table 1: ODBC Data Source Types Data Source Description User DSN System DSN File DSN Explanation An ODBC user data source stores information about how to connect to the indicated data provider. An ODBC system data source stores information about how to connect to the indicated data provider. A system data source is visible to all users on this machine, including NT services. An ODBC file data source connects to a data provider. File DSNs can be shared by users who have the same drivers installed. Note: File DSN is not recommended. 3 After selecting the DSN type, click Add. For example: In the ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog, click the System DSN tab to bring to the front. Click Add, then click OK. 4 In the Create New Data Source dialog, select the appropriate driver and click Finish. For example: Locate the Teradata driver under the column Name. Click to select the driver and click Finish. 5 A dialog appears for the selected database. This dialog requests information that defines the location of the database and the connection parameters to be used when establishing a connection. The parameters will vary from one vendor database to another. The following table describes the basic parameters used to connect to a database. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 23

24 Chapter 1: Getting Started Defining a Data Source Table 2: ODBC Driver Setup for Teradata Database Dialog: Field Descriptions Select This Field... Name Description Name(s) or IP address(es) Do not resolve alias name to IP address Use Integrated Security Mechanism Parameter Username Password Default Database (optional) Account String (optional) To... Enter a name that identifies this data source. For example, in some cases there is more than one Teradata server to connect to, or a user may have more than one logon depending on the function the user performs. Enter a description. This is solely a comment field to describe the data source name used. Enter the name(s) or IP address(es) of each LAN-connected node in your system, one per line. Entering only the first node name or IP address causes the client to communicate only with that node or IP address and can decrease system performance significantly. Define any names entered here in either Domain Name Services (DNS) or the local hosts file. The hosts file is located in the system32\drivers\etc subdirectory of the directory in which Windows is installed. Enter the name(s) or IP address(es) of the Teradata system. Note: Never enter both a name and an IP address. When this option is checked, setup routine does not attempt to resolve alias names entered into the "Name(s) and IP address(es)" box at setup time. Instead it will be resolved at connect time. When unchecked, the setup routine automatically appends COPn (where n = 1, 2, 3,..., 128) for each alias name entered. This will cause other IP addresses associated with this server to be located, until a break in the sequence is detected. Select this option if will be logging on using integrated security measures. Leave this field blank to use the default mechanism. The authentication parameter is a password required for the selected mechanism. Enter a user name. Enter a password to be used for the connection if using Teradata SQL Assistant in an unattended (batch) mode. Entering a password here is not secure. Enter the default database name. If the Default Database is not entered, the Username is used as the default. All tables, views, and macros are assumed to be in this default database unless explicitly prefixed by a database name in the query. Enter one of the accounts that the DBA assigned to the Username when it was created. 24 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

25 Chapter 1: Getting Started Defining a Data Source Table 2: ODBC Driver Setup for Teradata Database Dialog: Field Descriptions (continued) Select This Field... Session Character Set To... Use the drop down menu to choose the character set. The default is ASCII. 6 Click OK. Teradata SQL Assistant is ready to use. For more information about using ODBC Data Source Administrator, refer to the ODBC Data Source Administrator s Help system. ODBC Driver Before using Teradata SQL Assistant to access the data in the database, first install an ODBC driver on the PC. Each database requires a driver that is designed specifically for that database system. Obtain the appropriate driver from an database vendor or from a third-party supplier. Compatibility Teradata SQL Assistant is certified to run with any Level 2 compliant 32-bit ODBC driver. The product also works with Level 1 compliant drivers, but may not provide full functionality. Consult the ODBC driver documentation to determine the driver s conformance level. Most commercially available ODBC drivers conform to Level 2. Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source Use the Connection Information dialog to create, edit, and delete data sources for.net for Teradata. The dialog is also used to connect to other.net data sources. The following steps explain how to define.net data sources. To define a Teradata.NET data source 1 Open Teradata SQL Assistant. 2 Select Teradata.NET from the provider drop down list, next to the Connect tool button. 3 Click the Connect icon or go to Tools > Connect. 4 Use the Connection Information dialog to choose a.net data source. Create a new data source by entering the name and server and other applicable information Delete an existing data source by clicking Delete. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 25

26 Chapter 1: Getting Started Defining a Data Source Use this dialog to modify existing sources. 5 Use the Advanced tab to make additional changes to a data source. The figure below shows the.net dialog box. The following table describes the options in the dialog. 6 Click OK to save the.net data source. This also connects you to the listed source. Table 3: Description of the.net Dialog Option. Dialog Item Description Basic tab Data Source Name Server Mechanism Parameter User Name Password Default Database Enter the name of the data source or use the drop down menu to choose an existing name. Enter the name of the data source or the IP address. Select a security mechanism and parameter. The default Mechanism is used if this is left blank. Enter your security parameters if required by the selected Mechanism. Enter the appropriate user name information. Enter the appropriate password information. Enter the default database if applicable. If the Default Database is not entered, the Username is used as the default. All tables, views, and macros are assumed to be in this default database unless explicitly prefixed by a database name in the query. 26 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

27 Chapter 1: Getting Started Starting Teradata SQL Assistant Table 3: Description of the.net Dialog Option. (continued) Dialog Item Account String Description Enter the default account string if applicable. Advanced tab Session Character Set Session Mode Response Buffer Size Use the drop down menu to select a character set to be associated with the data source. Use Session Mode to select the type of session. Options include ANSI, DEFAULT, and TERADATA. Enter a buffer size is applicable. The default is Port Number Enter a port number. The default is Connection Timeout Data Source DNS Entries Use X views Use Data Encryption Verify Message Integrity Use Enhanced Schema Enter the length of time in seconds that SQL Assistant will wait for a connection to be established before determining that the system is unavailable. The default setting is 20 seconds. Enter the number of IP Addresses defined for the Teradata system from -1 to 999. The default setting is -1. Check this box to force the driver to read the X (restricted) views instead of the regular views when fetching catalog data for the Database Tree. Note: This option makes retrieving Database Tree information less efficient but may be required due to security restrictions for some users. Check this box to use data encryption. Check this box to have the.net Data Provider perform integrity checks on all messages sent to and received from Teradata. The box is not checked by default. Check the box to have the.net Data Provider return additional metadata information. This option also controls whether the StatementInfo parcel is returned by the database. The box is checked by default. Starting Teradata SQL Assistant After installing.net data provider for Teradata, Teradata SQL Assistant, and any required ODBC drivers, start Teradata SQL Assistant. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 27

28 Chapter 1: Getting Started Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source To start Teradata SQL Assistant From the Windows desktop, select Start > Programs > Teradata SQL Assistant. The Teradata SQL Assistant main window appears with a blank Query Window on the top and a History window on the bottom. Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source You can either use an ODBC data source or a.net data source or both. The data sources should be defined beforehand. See Defining an ODBC Data Source on page 22 or Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source on page 25 for more information. You can also connect to more then one data source at a time if the option is checked on the Options dialog under the General tab. The following section provide information. Setting General Program Preferences Defining an ODBC Data Source Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source Connecting to an ODBC Data Source Connecting to.net for Teradata Changing the Database Password Connecting to an ODBC Data Source After defining the ODBC data source, connect to it. Note: Teradata SQL Assistant only runs in direct connect mode and will not run from outside a firewall. To connect to an ODBC data source 1 Use the provider drop down menu to select ODBC data source. 2 Do one of the following: Select Tools > Connect. On the Toolbar click. The prompt asks for the name of the data source. 28 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

29 Chapter 1: Getting Started Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source 3 Select a data source and click OK. 4 In the Teradata Database Connect dialog box: a b c Do one of the following: Select Use Integrated Security Enter the Mechanism and Parameter Enter the Userid and Password. Optionally, enter a Default Database or an Account String. Click OK. When the connection is complete, the Connect icon may be disabled and the Disconnect icon, to its right, is enabled. (The connect icon is disabled only if connection to multiple data sources is not allowed.) For more information on the fields in this dialog, refer to the ODBC Driver for Teradata User Guide. When Connected to ODBC The following are some characteristics that occur when connected to an ODBC source. All columns are returned as character strings when Interval columns are selected. Because of this, you can not select LOBs or Byte columns if your Select includes Interval columns. You can only select CLOBs if you connect using the UTF16 Session Character Set. Only type F User Defined Functions will be listed under the Functions node of the Database tree Connecting to.net for Teradata Use these steps to connect to a.net for Teradata data source. For more information on defining.net data sources, see Defining a.net Data Provider for Teradata Data Source on page 25. To connect to a.net for Teradata data source 1 Use the Provider drop down menu to select Teradata.Net. 2 Do one of the following: Select Tools > Connect. On the Toolbar click. The Teradata.Net Connection Information dialog opens. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 29

30 Chapter 1: Getting Started Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source 3 Select the data source and enter the applicable information. 4 Click OK. When Connected to Teradata.Net Data Source The following are some characteristics that occur when connected to an Teradata.Net data source. Global Temporary tables will not be distinguished from regular tables in the Database tree. The data type displayed for Columns/Parameters will be the.net data type instead of the real Teradata type. Index cardinalities will not be displayed after expanding the Indexes node of a Table. A WITH (summary) clause in a Select statement will cause the data return to fail. Connecting to Multiple Data Sources You can connect to multiple data sources. The following steps explain how. To connect to multiple data sources 1 Go to the Tools > Options > General tab. 2 Click Allow connections to multiple data sources (Query windows), 3 Follow the procedure for connecting to a data source. Each new data source appears in the Database Tree and opens a new query window with the data source name. To disconnect from one data source, click the Query window that is connected to the data source and click the disconnect icon. Disconnecting from a Data Source To disconnect from a data source Do one of the following: Select Tools > Disconnect. On the Toolbar, click. Changing the Database Password The password can be changed in the database for Teradata, Oracle, MySQL and SQL Server databases; however, it may not be able to change on all database systems, e.g., Microsoft Access. Changing the password in the Database does not change a password that is stored in the ODBC data source definition. Storing a password in the ODBC data source is not secure and is not recommended. 30 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

31 Chapter 1: Getting Started Main Window To change the database password 1 Select Tools > Change Password. 2 In the Change Database Password dialog box, enter the current password. 3 Enter the new password. Note: Do not use the semicolon (;) or the equal sign (=) when changing database passwords if any ODBC or.net-based applications are used. 4 Re-enter the same new password to confirm it. 5 Click OK. Note: The OK button is not enabled until the current password has been entered and the two new password fields contain the same value. Main Window The Query Window is used to enter and execute a query. The results from queries are placed into one or more Answerset windows. See Introduction to the Query Window on page 53. The Answerset window is a table Teradata SQL Assistant uses to display the output of a query. See Introduction to the Answerset Window on page 89. The History window is a table that displays past queries and related processing attributes. The past queries and processing attributes are stored locally in a Microsoft Access database. This provides flexibility to work with previous SQL statements in the future. See Introduction to the History Window on page 117. In addition to the three main windows, the Database Explorer Tree shows that database objects. For more information on this feature, see Database Explorer Tree on page 34. Menu Bar The Teradata SQL Assistant main window has a menu bar containing menus that display a list of commands. The available commands apply to the active window. To find information on main menu items, refer to the Index under the main menu name. For information on customizing menus, see Customizing Menus and Toolbars on page 150. Hiding Toolbars The Toolbars contain tool buttons used to perform the functions of the more commonly used menu commands. For information on customizing Toolbars, see Customizing Menus and Toolbars on page 150. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 31

32 Chapter 1: Getting Started Main Window To hide the Toolbars Select View > Toolbars and then choose the Toolbar to hide. Using the Status Bar The status bar appears across the bottom of the main window and displays status information such as: The status of an action or descriptive information about the Menu or Tool button that the mouse is currently hovering over. For example, after executing a query, the status bar displays a success or failure message for that query. The line number of the cursor position. The line number is useful for locating syntax errors in stored procedures. Sums, averages, variance, and standard deviation for highlighted blocks of cells in Answerset windows. To display this information, see Displaying Aggregate Values on page 94. Current time. The name of the Data Source that the data was retrieved from when an Answer set window is active. To hide the Status Bar Select View > Status Bar. Tabbing Windows Query, History, and Answerset windows can be displayed as tabbed windows instead of the usual Tiled, Cascaded, or Maximized options. When tabbed, the windows can be split into two tab groups to allow you to easily compare the contents of each window. To tab windows Under Window on the Toolbar, select Tabbed. The open windows will arrange in tabs. After the window is tabbed, a second tab group can be opened either by right-clicking on a tab and using the menu, or by dragging the tab to any edge of the window. (Dragging to a side opens side by side tab groups, while dragging to the top/bottom opens one tab group above the other.) A tabbed window can also be dragged to a new location within its own tab group, or to another tab group. 32 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

33 Chapter 1: Getting Started Main Window Cascading Windows To display all the open windows, use the cascade function. The following procedure explains how. Tiling Windows To cascade windows Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select Window > Cascade. Use the tiling function to display all the open windows. The following procedure explains how. To tile windows Arranging Windows Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select Window > Tile. To arrange all minimized windows in a row across the bottom of the Teradata SQL Assistant window, use the following procedure. To arrange icons Do one of the following: Select Window > Arrange Icons. Using Online Help The following explains how to use the help menu items. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 33

34 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree To display help menu items Do one of the following: Select Help > Help Topics. From the Toolbar, click. To display context-sensitive help Press F1 from anywhere in the program. Teradata SQL Assistant displays the Help topics for windows or dialogs in the Help window. To display information about SQL Assistant The About screen provides useful information about SQL Assistant and the current session, including the software version of SQL Assistant, the type and version of the connected server, and information about the ODBC driver. Select Help > About SQL Assistant. Using Shortcut Menus and Commands To find information on menu items, refer to the Index under the menu name. Information on the shortcut menus for each window may be found as follows: Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu on page 86 Using Answerset Shortcut Menus on page 113 The History Window Shortcut Menu on page 132 Displaying the Shortcut Menu on page 40 Customizing Shortcut Menus Shortcut menus can be customized. For more information, see Customizing Menus and Toolbars on page 150. Database Explorer Tree The Database Explorer Tree can be optionally displayed at the left or right side of the main Teradata SQL Assistant window. This pane will display each of the Data Sources you are connected to. Opening a data source will display an alphabetical list of databases on that Data Source. Double-click a database name to expand the tree display for that database. Use the Database Explorer Tree to reduce the time required to build a query and help reduce errors in object names. 34 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

35 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Viewing Object Types Initially, the following databases load into the Database Explorer Tree: The user's default database The User ID that was used to connect to the database (if applicable) The database "DBC" (for Teradata data sources only) The database "SYSCAT" (for DB2 data sources only) The database "pg_catalog" (for PostgreSQL data sources only) Any databases that you have previously requested to be loaded for this data source. Below each database name the following folders display: Tables Views System Tables (not for Teradata) Macros (for Teradata data sources only) Functions Procedures The Database Explorer Tree shows the objects in the various databases shown. The following sections explain how the Explorer Tree works. To expand the Explorer Tree to show all the objects Do one of the following: Double-click the database name or folder. Click the plus sign (+) next to the database name or folder. Highlight the database name or folder, and press Enter or the right arrow key. Right-click on the database name or folder, then select Expand/Collapse on the shortcut menu. Note: The following notes apply to the Database Tree: Expanding the Tables, Views or System Tables folder will load all these object types. Expanding the Macros, Functions or Procedures folder loads all these object types. If no objects exist for a given object type, that folder is automatically removed. When an index node is expanded for a Table, the approximate index cardinality (number of unique values) is displayed after the column name(s). (Applies to ODBC connections only.) When expanding the Tables node of a database any Global Temp Tables in that database will be listed in blue. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 35

36 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree To collapse the Explorer Tree to hide all of the objects Do one of the following: Double-click the database name or folder. Click the minus sign (-) next to the database name or folder. Highlight the database name or folder, and press Enter or the left arrow key. Right-click on the database name or folder, then select Expand/Collapse on the shortcut menu. Opening and Closing the Database Explorer Tree To open or close the Database Explorer Tree Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select View > Explorer Tree. The check mark displays the status by toggling on or off. Navigating to the Database Explorer Tree Use the following procedure to go to the previous database used in the Database Explorer Tree. To navigate to the Database Explorer Tree Do one of the following: Select View > Go To Explorer. Press Ctrl+G. Changing the Width of the Tree Area To change the width of the Explorer Tree area Click on the right edge of the display and drag it to a new position. Moving the Explorer Tree Window The Database Explorer Tree window operates as a separate window that can be moved around and docked to the left or right side of the parent window or can float in the parent window. The Database Explorer Tree also has an auto-hide feature that causes it to collapse to a bar when the mouse moves away from the window. 36 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

37 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree To move the Database Explorer Tree To move the Database Explorer Tree, do the following: Click the caption bar of the Database Explorer window and drag it to a desired location. When the cursor is close to the left or right edge of the main window, it displays a bold outline indicating that it is ready to dock to that side. Otherwise it floats when the mouse button is released. To auto-hide the Database Explorer window, do one of the following: Click the push pin on the caption bar to activate auto-hide or unpin the Explorer Tree. When you move the mouse away from the Explorer Tree, the window collapses to a bar at the side of the main window. When you move the mouse over the Explorer Tree tab on the bar, the Database Explorer Tree window reopens. Click the push pin again to turn off auto-hide. Dragging Object Names to the Query Pane Dragging Multiple Objects Click and drag the object from the Explorer Tree to the Query pane. The name of the object appears in the Query Window. Use the Ctrl key to add a comma after the object name when it is dragged to the Query pane. To qualify object names with their parent name when dragging an object to the Query Window, first check the option Qualify names when dragged or pasted from the Database Tree, on the DB Tree tab of the Options dialog. Use the Shift and Ctrl keys to select more then one object from the Database Explorer Tree that can be dragged to the Query window. Use the Ctrl key to select additional objects. Use the Shift key to select a range of objects. Using Quick Paste Quick paste allows you to easily move objects from the Explorer Tree to the query window. To use quick paste Perform a quick paste in one of the following ways: Double-click an object in the Database Explorer Tree to quickly move it to the Query window. Select the object, then right-click and select Quick Paste from the menu. The object is immediately pasted into the Query window. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 37

38 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Adding Double Quotes around Object Name Adding Object Types You can request that double quotes be automatically added around any object name that is dragged, or quick pasted, from the Database Tree by checking the option Enclose names in quotes when dragged or pasted from the Database Tree on the DB Tree tab of the Options dialog. When creating a new object, it will not appear in the Database Explorer Tree until the parent folder opens. If the parent folder is already open or has been opened during the current session, the new object does not appear until after the Refresh Database command is used, or disconnect and reconnect to the database. The same holds true when deleting an object. For more information, see Refreshing the Database Explorer Tree on page 40. Table 4: Sub folders Created When Objects are Added When adding a... Table View Macro Function Procedure the following subfolder(s) are added... Columns and Indexes Columns Parameters Displaying Object Definitions Use the following procedures to display the text (the DDL or data definition language) used to create a table, view, macro or stored procedure in the Database Explorer Tree. The resulting text is displayed in the Answerset or Query window depending on which procedure you use. To display the text used to create an object in the Answerset window Right-click on the object, then select Show Definition. Abort the data retrieval process at any time by clicking the Abort icon on the toolbar. The results appear in the Answerset window. Definitions are available as follows: Tables - Full definition for Teradata only. Column information only for other vendors. Views, Macros, Procedures and Functions - Teradata, Oracle, SQL Server and Sybase Note: The definition for a Function or Procedure may not always be available. 38 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

39 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree To display the text used to create an object in the Query window 1 Right-click on the object, then select Generate SQL>Create. Abort the data retrieval process at any time by clicking the Abort icon on the toolbar. The results appear in the Query window. Definitions are available as follows: Tables - Full definition for Teradata only. Column information only for other vendors. Views, Macros, Procedures and Functions - Teradata, Oracle, SQL Server and Sybase Note: The definition for a Function or Procedure may not always be available. Displaying Data Source Information To display data source information, use the mouse to hover over the data source node. Hovering displays the User Name and Default Database for that data source. Copying a List of All Columns Copy a list of all the columns from the selected Table or View into the Query Window, as part of a simple select statement, using the Select command. For example: Select col1, col2, col3, col4 From MyTable This is faster than dragging individual column names to build a select statement that contains many columns of a table. To copy a list of all the columns from the selected table or view into the Query Window Right-click on the object, then select Generate SQL>Select. Adding Databases The following steps explain how to add additional databases to the Database Explorer Tree. To add additional databases 1 Do one of the following: With the Database Explorer Tree active, press Insert. Right-click anywhere in the Database Explorer Tree, then select Add Database. 2 Type the database name to be added. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 39

40 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Removing Databases 3 Clear the check box to have the database loaded only for the current session. By default, the check box is selected so the database appears in the Database Explorer Tree in future sessions. To remove databases from the Database Explorer Tree, use the following steps. If a database is removed by mistake, it can be added again. See Adding Databases on page 39. To remove a database Do one of the following: Click on the database name and press Delete. From the Database Explorer Tree, right-click on the database name and click Remove Database. Note: The default database can not be removed from the Database Explorer Tree. Refreshing the Database Explorer Tree The following steps explain how to refresh the objects shown below a database in the Database Explorer Tree. To refresh the objects shown below a database 1 From the Database Explorer Tree, right-click the database. 2 Select Refresh Database. Note: Only object types previously expanded are refreshed. Displaying the Shortcut Menu There are several ways to bring up additional menu options. Table 5: Explorer Tree Shortcut Menu Commands on page 41 describes all of the commands. To display commands for the Database Explorer Tree Window Do one of the following: Right-click an object and select a menu item. Press Shift+F10. Press Context Menu on the keyboard. 40 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

41 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Table 5: Explorer Tree Shortcut Menu Commands Command Quick Paste Show Definition Expand/ Collapse Add Database Refresh Database Remove Database Description Pastes the current object name into the Query Window. The name is inserted at the current insertion point. To insert the name at a different point, drag and drop it within the query text. Displays the text used to create an object in the Database Explorer Tree. The DDL (data definition language) of a table, view, macro or stored procedure will be displayed in the Answerset Window. Right-click the object to show the definition, then choose this command. Expands or collapses the display for the selected object. If the selected object has not been previously opened, the child data (for example, the list of tables) will be fetched from the database. If the selected object has no children, it will be removed from the tree. Adds additional databases to the Database Explorer Tree. Refreshes the objects shown below a database in the tree. Right-click the database to refresh, then choose this command. Note: Only object types previously expanded are refreshed. Removes a database from the Database Explorer Tree. Generate SQL The commands on this menu generate and insert SQL into the Query window. An example of the inserted SQL is shown for each command below. In these examples <name> is the Table or View name <a, b, c,...> is the list of columns in that table or view Select Select <a, b, c,...> from <name>. Insert (Values) Insert into <name> ( <a, b, c,...>) Values (<a [datatype], b [datatype], c [datatype],...>) Insert (Import) Insert into <name> ( <a, b, c,...>) Values (?,?,?,...) Create Create Table <name> ( <a [datatype], b [datatype], c [datatype], ) Primary Index (x) Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 41

42 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Listing All Tables or Views In a Database To list the tables or views of any database 1 Select Tools > List Tables. 2 In the Database Name field, type the name of the database (or owner, if using Oracle) containing the tables. Enter the following wildcard characters in this field: Note: Wildcard characters only function when using an ODBC connection. "_" Matches any single character "%" Matches zero or more characters Also note that if the name is specified as a single percent sign ("%") this has special meaning to some ODBC drivers. It requests a list of all databases on the system, rather than all Tables within all Databases. To display all tables in all databases it is therefore safer to specify either "%%" or "_%". Note: This field does not apply to Microsoft Access databases. 3 At least one of the following must be checked: Show Tables lists the tables in the selected database. Show Views lists the views in the selected database. 4 Click OK. The resulting list of tables, views and/or system tables is displayed in an Answerset window. This window does not automatically close when new queries are submitted. Listing All Columns In a Table or View To list the columns in a table or view 1 Select Tools > List Columns. 2 In Database Name field, type the name of the database (or owner, if using Oracle) containing the table or view. This field does not apply to Microsoft Access databases. 3 In Table or View Name, type the name of the table or view. 4 Click OK. The resulting list of columns are displayed in an Answerset window. This window does not automatically close when new queries are submitted. 42 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

43 Chapter 1: Getting Started Database Explorer Tree Setting Database Tree Preferences To set database tree preferences 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the DB Tree tab. 3 Choose from the options shown in the following table. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save the settings. Table 6: Options dialog, DB Tree tab Options Load my user defined list of databases Load the databases and users from a Table or View Load from this source Description This is the default option. The user DBC, current logon user, default database, and any databases or users previously defined for this data source are loaded. This option is only available when connecting to a Teradata data source. This option reads the database names from the table or view specified in the next field. Enter the name of the table or view to load database names from. By default, this view name is DBC.DatabasesX. If an unqualified name is entered, the assumption is that the name is in database DBC. This table/view must contain the columns DatabaseName and DBKind. DBKind should be set to D to indicate a database. Any other value is assumed to be a User. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 43

44 Chapter 1: Getting Started Setting General Program Preferences Table 6: Options dialog, DB Tree tab Options Exclude all users except for DBC and myself Save Database Tree information to disk and reload it at startup Load only column names for Views - Much faster (Teradata only) Qualify Names when dragged or pasted from the Database Tree Enclose names in quotes when dragged or pasted from the Database Tree Use alternate schema when loading the Explorer Tree for Unknown vendors Description The default is checked. When checked, all databases are loaded, and users are excluded. The only users that are loaded are DBC and the current logon user. The default is unchecked. When checked, all the information currently in the database tree is saved to disk before Teradata SQL Assistant is shut down. The database tree information is then reloaded when opened again. The column information automatically loads for all tables and views in the database when you expand the Tables or Views folders in the database tree. The default is unchecked. This option is only available when Save Database Tree information to disk and reload it at startup is selected. Select this option to load only the column names for Views. Using this option speeds up the amount of time it takes to load database information for a database that contains many views. The default is unchecked. When checked, Table, Column, etc. names are qualified with their parent name when dragged from the Explorer Tree, or when the Quick Paste menu is used. The default is unchecked. When checked, names are enclosed in double quotes when dragged from the Explorer Tree, or when the Generate SQL or Quick Paste menus are used. Check this item if you are connected to an unknown (unsupported) database and no objects appear in the Explorer Tree. Setting General Program Preferences The following steps explain the available options under the General tab and how to control basic program behavior by setting options. To set general program preferences 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the General tab. 44 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

45 Chapter 1: Getting Started Setting General Program Preferences 3 Choose from the options shown in the following table. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save the settings. Table 7: Options Dialog, General tab. Options Allow connections to multiple data sources (Query windows) Allow multiple queries per connection (Tabs in a query window) Print the related SQL when printing an Answerset Display this string for Null data values Description Check this box to allow SQL Assistant to connect more then one data source. The Connect icon remains active. The default for this setting is unchecked. Allows multiple query tabs to be opened within a Query window. With this option selected, the New Query command opens a new tab in the current Query Window. The default for this setting is checked. Check this option to print the SQL statement that is associated with the Answerset to be printed. Note: The SQL statement does not display in the Print Preview window but will be printed. Enter the string to be displayed in place of Null data fields in the reports and imported/exported files. The default for this setting is?. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 45

46 Chapter 1: Getting Started Setting General Program Preferences Table 7: Options Dialog, General tab. (continued) Options Display dates in this format Description The drop-down list contains pre-defined options to select from. The characters d, m, and y to signify the day, month and year components can be added to the list. It also accepts /, -, ',' and space characters can be added as delimiters. Day formats are specified by repeating characters as follows: d - Day number without leading zero dd - Day number with leading zero ddd - Day name abbreviated dddd - Day name in full Month formats are specified by repeating characters as follows: m - Month number without leading zero mm - Month number with leading zero mmm - Month name abbreviated mmmm - Month name in full Year formats are specified by repeating characters as follows: yy - Year, represented with 2 digits yyyy - Year, represented with 4 digits Insertion Characters: The dash, slash, comma, period and space characters are insertion characters. For example: dddd, dd mmm yyyy displays Monday, 07 Mar 2008 Wheras d-mm displays 7-03 Note: Lowercase 'm' is automatically changed to uppercase 'M.' Use a separate Answer window for Application Style Base Font Size Each Resultset - opens a new Answer window for each new result set Each Query - opens a new Answer window for each new query, but uses tabs within this window if the query returns multiple result sets. This is the default setting. Never - directs all query results to display in a single tabbed Answer window This option changes the look and feel of SQL Assistant. Choose from Office2000, Office2003, Office2007 or Windows Vista. Office 2007 has several color options. The default is Office2003. Changes the size of the fonts. Choose between Standard, Larger, and Largest. 46 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

47 Chapter 1: Getting Started Setting General Program Preferences Setting Default File Paths To set default file paths 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the File Paths tab. 3 Enter file paths for the options shown. See the table below for option descriptions. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save the settings. Table 8: Description of the File Paths Options Option Query files Answer files Import and LOB files Description The Open/Save Query functions point to this directory the first time they are used. Subsequent open/save operations point to the most recent directory used. The default path is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\my Documents. The Open/Save Query functions point to this directory the first time they are used. Subsequent open/save/export operations point to the most recent directory used. The default path is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\my Documents. Import operations initially point to this directory for import files. This is also the default location for storage of any large objects that are retrieved. The default path is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\my Documents. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 47

48 Chapter 1: Getting Started Setting General Program Preferences Table 8: Description of the File Paths Options Option History file Description History information is loaded from the SQLHistory.mdb file stored in this directory. If you change this path to a directory that does not contain an SQLHistory.mdb file, Teradata SQL Assistant opens and converts any history file created by an earlier version of Teradata SQL Assistant. If a previous version is not found, a new, empty history database is created. The default path is C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\application Data\Teradata\SQL Assistant. Using Page Setup The Page Setup dialog lets you change the way spreadsheet data in the Answerset and History window appears and is printed. The following steps explain the options in the Page Setup dialog. To use the Page Setup dialog 1 Under File, select Page Setup. 2 Use the Page Setup dialog to set how the page looks. To see how the page looks, click Print Preview. See Using Print Preview on page 49 for more information about Print Preview. Table 9: Description of the Page Setup Dialog and Print Preview Window Option Margins Orientation Page Size Scale Factor Print in Color Print a border around the data Page Title Description Select the margin size for the spreadsheet. Select the orientation for the spreadsheet. Select the paper size. Scroll or enter a value between 50 and 200 percent for the scale size of the spreadsheet. The default scale size is 100 percent. Select to print in color. The default is to print in black and white. Note: This option is also available when printing a Query or output from Explain and Show statements. Select this option to print a border around the spreadsheet data. This option adds a point border around the speadsheet information. Note: This option is also available when printing a Query or output from Explain and Show statements. Enter a title for the page. 48 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

49 Chapter 1: Getting Started Support for Unicode and UTF-8 Using Print Preview The Print Preview dialog allows you to preview Answerset or History window spreadsheet data before printing. Print preview is only available from the Answerset window and the History window. These two windows print data in the form of a spreadsheet. You can print the Query window, but print preview is not available. To use the Print Preview window Do one of the following: Select Print Preview under File from the Toolbar. To view one or more pages at a time, use the page icon. Use the Zoom icon to change the view size. To print, click the Print icon. View different page by using the select page field. Support for Unicode and UTF-8 The Teradata data source must be defined to use either a UTF8 or UTF16 session character set in order to successfully submit or retrieve Unicode data. CLOBs can not be retrieved over a UTF8 ODBC connection. CLOBs can be retrieved over a UTF16 ODBC session if the ODBC option Use native LOB support z checked. If this option is not checked, or if working with Teradata Database V2R5.0 or lower, all fixed length character data may be returned with additional blank padding up to a length of double the actual column size. (This limitation is caused by insufficient descriptive information returned to the driver from older Teradata Database releases.) The following sections contain related information. Displaying Unicode Data Exporting Unicode Data Importing Unicode Data Displaying Unicode Data Exporting Unicode Data To display languages such as Arabic or Hebrew, which are normally displayed from right to left, use the Regional Settings option of Windows Control Panel to install the required language support files. If you wish to export to a text file, select an Export file type of Delimited Text [UTF-8] or Delimited Text [Unicode]. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 49

50 Chapter 1: Getting Started Limitations Importing Unicode Data If Delimited Text (ASCII) is selected, any data that is not a part of the code page will be corrupted. Note: Teradata CLOBs over 2K in size can only be returned through an ODBC connection if you specified the UTF16 character set in the Connection dialog box. Imported files can be in ASCII, Unicode (UTF16), or UTF 8 format. (If Unicode or UTF8 the file MUST contain the appropriate Byte Order Mark prefix.) When Importing CLOB data, the data files referenced in the Import file can be in ASCII, Unicode (UTF16), or UTF 8 format. All files destined for a specific column should however be of the same type. Limitations General Limitations The following sections list limitations with Teradata SQL Assistant. A multi-tab Answerset can not be saved as a single Excel workbook (each tab is now a separate Spreadsheet or Editor control). Exported text files now always have a BOM prefix if they are written in UTF8 or UTF16. Teradata.Net Specific Limitations ODBC Specific Limitations A WITH (summary) clause in a Select statement causes the data return to fail. An ECHO statement in a macro will cause the query to fail. TD.Net always uses ANSI date mode. All date literals must be entered as YYYY-MM-DD. Timestamp With Time Zone columns will only sort correctly if you use a date format of YYYY-MM-DD. General Time fields will not display fractional seconds. Time Zone information will not be displayed. Decimal values with more than 28 digits may display incorrectly. Retrieving Interval data or vendor specific types may limit the functionality of the resultset as follows: Decimal data may display 'n' decimal places ('n' is the value for Float data in Options). Date columns may be displayed as Timestamps and may not use your selected format. BLOB/CLOB columns may be displayed as regular BYTE/CHAR data. 50 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

51 Chapter 1: Getting Started Limitations Teradata CLOBs can only be returned using the UTF16 Session Character Set (unless < 2K). Only type 'F' User Defined Functions are listed in the Database Explorer Tree. FLOAT columns may be reported as 'TIME' in the Database Explorer Tree if they have a Format clause that looks like a time, for example, '99:99:99'. DB2 In order to return BLOBs and CLOBs correctly you must either set LongDataCompat=1 in the db2cli.ini file or use Define ODBC Data Source dialog to set this option in the Data Source itself. 1 Open the Define ODBC Data Source dialog and select the data source and click Configure. 2 Click Add on the Advanced tab and select LongDataCompat from the list. 3 Then select the As LongVarchar data option. Oracle Procedure and Function parameters are not displayed in the Database Explorer Tree. Retrieval of INTERVAL, or other 'unknown' types, will cause the ODBC driver to crash..net cuts off the first byte when selecting columns defined as RAW(n). This will make the binary object useless. Define the columns as BLOB instead. PostgreSQL Import only works if all columns can be converted to CHAR type (PostgreSQL has no ability to convert a string to a numeric for example). My SQL You must use MySQL Connect/ODBC , not (5.1.6 may be fixed). The older 5.1.x ODBC drivers do not return catalog information (tables and columns, for example). Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 51

52 Chapter 1: Getting Started Limitations 52 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

53 CHAPTER 2 The Query Window The purpose of this section is to explain how to use the Query Window and its features and functions, as well as how to import data. This section contains the following information: Introduction to the Query Window Using the Query Window Entering and Executing Queries Working With SQL Text in the Query Window Replacing a Text String in the Query Window Displaying an Explain Plan of Your Query Using Query Builder Setting Query Options Scheduling Queries for Later Execution Setting Code Editor Options Formatting a Query Importing Data Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu Introduction to the Query Window The Query Window is a fully functional editing environment that can be used to edit and execute queries. Some of the features the editor supports are: Drag-and-drop editing. Automatic syntax coloring and brace matching. See Setting Code Editor Options on page 59. Converting of selected text to either upper or lower case. See The Query Toolbar on page 144. Inserting or deleting bookmarks. See Selecting Text and Inserting Bookmarks Using the Query Window Margin on page 55. Making white space characters visible. See The Query Toolbar on page 144 Recording and playing back of keystroke macros. See Recording and Executing Query Window Macros on page 67. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 53

54 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window A full compliment of command and cursor control shortcut keys. See Command Shortcut Keys on page 155 and Cursor Movement/Text Highlighting Shortcut Keys on page 157. The results from the query are placed into one or more Answerset windows. Alternatively, the results may be written directly to a file. Queries may consist of one or more statements, and may return zero or more Answersets. Enter SQL, DDL, or DML into the Query Window. Comments may be added to queries. These comments are stored in the history database as part of the query. When the Query Window is active, the menus, commands, and tools available pertain only to that window. Using the Query Window This section explains how to use the Query Window. Topics covered include the follow: Using SQL, DDL, and DML Statements Displaying the Query Window Toolbar Allowing Multiple Queries Splitting the Query Window Into Two Windows Selecting Text and Inserting Bookmarks Using the Query Window Margin Creating Statements (Single and Multi) Parameterized Queries Zooming the Query Window Setting Query Options Setting Code Editor Options Using SQL, DDL, and DML Statements The SQL, DDL, and DML statements should conform to the syntax defined with the ODBC or Teradata.NET data sources. Displaying the Query Window Toolbar Follow this procedure to display or hide the Query Window toolbar. To display the Query Window toolbar Do one of the following: Select View > Toolbars > Query. 54 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

55 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Allowing Multiple Queries Right-click anywhere in the Menubar or toolbar, then on the popup menu select Query. Teradata SQL Assistant allows you to connect to multiple data sources. Each connection opens a separate Query window. You can also have multiple queries within a Query window. Each query opens a new tab in the Query window. The following procedure explains how to open both multiple Query windows and multiple tabs. To allow multiple queries 1 Got to Tools > Options and select the General tab. 2 Choose one or both of the following options: Allow connections to multiple data sources (Query window) Allow multiple queries per connection (Tabs in the Query window) 3 Click the New Query icon. A new tab opens in the current Query window. 4 Click the Connect... icon to open an additional data source. This opens a new Query window. See Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source on page 28 for more information on data sources. Splitting the Query Window Into Two Windows Split the query window into two independent scrolling windows to view two different parts of the query at once. To split the Query Window into two scrolling windows On the right side of the Query Window, drag the bar at the top of the vertical scroll bar downwards. Selecting Text and Inserting Bookmarks Using the Query Window Margin Another shortcut is to use the margin at the left of the Query Window. Use the margin to select text, and insert or delete bookmarks. To select text and insert or delete bookmarks using the margin of the Query Window To select text and insert and delete bookmarks, do one of the following: Click in the margin to highlight the corresponding line. Click and drag in the margin to highlight multiple lines. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 55

56 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Double-click in the margin, press Ctrl+B, or click to toggle a bookmark on or off for that line. Creating Statements (Single and Multi) Parameterized Queries Queries may be created that consist of one or more statements. A semicolon is not required when one statement at a time is entered. However, a semicolon between the statements is required for two or more statements. Each statement in the query is submitted separately to the database, therefore, the query may return more than one Answerset. Queries may contain Named Parameters, which makes it easy to reuse a query because all that changes are the data values (for example, in a Where clause). Named Parameters function like variables. Enter the value for a named parameter once. If it is used in multiple places within the query that same value will be used in all places. Note: The values entered for named parameters will be saved to the Notes column of History for future reference. Named Parameters are indicated by a? immediately followed by a name. The name can consist of alphanumeric characters plus the _ symbol. When an parameterized query is executed, a prompt appears for each parameter before the query is submitted. For example, if the following query is submitted: Select * From PhoneBook Where LastName Like '?NameStart' A prompt appears to enter a value for NameStart. Parameter values are directly inserted into the query. This means that they may need to be enclosed in quotes. Although quotes may be used when prompted for the data value, it is generally recommended that quotes be included in the query itself, as in the example above. See Setting Query Options for more information. To switch off parameter substitution 1 Select Tools>Options. 2 Select the Query tab. 3 Uncheck the option Allow use of Named Parameters in queries. Note: If an empty string is entered, or the Cancel button used, the query is left unchanged. This allows for those rare cases where SQL Assistant incorrectly identifies a regular part of the query as being a parameter name. 56 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

57 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Zooming the Query Window You can zoom the contents of a window in and out by using the Ctrl button and mouse wheel. To zoom the active window 1 Make sure the window is active. 2 Hold the Ctrl button and spin the mouse wheel. The display zooms in and out. Setting Query Options Control queries by setting options on the Query tab. The following sections explains how. To set query options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the Query tab. The following table explains each option in the Query tab. Table 10: The Query tab in the Options dialog. Option Close the Answerset window before submitting a new query Description The default value is checked. Closes all Answerset windows that are not marked as Do not Close before running a new query. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 57

58 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Table 10: The Query tab in the Options dialog. (continued) Option Disconnect from database when a query ends Provide audible notification when a query ends Minimize SQL Assistant while a query is running Prompt for a note before running a query Stop query execution if an SQL error occurs Submit only the selected query text when highlighted Allow use of Named Parameters in queries. Prompt to save the Query Log when a Query ends Prompt to save queries that have been changed, but not run, before closing Description The default value is unchecked. When checked, this option starts and stops the connection to the data source with each query. The default is unchecked. When checked, Teradata SQL Assistant makes a sound when a query is complete. The sound also occurs if the query times out, or the number of rows exceeds the output limit, or the query is canceled. This option is also available from the Toolbar by clicking. The default is unchecked. When checked, Teradata SQL Assistant minimizes when a query runs. The default is unchecked. When checked, Teradata SQL Assistant displays a dialog to enter notes whenever a query is submitted. Also, from the Toolbar, click (you can toggle this option on or off). To add a note after the query has completed, double-click the note cell. The Query Note dialog opens. The default is checked. When checked, queries are stopped if an error occurs even if the query contains additional statements that have not yet been executed. If a query with conditional logic based on the ERRORCODE command is used, uncheck this option. If this option remains checked, Teradata SQLA stops processing the query before it attempts to evaluate the conditional logic. Queries with conditional logic based on ERRORCODE and ending with an EXIT command are reported as successful if the return code is zero. The default is unchecked. This means even if part of the query is highlighted, the entire query is executed when submitted. The default is checked. This setting allows the use of Named Parameter substitution in queries. The default is unchecked. When checked, Teradata SQL Assistant displays a dialog that allows the Query Log to be saved after a multistatement query is executed. The default is checked. When checked, Teradata SQL Assistant displays a dialog to save the Query to either a file or to the History database before closing the Query window or closing Teradata SQL Assistant. A prompt to save the query only displays if changes were made to the query since opening a file, saving to a file, executing the query, copying a query from the History window by clicking on the SQL, or using the Clear Query button. 58 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

59 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Setting Code Editor Options Queries can be automatically colorized as you type, using the Code Editor tab in the Options dialog. The query text is colorized based on specific SQL keywords and functions, strings and numbers, comments, etc. Query syntax and parser errors are highlighted in yellow by default in the Query window. This color can be changed in the Code Editor tab. To set formatting options for a query 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the Code Editor tab. 3 Choose an option. The following table explains each option. 4 Click OK. Note: For more information on how syntax highlighting works, see Language Definition Files on page 80. Note: Japanese object names will only be highlighted as object names if they are enclosed in double quotes. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 59

60 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Table 11: Code Editor Tab in the Options Dialog Option Automatic syntax highlighting Convert keywords to upper case Display line numbers Display left margin Display brace matches Insert spaces for tabs Indent new lines like previous Wrap lists after Display Item Description The default is checked. Enables syntax highlighting. If this option is not selected, all text is set to the default color Note: Disabling this feature also turns off automatic brace matching. The default is unchecked. Makes all keywords uppercase. The default is unchecked. Displays line numbers for each line in a query. The default is checked. Displays the left margin in the Query window. The default is checked. If this option is not checked, then keywords (such as BEGIN and END), symbols, parenthesis, and quotation marks are not highlighted as a pair when the cursor is placed within or after a keyword. The default is unchecked. Inserts n space characters each time the tab key is pressed. Use the Tab Size box to indicate the number of spaces for each tab entered, from 2-9. The default is checked. If this option is not checked, then all new lines start at the left margin. When using Format Query, any comma that is found after this column causes the remaining text on that line to be moved to a new line. To format the query so that each column in the select list is on a separate line, set to a low value, such as three. The default is 60. Shows a list of syntax elements and other application settings. Select an item to see its current color displayed in the Color field to the right. Change the color by clicking the dropdown button of the Color list and selecting a new color from one of the three tabs: Custom tab - Select one of the displayed colors, or right-click in the bottom 2 rows to display the Windows custom color dialog, which allows you to define your own color. Web tab - these are colors commonly found in web pages. System tab - Standard System colors. 60 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

61 Chapter 2: The Query Window Entering and Executing Queries Entering and Executing Queries Entering a Query After establishing a connection to a data source (refer to Connecting to and Disconnecting from a Data Source on page 28), Teradata SQL Assistant is ready to execute queries. (Queries can be entered before a connection is established.) To enter a query Do one of the following: Click within the Query Window and enter a statement. From the Toolbar, click, and enter a statement. Select Tools > File, click New Query and enter a statement. Press Ctrl+N and enter a statement. From the History window, select any statement from the SQL statement column. The Execute command submits the query currently in the Query Window to the database. Each statement in the query is submitted separately to the database. By default, queries are submitted asynchronously and can be aborted while it is executing. Using Conditional Logic in a Query The following conditional logic commands may be used within queries. Table Legend {} Items in curly brackets are requirements. [ ] Items in square brackets are optional. label A string that does not contain any blank spaces or tabs. oper One of the following operators: = > < >= <= <>!= ^= ~= n An integer. value Any string. filename A fully qualified file name. Command.IF {ACTIVITYCOUNT} oper n [THEN] {.GOTO label} {ERRORCODE } {.EXIT [n] } Description If the condition is true then the action will be performed. Otherwise the flow will continue to the following statement. This command can not be used before the first SQL statement. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 61

62 Chapter 2: The Query Window Entering and Executing Queries Command.GOTO label.label label [ n ].EXIT [ ERRORCODE ] [ ACTIVITYCO[UNT]].QUIT.SET value.run filename Description The next statement executed is the statement following the.label command. Defines the destination of a.goto command. Execution terminates at this command. The optional parameter is used as the result code for the query. Zero indicates a successful query, any other value indicates failure. Performs the same function as the.exit command. This command is for BTEQ compatibility only. This command is ignore. Unlike BTEQ, The.SET prefix is required for Teradata SQL Assistant to recognize and ignore a command. Execute the query contained in the specified filename. The RUN command must be the first and only statement executed. Executing a Query Usage Notes The period (.) before the RUN command is optional for backward compatibility. The period (.) before other commands (except.set) is optional when connected to a Teradata Database, but required when connected to other databases. The period for the.set command is mandatory even when connected to a Teradata Database. [Optional] All commands can be followed by a semi-colon. This is not required unless you need compatibility with BTEQ. To use conditional logic commands based on the ERRORCODE, you must first disable the Stop query execution if an SQL error occurs option on the Query tab of the Options dialog box. Otherwise Teradata SQL Assistant may stop processing the query before it attempts to evaluate your conditional logic. See Setting Query Options on page 57. To execute a query Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select Tools > Execute. From the Query Window, right-click and select Execute. Press F5. Results from the query appear in one or more Answerset windows. When you submit a query the background color of the query tab changes to red, the query text is protected, and a status of the query is shown on the Status Bar. 62 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

63 Chapter 2: The Query Window Entering and Executing Queries Running Multiple Queries If the query contains more than one statement it is replaced by a log that shows the progress of the query. In this case, a button appears at the far right of the status bar below the Query window that allows you to toggle the display between the log and the query itself. When a query completes, if the executing tab is the active tab, the background color reverts to its default color. If another tab is active, the background color changes to green to indicate that the query in that tab has ended. In this case the color reverts to its default color when you click on the tab. Multiple queries can run at the same time, either from multiple tabs within one Query window, or from multiple Query windows. Each Query is executed in its own thread and has no impact on other concurrently running queries, or on the user interface. Data retrieval however, is all performed in the main thread so the user interface may be slow to respond while results are returned. Note: If you run multiple queries from different tabs within the same Query window, SQL Assistant temporarily connects additional sessions using the same connection information you entered for the initial connection. No special context is available to these additional sessions however, so do not assume that the default database (if you have changed it) or temporary tables, are available. If your queries rely on the default database, or on the existence of temporary tables, you should execute/run only one query at a time from within a specific Query window. This ensures that each query uses the same session that was used by the previous query. Executing Multiple Statements in Parallel Executing multiple statements from the Query Window to the database Using the Execute Parallel command. This executes the entire query as a single request, allowing the database to execute all the statements in parallel. Multiple Answersets are returned in the Answerset window. Note: To submit a Transact-SQL script containing semi colons to a Microsoft SQL Server or Sybase database, use the Execute Parallel command. To execute statements in parallel 1 Enter multiple statements in the Query Window. 2 Do one of the following: Select Tools > Execute Parallel. From the Toolbar, click. Press F9 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 63

64 Chapter 2: The Query Window Entering and Executing Queries Submitting Part of a Query To submit any part of any query 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the Query tab. 3 Check the option Submit only the selected Query text, when highlighted. 4 From the Query Window, select part of the query by highlighting it. 5 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Press F5. To submit the first part of a multistatement query Insert an EXIT statement within the query by inserting the word EXIT following the semicolon that ends the last statement to process. Note: The word EXIT must be the next non-whitespace / non-comment text after the semicolon that ends the last part of the query being submitted. It must also be on a new line; optionally preceded by whitespace. Aborting a Query in Progress When the query is submitted, the Abort menu and tool button are enabled so that the query can be aborted if necessary. If performing a task that loads objects into the Database Explorer Tree, this task can also be aborted. To abort a query in progress Do one of the following: Select Tools > Abort. From the Toolbar, click. If a SELECT statement is aborted before all rows are returned, the number of rows reported will be the total number of rows matching the query rather than the actual number returned before the abort. This applies only to databases, such as Teradata, that provide this information. Executing a Query Saved To a File To simplify the use of large queries and for those who store their queries in a file, enter the following query where <filename> is the fully qualified name of a file containing the query to execute. 64 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

65 Chapter 2: The Query Window Entering and Executing Queries RUN <filename> For example, RUN c:\temp\myquery.sql The run statement must be the only statement in the Query Window. Optionally, a filename may be followed with a semicolon, then all text between the word RUN and the optional semicolon are assumed to be a part of the file name. The query is processed exactly as though it had been entered in the Query Window, but the SQL stored in the history file is the run statement itself, not the actual query that was executed. Automatically Minimizing the Teradata SQL Assistant Window The following procedure explains how to automatically minimize the Teradata SQL Assistant window when a query is being processed. Renaming a Query Tab To automatically minimize the Teradata SQL Assistant window 1 Right-click in the Query Window. 2 Click Minimize on Execution. The Teradata SQL Assistant window minimizes when the query is being processed. This command remains in effect until Minimize on Execution is clicked again to cancel it. When Query windows are displayed in tabs, you can change the name of each tab. The following steps explain how. To rename a Query tab 1 Right-click on the query tab and select Rename from the displayed popup menu. 2 Enter a new name. 3 Click OK. Deleting a Query Tab When queries are displayed in tabs, individual tabs and their contents may be deleted. The following procedure explains how. To delete a Query tab Right-click on the tab and select Delete from the displayed popup menu. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 65

66 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window Copying SQL from Previous History Record to the Query Window SQL may be copied from the previous History record to the Query Window. The following steps explain how. To copy the SQL from the previous row Do one of the following: Select View > Previous SQL. Press F7. The history SQL either replaces what was previously in the current Query tab, or is displayed in a new Query tab, if the query had been changed. Copying SQL from Next History Record to the Query Window SQL may be copied from the next History record to the Query Window. The following procedure explains how. To copy the SQL from the next history row Do one of the following: From the View menu, select Next SQL. Press F8. The history SQL either replaces what was previously in the current Query tab, or is displayed in a new Query tab, if the query had been changed. Preventing Queries from Being Saved in the History Window Queries are normally inserted into the History window and the supporting Microsoft Access table for later recall and use. If you do not want the History window updated with each query, you can change an option. To prevent queries from being saved in the history window 1 Select Tool > Options. 2 Select the History tab. 3 Uncheck the option record queries and metadata in the History Database. Undoing or Redoing Query Window Changes You can undo or redo the changes made in the Query Window. 66 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

67 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window To undo or redo a change in the Query Window Select Edit > Undo (Ctrl-Z) or Edit > Redo (Ctrl-Y). Setting Repeat Count Keystrokes, macros, or shortcut keys may be designated to repeat n times in a query. To set repeat count 1 Press Ctrl+R, or click on the Query Window toolbar. (For more information, see Displaying the Query Window Toolbar). The Set Repeat Count dialog box displays. 2 Enter the number of times to repeat the selected keystrokes, shortcut keys or macros. 3 Click OK. Recording and Executing Query Window Macros To simplify repetitive tasks you can record macros containing multiple keystrokes, and then play back these macros at any time in the Query Window. To record a Query Window macro 1 Press Ctrl-M, or click on the Query Window toolbar. (For more information, see Displaying the Query Window Toolbar). The cursor changes to signal the macro is being recorded, and a small Record Macro window pops up displaying a Stop Record button. 2 Enter the desired keystrokes, including text and shortcuts. 3 When finished, click on the Record Macro window to halt recording. The Save Macro window is displayed. 4 Press the shortcut key combination you wish to trigger the macro with, and it displays in the Press new shortcut key field. 5 Click the Save as pull-down menu and select the number you wish to save this macro as. Note: Only Macro 1 is saved for future use after SQL Assistant is closed. 6 Click OK to save the new macro. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 67

68 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window To play back a Query Window macro Saving a Query 1 If you want the macro to execute multiple times, click, then in the Set Repeat Count window, enter the desired number of repetitions. 2 Click or press Ctrl-E to play Macro 1, or use the shortcut key combination defined when you saved the macro to execute that macro. If you set a repeat count, you will see the macro executed that many times. There are several ways to save queries in Teradata SQL Assistant; the basic Save, Save As, and a Quick Save. The following procedure explains Save and Save As. See Performing a Quick Save on page 68 for more information about how quick saves work. To save a query Performing a Quick Save 1 From an active Query Window, do one of the following: Select File > Save As Select File> Save Press Ctrl+S 2 In the Save Query dialog, enter a file name. 3 From the Save As Type menu, choose the file type: SQL (.sql) definitions (.ddl) text (.txt) rich text format (.rtf) Unicode Text (.txt) Note: The file types listed in the Save Query dialog are only suggestions. If you want Teradata SQL Assistant to automatically launch when you double-click the file, choose either the.sql or.ddl file type. To store the colors as well as the text so it can be viewed by most word processing applications, choose the.rtf file type. 4 Choose a location, and click Save. A Quick save is enabled once a query has been previously saved. The Ctrl+S and 'save' tool button both activate a Quick save. During a Quick save, you will not be prompted to select a file name if that query tab has already been saved before. 68 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

69 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window However, using the Save As menu always prompts you for a file name. If you have not saved the query tab before (or have clicked the 'Clear Query' button since the last Save) then you will be prompted for a file name even if you click Save or Ctrl-S. Adding a Query to Favorites You can add the current query or selected text to a Favorites collection. Once the query is added as a favorite, it can be selected for reuse from the Query Builder window. To add a query to favorites 1 From the Query Window, do one of the following: Right-click over the query to display the shortcut menu. For selected text-only Favorites, select the desired query text, and right-click to display the shortcut menu. 2 Select Add to Favorites. The Add to Favorites dialog box displays. 3 Select or enter the name of the SQL Set to which you want to add this query. The default SQL Set is Favorites. 4 Enter an item name in the Item Name field. 5 Click OK. Opening a Query from a File You can open a query that was previously saved to a file. The file may be in ASCII, UTF8, RTF or Unicode format. To open a query from a file 1 Do one of the following: Select File > Open Query. From the Toolbar, click. Press Ctrl+O. 2 Browse your drive and select the file. 3 Click Open. The contents of the file are inserted into the Query Window. Note: As a one-step alternative, drag and drop the file from File Manager or Windows Explorer into the Query window. Copying a Query to Notepad You can copy a specific part of a query or the entire query to Notepad by using the Copy to Notepad command. This command starts the Notepad application and copies the query. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 69

70 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window To copy a specific part of a query 1 From the Query Window, highlight the specific part of the query you want to copy. 2 Select File > Copy to Notepad. If you do not highlight any part of the query, the entire query is copied to Notepad. Printing a Query You can print a query in the Query Window using the Windows Print dialog. To print a query 1 From the active Query Window, do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select File > Print Query. Press Ctrl+P. The standard Windows Print dialog appears. Printers are configured through this Print dialog. 2 Choose from the following: To print the entire query, under Print Range, select All. To print a partial query, go to the Query Window and highlight the part you wish to print. Under Print Range, select Selection. Cancel print jobs through the Print Manager. For more information, see Cancelling Print Jobs on page 100. Adding Comments to Queries Comments may span multiple lines but may not be nested inside one another. Comments are stored in the history database as part of the query. To add comments to your queries For single-line comments, precede the comment with 2 dashes (--). For multiple-line comments, precede the comment with a forward slash and asterisk (/*), and follow the comment with an asterisk and forward slash (*/). To temporarily comment out some of your SQL query 1 Highlight the code you want to comment out. 2 On the Query Window toolbar, click or press Ctrl-D to comment out the highlighted text. 70 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

71 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window Showing Whitespace Note: If you select a comment, clicking on the icon removes the comment delimiter from around the selected comment, restoring the contents as part of the query. To show the whitespace in the query, use the Show Whitespace button on the query toolbar. The following step explains how. When whitespace is displayed, space characters are shown as a single dot and tab characters are displayed as two chevrons. To show whitespace in a query Click to show the whitespace in a query. Click again to turn off whitespace. Converting Tabs to Spaces The Tabs-to-Spaces button converts tabs already in a query to spaces. The following steps explain how to use this feature. To convert tabs into spaces Click button on the Query toolbar. Indenting Lines in a Query Use the Indent buttons on the Query Toolbar to indent lines in a query. The following steps explain how. To indent lines in a query 1 Place the curser in the line to be indented or highlight multiple lines. 2 Click to indent the line(s) to the right. 3 Click to indent the line(s) to the left. Note: If multiple lines are selected, you can use the Tab key to perform step 2. You can also use the Shift-Tab key to perform step 3. Using the Right-to-Left Editor for Queries The Right-to-Left edit box allows you to create queries using right-to-left languages such as Hebrew or Arabic. The following steps explain how. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 71

72 Chapter 2: The Query Window Working With SQL Text in the Query Window To use the right-to-left editor 1 From the toolbar, click Edit> Right-to-Left. The Right-to-Left Editor window opens. 2 Enter the query and click OK. The query appears in the Query window. Deleting Blank Lines from a Query To delete blank lines from a query, use the Delete blank Lines button on the query toolbar. The follow steps explain how. To delete black space in a query 1 Highlight the range of lines from which you want to remove blank lines. 2 Click the button. Note: To remove all blank lines in the query, use Ctrl+A to select the entire query before clicking the button. Finding a Text String in the Query Window You can find specific text strings in the Query Window using the Find dialog box. To find text in the Query Window 1 With the Query Window active, do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select Edit > Find from the menu bar. Press Ctrl+F. 2 Enter the desired text string in the What field. If you want to build a regular expression, you can access predefined strings by clicking the solid arrow to the right of this field and selecting the expression you want inserted. 3 Choose from the following options: Whole word only - finds text only where the whole word matches the search string Match case - finds text that only matches the case of the search string Regular Expression - finds regular expressions. 4 Specify the search direction by selecting Direction up or down. 5 Click Find Next to locate the string. To locate consecutive strings, click Find Next or press F3. 6 Click Mark All if you want to place a bookmark on each line containing the search string. 7 Click Cancel to close the dialog box. 72 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

73 Chapter 2: The Query Window Displaying an Explain Plan of Your Query Replacing a Text String in the Query Window You can replace any text string in the Query Window with another. To replace text in the Query Window 1 With the Query Window active, do one of the following: From the Query Window Toolbar, click. Select Edit > Replace from the menu bar. Press Ctrl+H. 2 Enter the desired text string in the What field. If you want to build a regular expression, you can access predefined strings by clicking the solid arrow to the right of this field and selecting the expression you want inserted. 3 Enter the desired replacement text string in the Replace with field. 4 Choose from the following: Whole word only - finds text only where the whole word matches the search string Match case - finds text that only matches the case of the search string Regular Expression - finds regular expressions. Preserve Case - carries the case of the initial string through to the changed string. 5 Choose from the following: Select Replace in Selection if you want to narrow the Replace action to the selected text, or select Entire Query to change the strings regardless of what text is selected. Click Find Next to locate the string. Click Replace to replace the selected string, or the next string matching the find criteria. Click Replace All to replace all strings matching the find criteria. 6 Click Cancel to close the dialog box. Displaying an Explain Plan of Your Query Displaying a Visual EXPLAIN Plan You can display a visual EXPLAIN of a single-statement query currently in the Query Window. This menu command appears if: You have the Teradata Visual Explain application (version 3.0 or later) installed on your PC, and If you are connected to a Teradata Database Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 73

74 Chapter 2: The Query Window Displaying an Explain Plan of Your Query To display a Visual EXPLAIN plan 1 Select Tools > Visual Explain. 2 In the Visual Explain dialog box, enter the name of the Query Capture Database (QCD) and click OK. Note: It takes a few moments for the Insert Explain statement to execute, and you will not be able to continue using SQL Assistant until Visual Explain is launched. To set up a QCD, refer to the Teradata Visual Explain User Guide. Displaying a Textual EXPLAIN Plan You can run an Explain function on the SQL statements in the Query window and display the results in the Answerset window. Teradata SQL Assistant displays the steps that would be executed if you were to actually run the query. To issue a Textual EXPLAIN for a whole query Do one of the following: Select Tools>Explain. Press F6. The explanation will appear in the Answerset window. Example The explanation below is returned for the following statement: sel * from dbc.sessioninfo To issue a Textual EXPLAIN for part of a query 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the Query tab 3 Check the option Submit only the selected Query text, when highlighted. 4 Highlight part of a query that you want explained (the highlighted portion must be a valid SQL statement). 74 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

75 Chapter 2: The Query Window Query Builder Overview 5 Select Tools > Explain. The query explanation will appear in the Answerset window. Query Builder Overview SQL Statements Procedure Builder <User Defined> Query Builder is a tool that helps you create statements to add to the Query window. The following section explains the types of statements and procedures available. SQL Statements Procedure Builder <User Defined> Using Query Builder Supported Databases for Query Builder Creating Custom SQL Sets When you choose the SQL Statements option, the statement list in the left pane shows each of the statement types available on the current data source. The syntax file name matches the database type with a file type of.syn. For example, the Teradata syntax file is Teradata.syn. SQL examples are quick and easy to use. In many cases, using these statements eliminates the need for the database manual. Syntax is provided in working form, not syntax notation, for ease of use. Choose a statement that best fits your requirements and insert it into the Query Window. You can then tailor it to your needs. These syntax examples reflect the SQL syntax of the data source you are currently connected to. If you are not connected to any server, syntax is based on the server you were most recently connected to. If you have not connected to any server during the current Teradata SQL Assistant session, you will get Teradata syntax by default. Procedure Builder provides a list of valid statements used to build the logic of a stored procedure. Vendor specific syntax is available for many databases. If specific syntax is not available for or does not apply to the database, a message indicates the problem. Query Builder allows you to create your own SQL Sets through the <User Defined> option. Each SQL Set must be given a name that will appear in the dropdown list. When selected, the SQL Examples, snippits, or queries contained in that SQL Set will be displayed in the List below. Each SQL Set is saved as a *.qbs file. This allows a DBA, or user, to create SQL Sets and easily distribute them to other users. For information on creating a custom file, see Creating Custom SQL Sets on page 78. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 75

76 Chapter 2: The Query Window Query Builder Overview Using Query Builder Using Query Builder is an easy and convenient to build SQL statements in the Query window. The following steps explain how. To use Query Builder 1 Open Query Builder by doing one of the following: Press F2. Select Help > Query Builder. Right-click in the Query Window and select Query Builder from the shortcut menu. 2 From the drop-down list, choose a statement type. See Table 12: Query Builder Statements on page 77 for a description of the statement types. 3 Do one of the following to move the statement to the Query window: Double-click the statement in the left pane. Right-click the statement for the following options: Insert into query - inserts the statement the Query window Replace query - replaces the statement in the Query window Copy to clipboard - copies the statement to the Clipboard Drag and drop the statement into the Query window (insert it where you like). 4 Build statements as desired. To learn more about building custom SQL Sets. see Creating Custom SQL Sets on page Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

77 Chapter 2: The Query Window Query Builder Overview Table 12: Query Builder Statements Option SQL Statements Procedure Builder <User Defined> Description When you choose the SQL Statements option, the statement list in the left pane shows each of the statement types available on the current data source. When you select a statement in the list, an example of that statement is displayed in the area to the right. If you are not connected to any server, syntax is based on the server you were most recently connected to. If you are not connected to any server during the current Teradata SQL Assistant session, you will receive the default Teradata syntax. You can customize the statement list or the examples using the tool buttons to the right of this dropdown list. When connected to a database, you can display the full syntax for the selected statement by doing one of the following: Pressing F5 Right-clicking the Statement list item and selecting Show Syntax from the popup menu Select a stored procedure statement from the list in the left pane to display an example of its syntax in the right pane. When you choose the Procedure Builder option, the left pane shows a list of statements that are valid only when used in a CREATE or REPLACE procedure statement. Additional user (or DBA) defined entries may appear after the above items. Each SQL Set must be given a name that will appear in the dropdown list. When selected, the SQL Examples, snippits, or queries contained in that SQL Set will be displayed in the List below. Each SQL Set is saved as a *.qbs file. This allows a DBA, or user, to create SQL Sets and easily distribute them to other users. For additional information, see Creating Custom SQL Sets on page 78. Note: The state of the Query Builder window (its size, and which list you are viewing) is saved so that future uses of the Query Builder window start in the same state that it was last used in. Supported Databases for Query Builder Syntax examples are currently provided for the following types of databases: Teradata DB2 Informix Microsoft Access Microsoft SQL Server MySQL Oracle Sybase Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 77

78 Chapter 2: The Query Window Query Builder Overview HP Neoview Ingress PostgresSQL Creating Custom SQL Sets Query Builder lets you create custom SQL Sets. This section explains how. To create a custom SQL Sets 1 Open Query Builder, Help> Query Builder. 2 Click the New SQL Set button. In the dialog box that appears, enter a name for this new SQL Set and click OK. The new name appears in the drop down box. 3 Click the Add SQL button. In the dialog box, enter a name for the new Example, Query, or Snippit, and click OK. Then in the right pane, enter the SQL for the Example, Query, or Snippit. 4 Click the Save button to save the SQL set. All SQL sets created and saved appear on the drop down menu. The following table explains each icon in Query Builder. Table 13: Query Builder Icon Descriptions and Right-Click Options Icon Description New SQL Set - Click New SQL Set icon to start a new statement. Enter the statement name in the dialog that appears. The name appears in the drop down list. Save SQL Set - Click the Save SQL Set icon to save the new statement. Add SQL - Click Add SQL to add a new item to the list in the current SQL Set. This option is also available by right-clicking a statement. Delete SQL - Click Delete SQL to delete the current list item from the current SQL Set. This option is also available by right-clicking a statement. Insert into query (Ctrl+I) Replace query (Ctrl+R) Copy to clipboard (Ctrl+C) Inserts the statement into the active Query window. Inserts the selected statement in the active Query window by replacing the existing statement. Copies the selected statement to the clipboard. 78 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

79 Chapter 2: The Query Window Scheduling Queries for Later Execution Table 13: Query Builder Icon Descriptions and Right-Click Options Icon Show Syntax Rename SQL (Ctrl+H) Description Displays the full syntax of the selected statement. This menu only appears when you are connected to a Teradata Database and have selected the SQL Statements item from the dropdown list. Changes the name of the selected statement. Scheduling Queries for Later Execution Before Scheduling Queries You can schedule a query that is displayed in the Query Window to run at a later time using Teradata Query Scheduler. Requests issued by Teradata SQL Assistant that are restricted by Teradata Workload Management at the current time can be scheduled for later execution, subject to any other scheduled request limitations. The following topics contain related information. Before Scheduling Queries Scheduling Queries for Later Execution For this feature to be available, you must install the Teradata Query Scheduler client software on your PC. For more information, see the Teradata Tools and Utilities Installation Guide for Microsoft Windows. Scheduling Queries for Later Execution To schedule queries for later execution 1 Select Tools > Schedule. Teradata Query Scheduler launches and the Submit Scheduled Request dialog opens. 2 Schedule and submit your query. For more information, see the Teradata Query Scheduler User Guide, Chapter 2, Submitting Scheduled Requests. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 79

80 Chapter 2: The Query Window Formatting a Query Formatting a Query The query formatting feature adds line breaks and indentation before certain keywords, making SQL that comes from automatic code generators or other sources more readable. To format a query 1 Ensure a statement exists in the Query Window. 2 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Right-click in the Query Window, then click Format Query Press Ctrl+Q Select Edit > Format Query Note: Some keywords will cause a line break and possibly cause the new line to be indented. If a keyword is found to already be the first word on a line and it is already prefixed by a tab character, then its indentation level will not change. Indentation When you press the Enter key, the new line will automatically indent to the same level as the line above. If you highlight one or more lines in the query and press the Tab key, those lines are indented one level. If you press Shift-Tab, the highlighted lines are unindented by one level. This indentation of lines will only apply if the selected text includes a line feed character. For example, you must either select at least part of two lines, or if selecting only one line, then the cursor must be at the beginning of the next line. (Note that this is always the case when you use the margin to select a line.) If no line end is included in the selected text, or no text is selected, then a tab character will simply be inserted. Language Definition Files Syntax highlighting is based on language definition files (*.lng). These files are automatically installed when you install or upgrade Teradata SQL Assistant and are located in: c:\documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Teradata\SQL Assistant. There is a corresponding language file for each database type, and the file name uses the database type reported by ODBC. The appropriate language file is loaded when you connect to a database. If you are not connected to a database, Teradata SQL Assistant loads the previously used language file. (The very first time Teradata SQL Assistant is started, it uses the Teradata language file.) The BASE language file contains the most commonly used definitions found in most SQL languages. This file is the default that is used if you connect to a database type that Teradata SQL Assistant does not recognize. If you plan to work with an unknown database frequently, 80 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

81 Chapter 2: The Query Window Importing Data you may wish to make a copy of the BASE file and save it with an appropriate name to match this unknown database. You may then modify it to match the syntax and keywords used by that language. In addition to the vendor specific files, there is an ANSI language file that defines the ANSI 2003 SQL language. Select View > ANSI SQL if you wish to switch the syntax highlighting to ANSI mode. The language files generally define the complete language (exceptions are MySQL and Sybase). A DBA can, however, modify the files to suit the site requirements. The most useful changes to language files would be: Adding a keyword that is not defined in the file Matching an optional database setting. (For example, some databases have a switch to define the use of double quotes. If the language file says that these double quotes define Quoted Names, but you have the option set to allow them to act as string delimeters, you could modify the file accordingly.) Preventing users from submitting certain types of statements. Teradata SQL Assistant declares a statement invalid if the primary keyword (the first keyword in the statement) is not found in the SpanKeywords or KeywordsMain lists. (For example, you can prevent users from executing a DROP statement by moving the DROP keyword from the KeywordsMain list to the KeywordsNL list.) Note: Any user can however reverse the changes made to these files, so this can not be used as a security feature. Importing Data Before You Begin The data values required in a query are normally entered as part of the query. The import mode allows you to enter a query containing one or more parameter markers. The data to be used in place of these parameter markers is read from a delimited text file. The query is submitted one time for every record in this input file (the entire query will be submitted as a single request). What types of statements you can issue You may issue any SQL, Data Manipulation Language (DML) or Data Definition Language (DDL) statement containing one or more placeholders. The statement is executed one time for each record in the supplied import file. The placeholders are replaced with data values in the corresponding record of the file. Note: DML usually refers to INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements. DDL statement usually refers to CREATE, DROP, ALTER, SHOW, HELP, etc., statements. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 81

82 Chapter 2: The Query Window Importing Data What type of files you can import The import file can be any delimited text file containing the correct number of data values in each record. You can create such a file from a query, using a text editor, or by saving spreadsheet data in a delimited text format. Skipping the First Line (Header) of Imported files If the file you are importing contains headers, you can choose to skip the header record by doing the following. To skip the header record of an imported file 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the Import tab. 3 Check the option Ignore the first record in the file (Skip Header). The following links contain more information about importing data. Importing Data from a File Exiting from Import Mode Types of Import Operations Import Rules Defining the Null Value for an Import Operation Generating Multiple Reports From a Single Query Importing Data from a File To import data from a file Exiting from Import Mode 1 Before running a query, set the import mode by selecting File > Import Data. 2 Enter a statement in the Query window. 3 Execute the statement by clicking on the Toolbar. 4 When the Teradata SQL Assistant Import File dialog appears, select a file to import and click Open. Note: The import mode remains in effect until you turn it off. You can exit from import mode and submit regular queries. To exit import mode Select File > Import Data, making sure that the option is unchecked. 82 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

83 Chapter 2: The Query Window Importing Data Types of Import Operations There are three types of import operations: Type 1: Parameterized Import This form applies to CALL, EXECUTE, SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements only (with Microsoft Access, this form is used for INSERT only.) The parameter markers may only be used in place of data values and must not be enclosed in quotes. There are four types of parameter markers in this case:? - The data for this parameter is read from the Import file. It is always a character string, and will be converted to a numeric value if necessary.?? - The data for this parameter is read from the Import file. It should contain a Hexadecimal string which may optionally contain dashes between each byte value. For example: 414B43 or 41-4B-43.?B - The data for this parameter resides in a file that is in the same directory as the Import file. The import file contains only the name of the file to be imported. The contents of the file are loaded as a binary image.?c - The data for this parameter resides in a file that is in the same directory as the import file. The import file contains only the name of the file to be imported. Use this marker to load a text file into a CHAR or CLOB column. For example: Insert Into TestTbl Values (?,?,, 'Const',??,?B,?C) In the example above: The table must have a total of seven columns A NULL character is inserted in column 3 for all rows The word 'Const' is inserted in column 4 for all rows The?,??,?B,?C characters are the parameter markers The import file must have five data values per record The 3rd parameter must be a hexadecimal string The 4th parameter must be the name of a binary data file in the same directory The 5th parameter must be the name of a text file in the same directory Type 2: Direct Substitution This form applies to all other statements. Parameter markers may be used anywhere in the query. The data values are directly edited into the SQL at the parameter positions; therefore, some parameter markers may need to be enclosed in quotes. Create User? As Perm=0 Password=? Account=? Note: In Direct Substitution, only the? parameter is valid. If an IMPORT statement returns data, the results are written to a file whose name is formed by adding.log to the end of the import file name. If this file already exists, its contents are Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 83

84 Chapter 2: The Query Window Importing Data replaced with new results. A header record containing the first data value from the corresponding import record is written before each set of returned data. Type 3: Batch This form applies when the following conditions are met: Teradata SQL Assistant is connected through Teradata.net, not ODBC The query consists of a single INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statement All parameter markers are simple? parameters. No LOB or binary parameters The Batch size in the Import tab of the Options dialog box is not specified as one If the Batch size is set to one, then the Batch import mode is not used. For larger values, the data provider packs the data for the specified number of rows into a batch (as long as it fits into a 64k parcel), and executes one batch at a time. In general, the larger the batch size, the better the performance. With larger batch sizes, the trade offs are: Data for a single batch must fit into a 64k parcel The entire Import file is loaded into memory There is little or no progress status from Teradata SQL Assistant during a large batch import If a batch import results in an error, the entire batch is rolled back and Teradata SQL Assistant reports which record caused the error If multiple records result in errors in a single batch, the indicated record may not be the first problem record in the file The Silently discard rows that cause constraint violations option on the Import tab of the Options dialog box can be selected if the data is just a sample, or if loss of duplicates or other rows that cause constraint violations are not a problem. If this option is checked, all errors are ignored and Teradata SQL Assistant reports the number of rows that were imported and the number of rows discarded. Import Rules The following import rules are important: If the option Submit only the selected Query text, when highlighted is selected in the Options dialog box, then only the highlighted portion of the query is submitted. For more information, see Submitting Part of a Query on page 64. The query may contain multiple statements only if it contains Teradata INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements. For other databases, or statements, it is limited to a single SQL statement. The import file must be a delimited text file containing data values that are separated from each other with a delimiter character. To set the delimiter character, see Setting Export/ Import Options on page 109. The number of data values on each record must be the same as the number of parameter markers in the SQL query. 84 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

85 Chapter 2: The Query Window Importing Data The maximum number of parameters in a query is database dependent. For Teradata V2R5, it is 2,048. The data values must be enclosed within quotes unless the Export option, Enclose Exported/Imported Column Data in, is set to None. To set this option, see Setting Export/ Import Options on page 109. Data values must not contain the delimiter character unless they are enclosed in quotes. Data values that are enclosed in quotes must not contain the delimiter character as their first character. Data values must not contain carriage return (end of line) characters. Date, time and timestamp values must be in the following format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS When using an ODBC connection with a Teradata data source, they must be in the format specified for the corresponding column on the CREATE TABLE statement. Either - or / may, however, be used as the date separator. You can create the import file using the export feature of Teradata SQL Assistant. Be sure when importing the file to select the option to skip the first row (header) of the file. Alternatively, you may create the file using a text editor or by saving a spreadsheet in the appropriate delimited format. Defining the Null Value for an Import Operation The default value for this option is?. This means a question mark character is used to represent a null value resulting from a SELECT statement. This string is also used in an import file to indicate that the corresponding column should be assigned a null value. Many spreadsheet and database applications can save data in tab delimited format. In most cases, they do not allow you to specify a null character, but simply write nothing to the file. If you wish to import data from a file like this, set this field to a zero length string by deleting the contents of the field. To indicate a null data value in the import file 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Select the General tab. 3 In the field Display this string for Null data fields, fill in the string desired. Use the string you have defined for the display of NULL values. The default is a question mark (?). This string, possibly quoted, should be the only thing between the surrounding delimiter characters. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 85

86 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu Generating Multiple Reports From a Single Query You can generate multiple reports from a single query using SQL Assistant s import feature. This is often useful for DBAs. Example - to show the DDL for a list of tables 1 Create an import file (typically a.txt file) that contains a list of tables, one table name per line. 2 Select File > Import Data. 3 Enter the following into the Query Window: SHOW TABLE? 4 Click. This displays a file selection dialog. 5 Select the file you saved. The status bar at the bottom of the Query window shows row numbers as they are loaded. 6 To obtain the results of the query, go to the directory in which you saved the import file and open the.log file. Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu The purpose of the shortcut menu is to access routine query functions or to control its execution. The shortcut menu is specific to the active window. In this case, it provides a quick way for performing tasks specific to the Query Window. Displaying the Shortcut Menu Functions in the Query Window Displaying the Shortcut Menu The following table describes the commands on the default shortcut menu. To display the shortcut menu Do one of the following: Right click in the Query Window. Press Shift-F10. Press the Context Menu key on your keyboard. 86 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

87 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu Table 14: The Query Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions Command Execute Query Builder Add to Favorites Cut Copy Paste Find Find Next Replace Format Query Set Font Select All Insert date Audible Notification Description Submits the query currently in the Query Window. Each statement in the query is submitted separately to the database. Helps you create statements in the Query Window. Saves the current query to a list of favorites which can be reused from Query Builder. Cuts the selected text from the Query Window and places it to the Clipboard. Copies the selected text from the currently active window to the Clipboard. Pastes the contents of the Clipboard into the query at the current insertion point. Displays the Find String in Query dialog, allowing you to search for a particular string in the currently active window. Find highlights the first occurrence of the string. Repeated use of the Find Next button highlights successive occurrences of the search string. Finds the next occurrence of the string that was specified in the previous Find command. If you have not yet issued a Find command, it acts as a Find command Finds and replaces any, or all, occurrences of a particular string in the Query Window. This command is useful for quickly replacing a string that occurs multiple times in your query. For example, use this command to change the name of a database referenced multiple times within a macro or script. Formats a query based on a search for specific keywords. Displays a Font dialog allowing you to change the font used in the current window. The Font Name and Font Size attribute are saved for future use. Separate values are stored for each type of window. Selects all the text in the current window. All text is highlighted and future actions apply to the entire window as a whole. The primary use of this function allows you to copy the query to the Clipboard. Inserts today s date into the query at the current insertion point. If part of the query is selected, this function replaces the selected text with today s date. The format of the date will always be 'yyyy-mm-dd' enclosed in quotes, or in '#' signs for Microsoft Access.. Causes the system to beep when the query is complete and all data has been returned to your PC. The beep also occurs if the query times out, the number of rows exceeds the output limit, or the query is canceled. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 87

88 Chapter 2: The Query Window Using the Query Window Shortcut Menu Table 14: The Query Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions (continued) Command Minimize on Execution Prompt for Notes Description When checked, automatically minimizes the Teradata SQL Assistant window when a query is being processed. An input dialog displays whenever you submit a query to enter a note that is stored in the history table along with the query. Functions in the Query Window The Query Window is similar to any Windows-based text editor, allowing for functions such as drag-and-drop editing, cutting, copying, and pasting. Clipboard Support Clipboard support is provided in the Query Window. Table 15: Clipboard Support - Edit Commands Action From the Toolbar From the Menu Shortcut Keys Cut Click Edit > Cut Ctrl+X Copy Click Edit > Copy Ctrl+C Paste Click Edit > Paste Ctrl+V Undo Click Edit > Undo Ctrl+Z Redo Click Edit > Redo Ctrl+Y 88 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

89 CHAPTER 3 The Answerset Window The purpose of this section is to help you become familiar with the Answerset window and its features and functions. This section contains the following information: Introduction to the Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Formatting an Answerset Setting Answerset Options Understanding Large Object Support Exporting an Answerset Using Answerset Shortcut Menus Introduction to the Answerset Window The Answerset window contains one or more tabs. Each tab displays either a spreadsheet or textual output that represents the results from an executed statement. You can sort the output in a number of ways and print as bitmaps in spreadsheet format. Individual cells, rows, columns, or blocks of columns may be formatted to change the background and foreground color as well as the font style, name, and size. You can make other modifications such as displaying or hiding gridlines and column headers. The table may be resized by stretching the Answerset window using standard Windows sizing techniques. Individual columns, groups of columns, rows, or groups of rows may also be sized. Output rows may be viewed as they are being retrieved from the database. Following is an example of an Answerset window: Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 89

90 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window You can set an option to prevent existing Answerset windows from being automatically closed when you submit a new query. For more information, see Setting Answerset Options on page 102. You can save Answerset output to a file. For more information, see Saving an Answerset to a File on page 97. Using the Answerset Window Viewing Your Results Adjusting Row Height Use the Page Up, Page Down, Home and End keys as well as scroll bars to scroll through the results. Output rows may be viewed as they are being retrieved from the database. To adjust the row height Adjusting Column Width 1 Move the mouse pointer to the line directly under the row header. When correctly positioned, the mouse pointer changes to a two-headed vertical arrow. 2 Drag the two-headed arrow up or down to size the row and then release the mouse button. To change multiple rows, highlight all the rows by placing the mouse pointer on the row number and dragging. Then follow steps 1 and 2, above. To adjust the column width 1 Move the pointer onto the column separator directly to the right of the column heading. The pointer changes to a two-headed horizontal arrow. 2 Drag the column left or right to size the column and then release the mouse button. To change multiple columns, highlight all the columns by placing the mouse pointer on the column header and dragging. Then follow steps 1 and 2, above. Note: If you wish to reset the width to fit the widest data value in that column, double click the right hand edge of the column header. Re-arranging Column Order In Move Columns mode, you can re-arrange the columns by clicking on a column header and dragging it to the desired position. Note: While in this mode, columns can no longer be selected by clicking on their column headers. 90 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

91 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window To turn on Move Columns mode Do one of the following: Right-click in the Answerset window, select Move Columns. click on the Answerset Toolbar. To switch off Move Columns mode, repeat this procedure. Keeping Selected Columns From Scrolling Out of View Freezing columns prevents them from being scrolled off the screen when you scroll a wide Answerset to the right. The selected column and all columns to the left of the selected column will be frozen. To freeze columns in the Answerset 1 In the Answerset window, select the column you wish to freeze. Note that the selected column and all columns to the left of the selected column will be frozen. 2 Do one of the following: Right-click in the Answerset window and select Freeze Columns. Click on the Answerset Toolbar. The columns remain frozen until you repeat Step 2 a second time to unfreeze them. Viewing Long Strings of Text Within Cells You can select an option that wraps the text onto multiple lines if it does not fit entirely within the cell or column on one line. To wrap text onto multiple lines an Answerset 1 In the Answerset window, select the cells or columns you wish to wrap. 2 Do one of the following: Right-click in the Answerset window and select Wrap Text. Click on the Answerset Toolbar. The cells remain wrapped until you repeat Step 2 a second time to unwrap them. Note: Wrap Text is hierarchical. If you wrap individual cells they remain wrapped even if you wrap/unwrap the column that contains those cells. Closing Answerset Windows Before Submitting a New Query You can prevent an Answerset from being automatically closed, still allowing you to close the window manually. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 91

92 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window To prevent an Answerset from being automatically closed Do one of the following: Right-click in the Answerset window and select Do Not Close Click on the Answerset Toolbar Selecting All Answerset Rows You can select all rows in the Answerset window. To select all Answerset rows Do one of the following in the Answerset window: Press Ctrl+A. Click the top/left header cell (at the intersection of the Column and Row headers.). All rows in the Answerset window are selected. Merging Cells in the Answerset Use this option to merge the cells in a column. You can select one or more columns. (If you select only one or more cells, the merge applies to the entire column(s) of the cells selected) If consecutive rows contain the same data (within any of the selected columns), then those cells are displayed as a single 'merged' cell. If you have previously applied 'Merge Cells' to a column, then applying it again restores the column(s) to an un-merged state. This option merges only cells that contain the same data. Cells with other data in the same column will not be merged. If there are no consecutive cells with the same data, nothing happens. This is not an error. To merge cells in the Answerset 1 Select the column that contains cells you want to merge. 2 Do one of the following: Right-click the selected column and select Merge Cells. Click on the Answerset Toolbar. Displaying the SQL That Generated an Answerset You can display the SQL statement that generated an Answerset. 92 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

93 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window To display the SQL that generated an Answerset Do one of the following: Right-click in the Answerset window and select Display SQL / Answer Make sure the Answerset window is active, then click on the Answerset Toolbar to toggle between the Answerset and the SQL. The SQL statement that generated the data replaces the results in this Answerset. Hiding Columns/Showing All Columns You can hide columns or show all columns in the Anwserset using the following steps. To hide column(s) or show all columns Do one of the following.: In the Answerset, right-click the column(s) to hide and select Hide Columns. To show all columns, right-click in the Answerset and select Show All Columns. Closing All Answersets To close all Answersets Select File > Close all Answersets. Hiding Column Headers Hiding Row Headers To hide column headers 1 In the Answerset window, place your cursor into any cell in any column. 2 Do one of the following: Click on the Answerset Toolbar. Right-click in the Answerset window and select Column Headers. The columns remain hidden until you click again to display them. This preference applies only to the current tab of the current Answerset window. To hide row headers 1 In the Answerset window, place your cursor into any cell in any column. 2 Do one of the following: Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 93

94 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Click on the Answerset Toolbar Right-click in the Answerset window and click Row Headers. The rows remain hidden until you click again to display them. This preference applies only to the current tab of the current Answerset window. Displaying Totals for Numeric Columns To display totals at the bottom for numeric columns 1 In the Answerset window, place your cursor into any cell in any column. 2 Do one of the following: Right-click to bring up the Shortcut menu and click Add Totals. Click on the Answerset Toolbar. The totals display for all numeric columns. The totals remain after the Answerset has been sorted. Totals do not appear in future Answerset windows unless Add Totals is activated again. Note: The SUM function uses Floating Point values so totals will only be accurate to 15 total digits. To format columns to display commas, see Displaying Commas to Mark Thousand Separators. To format columns to display decimal places, see Displaying Decimal Places. Displaying Aggregate Values Teradata SQL Assistant allows you to quickly calculate aggregate values for selected portions of the Answerset window. To display aggregate values 1 Highlight the cells you wish to aggregate. 2 Release the mouse button and the value will be displayed on the status bar. Note: The Aggregate function uses Floating Point values so totals will only be accurate to 15 total digits. ) You may select a row, multiple rows, a column, multiple columns, or any block of cells. Nonnumeric cells included in your selection will be ignored. The value displayed depends on which, if any, control key is held down when you release the mouse button: 94 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

95 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Table 16: Aggregate Value Display Options To display the... Sum Average Standard Deviation Variance Press this key... None Alt Shift Ctrl Finding a Text String in the Results Grid You can find a specific text string in the results grid. To find text in the results grid 1 With the grid window active, select Edit > Find. The Find dialog box displays. 2 Complete the following options: Table 17: Find dialog box Option Find What Match Case Search current column only Description Enter the desired text string, or select an existing text string. Select this checkbox to find text that matches the case of the search string. Clear this checkbox to search the entire spreadsheet. If multiple cells are selected, the current cell is marked with a bold outline. Performance Note: Searches are faster when they are limited to a single column. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 95

96 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Table 17: Find dialog box (continued) Option Use wildcard characters ( * and?) Find Next Find All Description Select this checkbox to treat any question mark symbol (?) and asterisk symbol (*) in the search string as a wildcard character. The question mark represents any single character. The asterisk represents any string of zero or more characters. Click to search for the next occurrence of the search string within the current grid. The search starts at the current cell position in the grid. Click to find all occurrences of the search string and display them in a listbox. Clicking an item in the list moves the selection in Answerset to the corresponding cell. The cell scrolls into view if necessary. Naming an Answerset Window Instead of having Teradata SQL Assistant title the saved Answersets for you, you can name the returned Answersets. To name an Answerset window 1 Do one of the following: Select Window > Set Title. Press F12. 2 In the Set Title dialog, enter a new title for this Answerset. 3 Click OK. Naming an Answerset Tab When Answersets are displayed in tabs, you can set the name for each individual tab. To name an Answerset tab 1 Right-click on the Answerset tab and select Rename. 2 Enter a new name for this Answerset tab. 3 Click OK. Deleting an Answerset Tab When Answersets are displayed in tabs, you can delete individual tabs and their contents. 96 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

97 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window To delete an Answerset tab Right-click on the tab and select Delete. Opening a Saved Answerset To open a saved Answerset 1 Select File > Open Answerset. 2 Select the file you wish to load into a new Answerset window. You can only load tabdelimited, delimited text, or Microsoft Excel files. Note: To set the delimiter between columns for a Delimited Text file, see Setting Export/ Import Options. Saving an Answerset to a File To save an Answerset to a file 1 Click the Answerset window to make it the active window. 2 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select File > Save Answerset As. Press Ctrl+S. 3 In the Save Answerset dialog, enter a file name and choose a format type. See File Format Types. 4 Choose a location and click Save. File Format Types You can save an Answerset in the following formats: Table 18: Answerset File Format Types File Type Tab delimited [ANSI] Description The data is saved in a tab-delimited file using the current code page. Any special formatting applied to the Answerset is not saved, but may be read into a spreadsheet or a text editor for formatting. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 97

98 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Table 18: Answerset File Format Types (continued) File Type Tab Delimited [Unicode] Tab delimited [UTF8] Delimited Text [ANSI] Delimited Text [Unicode] Delimited Text [UTF8] Microsoft Excel 2003 Microsoft Excel 2007 PDF Document [*.pdf] Web Page [*htm] Description The data is saved in a tab-delimited file using Unicode. Any special formatting applied to the Answerset is not saved, but may be read into a spreadsheet or a text editor for formatting. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. The data is saved in a tab-delimited file using UTF8. Any special formatting applied to the Answerset is not saved, but may be read into a spreadsheet or a text editor for formatting. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. The data is saved is a delimited text file using ANSI. To set the use of quotes or to set the delimiter between columns, see Setting Export/Import Options. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. The data is saved is a delimited text file using Unicode. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. The data is saved is a delimited text file using UTF8. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The column headings are saved only if they are visible on the screen. The data is saved as an Excel 2003 workbook containing one data sheet. Any special formatting you have applied to the Answerset is retained. The entire Answerset is saved. Column and row headers are saved if they are currently visible. The data is saved as an Excel 2007 workbook containing one data sheet. Any special formatting you have applied to the Answerset is retained. The entire Answerset is saved. Column and row headers are saved if they are currently visible. The data is saved as a PDF file. Any special formatting you have applied to the Answerset is retained. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. The data is saved as a table in HTML. Any special formatting you have applied to the Answerset is retained. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. 98 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

99 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Table 18: Answerset File Format Types (continued) File Type XML Document Description The data is saved as an XML document. No special formatting is retained. If a block of cells is selected, only that block is saved. If no part of the spreadsheet is selected, the entire Answerset is saved. See Saving as XML. Note: Hidden columns are not saved if you save as HTML. Note: When saving an answerset tab, spreadsheet data is saved using one of the file types from the table above, while Text data is saved using one of the file types described under Saving a Query on page 68. Saving as XML When saving as XML, the domain name hierarchy is Answerset<n>, DataRow, <ColumnNames>. For example: <?xml version="1.0"?> <Answerset1> <DataRow> <FirstName>John </FirstName> <LastName>Smith </LastName> <Number> </Number> </DataRow> Copying an Answerset to Notepad To copy a whole Answerset to Notepad 1 Make the Answerset active. 2 Select File > Copy to Notepad. The contents of the whole Answerset is copied to Notepad. Note: If you select a subset of cells within the Answerset, only the selected cells are copied to notepad. Printing an Answerset To print an Answerset 1 Click the Answerset window to make it the active window. 2 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Select File > Print Answerset. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 99

100 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Using Print Preview Press Ctrl+P. 3 The standard Windows Print dialog appears. Printers are configured through this Print dialog. To print the entire Answerset, under Print Range, select All. To print a partial section of the Answerset, go to the Answerset window and highlight the cells, columns, or rows you wish to print. Under Print Range, select Selection. The Print Preview dialog allows you to preview Answerset or History window spreadsheet data before printing. Print preview is only available from the Answerset window and the History window. These two windows print data in the form of a spreadsheet. When printing the Query window or a Text style Answerset window, Print Preview is not available. To use the Print Preview window Do one of the following: Select Print Preview under File from the Toolbar. To view one or more pages at a time, use the page icon. Use the Zoom icon to change the view size. To print, click the Print icon. View different page by using the select page field. Cancelling Print Jobs Print jobs may be canceled through the Windows Print Manager. To cancel a print job 1 Go to Start, choose Settings, click Printers. 2 Double-click your printer. 3 From the Document menu, choose Cancel. Sorting an Answerset There are two ways to sort an Answerset: quick sort or full sort. To sort an Answerset using quick sort Click the sort icon at the top of any column, to sort the data by that column only. After sorting, the icon indicates the direction of the sort. The output from certain statements, such as EXPLAIN, cannot be sorted this way. 100 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

101 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Filtering the Answerset To sort an Answerset using full sort Full sort allows sorting by data in multiple columns: 1 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Right-click in the Answerset window, then select Sort. Select Edit > Sort. In the Sort Answerset dialog box, all columns in the active window are presented in the Available Columns list box. 2 Select the column name in the Available Columns list box, or use the up or down arrow keys to highlight the column name and press Enter or click the Add button. This moves the column name to the Sort keys list box. By default, the sort direction for this new sort column is ascending. If you click a column in the Sort Keys list box, or select the item using the arrow keys or mouse and press Enter, it reverses to descending sort order. 3 To remove a sort column from the list, double-click the column name, or select it and press the Delete key or click the Remove button. You may also remove all columns from the Sort Keys list by pressing the Clear button. 4 After you select the columns by which you want to sort and the direction in which you want to sort, click Sort. Filter the Answerset by clicking the filter icon on the Answerset column header. A drop down list opens containing all the values in the column. When you click on an item in the list, the rows are filtered to display only those rows containing the selected value in the column. You can also filter by multiple columns, with each filter acting on the currently displayed rows only. To return to a display of all rows, click the filter icon and select (All rows). To filter the Answerset 1 Click the Filter icon. 2 Select the column value to filter on. The column is filtered for that value. 3 Click the Filter icon and select All rows to unfilter the column. Caution: Filtering a large spreadsheet by a unique column may be a slow process. Use Find instead. Grouping the Answerset Teradata SQL Assistant can display data rows in the Answerset window in a grouped, sorted order. To use grouping, click on the Allow Grouping tool button. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 101

102 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window To group data columns in the Answerset window 1 Make sure the Answerset window is active and click the Allow Grouping button. This displays a Group Bar above the spreadsheet. 2 Drag the column header you wish to group by to the Group Bar. If you group by a single column, each row in that column displays the column name followed by the column value and the number of rows that have this value in parentheses. To open a group, click on the + symbol at the left of the row. 3 To group by multiple columns, drag the additional column headers to the right of the previous ones on the group bar. They will be connected in descending order. The top level group continues to display the column name and data value, but will not display the number of rows that contain that value. The lower level Group rows display the column number (starting at column zero) followed by the data value for that group. Each header you drag to the Group Bar display a Sort icon to indicate the current sort direction. You may reverse the direction by clicking on this icon. Setting Answerset Options 4 To ungroup the rows, drag the headers back to the spreadsheet header bar, or simply click the Allow Grouping button a second time. Control the Answerset and the Answerset window by setting options through the Options dialog. To set Answerset options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the Answerset tab. The following table explains each option. 102 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

103 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window 3 Click OK. Table 19: Answerset tab in the Options Dialog Option Display alternate Answerset rows in color Open new Answersets in Move Columns Mode Display grid lines in future Answerset columns Description Check this item to display colors for alternate rows in the Answerset. Use the color picker to choose a color. The color choice include a Custom tab, a Web tab and a System tab. The default is unchecked. Selecting this option activates Move Columns mode when a new Answerset opens, which allows you to re-arrange the columns by dragging columns to the desired position. The default for Move Columns mode is off. The default value of this option is checked. Gridlines are displayed when a new Answerset window is created. Right-click in the Answerset window and select Grid Lines. On the Answerset Toolbar click. Display 1000 separators in numeric columns Display negative numbers in Red The default value of this option is checked. This means 1000 separators (commas) are displayed in numeric columns. This option displays negative values in red in the Answer pane. The default value of this option is unchecked. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 103

104 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using the Answerset Window Table 19: Answerset tab in the Options Dialog (continued) Option Display Column Titles rather than Column Names Wrap wide headers across 2 lines if the data is narrow Display Float values using scientific notation Maximum number of answer rows to display Number of decimal places to display for Float columns Handle Binary/Byte columns as BLOBs if size > Handle Varchar columns as CLOBs if size > Description This option allows the Answerset columns to display titles rather than names. The default value of this option is checked. This means the column title is used as the column header when returning data to the Answerset window. If unchecked, column names will display. Column titles can be defined at the time a table is created, or as part of a SELECT statement. Generally, a column title is more descriptive than the column name itself. The default value of this item is checked. This option allows column titles that are wider than the maximum data width in that column to be wrapped across two lines to display narrower columns. If this option is not selected, then column titles display on a single line. The default value of this option is unchecked. If checked, Float column data displays in scientific notation. For example, e04. The default value of this option is This number is the maximum number of answer rows that are retrieved from the database before you are prompted whether you wish to continue retrieving further rows. If you want all remaining rows to be retrieved without further prompts, answer No to the following question: Cancel at <number> rows in accordance with settings? When prompted to continue, all remaining rows are retrieved without any further prompts. The default value for this option is 2. Changing this value between 0 and 9 allows you to specify the number of decimal places that will initially be displayed for all data that originated from float columns. You can change the setting for selected columns. From the shortcut menu, choose Decimal Places. The default value for this option is 30. In this field, enter a number between 0 and All Binary/Byte columns will be treated as BLOBs Binary/Byte columns will never be treated as BLOBs Other - Binary/Byte columns larger than this value will be treated as BLOBs Each BLOB is returned to a separate file on your PC. Regular Binary/Byte data is displayed in the grid as a hex string. This options allows you to set a size limit after which a Varchar column is handled as a CLOB. The default is Changing the Font for the Entire Window To change the font for the entire window 1 Do one of the following: From the View menu, choose Set Font to bring up the Font dialog. 104 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

105 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Formatting an Answerset Right-click to bring up the Shortcut menu and click Set Font. 2 Change the font name, style, and size. 3 Click OK. Note: The font change applies to the current window and all future Answerset windows. Zooming the Answerset Window You can zoom the contents of a window in and out by using the Ctrl button and mouse wheel. To zoom the active window 1 Make sure the window is active. 2 Hold the Ctrl button and spin the mouse wheel. The display zooms in and out. Formatting an Answerset Formatting a Block of Cells You can format the colors, font name, font style, and font size of a block of cells, individual cells, rows, columns, or the entire spreadsheet. You can also specify the number of decimal places displayed and if commas are displayed to mark thousand separators in numeric columns. The follow sections explain how to format an Answerset. Formatting a Block of Cells Formatting a Single Cell Formatting a Single Row or Column Formatting Multiple Rows or Columns Formatting the Entire Spreadsheet Displaying Commas to Mark Thousand Separators Displaying Numbers in Scientific Notation Displaying Decimal Places Changing the Font for the Entire Window Zooming the Answerset Window To format a block of cells 1 Select the area to be formatted. 2 Right-click and select Format Cells. 3 Set the formatting options you wish to change. 4 Click OK. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 105

106 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Formatting an Answerset Formatting a Single Cell To format a single cell 1 Double-click the Answerset cell to bring up the Format Cells dialog. 2 Set the formatting options you wish to change. 3 Click OK. Formatting a Single Row or Column To format a single row or column 1 Double-click the row or column header to display the Format Cells dialog. 2 Set the formatting options you wish to change. 3 Click OK. Formatting Multiple Rows or Columns To format multiple rows or columns 1 Select the row or column to be formatted by clicking on the row or column heading and dragging to highlight. 2 Right-click to bring up the Shortcut menu. 3 Select Format Cells to bring up the Format Cells dialog. 4 Set the formatting options you wish to change. 5 Click OK. Formatting the Entire Spreadsheet To format the entire spreadsheet 1 Press Ctrl+A to highlight all cells, then right click and choose Format Cells. The Format Cells dialog box opens. 2 Set the formatting options you wish to change. 3 Click OK. Note: The formatting change applies to the current Answerset window only. 106 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

107 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Exporting an Answerset Displaying Commas to Mark Thousand Separators To display commas 1 Right-click in the Answerset cell you wish to change and select Format Cells. 2 Check Display 1000 separators. 3 Click OK. Displaying Numbers in Scientific Notation To display numbers in scientific notation 1 Right-click in the Answerset cell you wish to change and select Format Cells. 2 Check Use Scientific notation. 3 Click OK. Displaying Decimal Places To display decimal places 1 Right-click in the Answerset cell you wish to change and select Decimal Places. 2 Select a number between 0 and 4. To designate up to 14 decimal places: a Right-click to bring up the Shortcut menu. b Click Format Cells to bring up the Format Cells dialog. c Select the desired number of decimal places. Exporting an Answerset Exporting Results Output is normally displayed in an Answerset window in table format; however, you can redirect output from future queries (ASCII or Unicode) to a delimited text file (.txt), a web page (.htm), or Microsoft Access database 2000 file (*.mdb) or a Microsoft Access database 2007 file (*.accdb). Before running a query, you may redirect the Answerset. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 107

108 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Exporting an Answerset To export results 1 Select File > Export Results. 2 Enter a statement in the Query Window. 3 Execute the query by clicking on the Toolbar. 4 In the Export File dialog, enter a file name. 5 From the Save As Type menu, choose a file type. If you choose a Microsoft Access database table (.mdb) or (.accdb), the query must consist of a single statement that returns only one Answerset. If the database or table does not exist, one is created for you. If you choose a delimited text file (.txt), the query may return multiple Answersets. If the specified file already exists, Teradata SQL Assistant asks you if you wish to replace or append to the file. If you choose an HTML file (.htm). the query exports the results into an.htm format that can be viewed as a web page. 6 When the export operation is complete, a confirmation message appears in the Export Bar immediately below the toolbars. Note: The delimiter and quotes used for exporting to a delimited text file can be set in the Options dialog, Export tab. To set the quotes or the delimiter, see Setting Export/Import Options on page 109. Warning: The export option remains in effect until you click the Export option again to cancel it. Single-Clicking to Display the Export File After an Answerset is exported, its name and location appear in the Export Bar. Click the Export bar to automatically open and display the Answerset that was just exported. Note: If SQLA doesn t recognize the exported file, it uses Windows File Association to choose the appropriate application. Generally,.txt files are opened with Notepad,.htm opens a browser, and.mdb or.accdb opens Microsoft Access. The figure below shows the Export bar of an exported Answerset. 108 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

109 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Exporting an Answerset Saving Multiple Answersets Multiple Answersets may be saved in multiple files. The file names for two Answersets or more are created by appending a number to the original file name. For example, if you specify Result.txt, and three Answersets are returned, the file names are: Result.txt Result2.txt Result3.txt Warning: If the specified file already exists, Teradata SQL Assistant will ask you if you wish to replace or append to the first file in the set (in the above example, Result.txt). If the first file does not exist, but other files do exist, they will be overwritten with no warning. Exporting to Access - Formats and Data Types The following applies to exporting data to Access tables: If the Access database does not exist it will automatically be created for you in Access 2000 or 2007 format. When the Access Table is created, SQL Assistant maps Teradata data types to Access data types as follows: Table 20: How SQL Assistant Maps Teradata Data Types to Access Data Types Teradata Data Type Byte, SmallInt or Integer BigInt, Float, Decimal or Numeric Date BLOB or CLOB Other (up to 255 bytes) Other (over 255 bytes) Access Data Type Integer (maximum 32 bits) Float Date Text (the LOB file name) Text Memo If the Access table already exists, the exported data will either replace or append to it depending on whether you checked the Replace Table check box when specifying the table name. Note: If the data is being appended, you must ensure that the table definition matches the data being exported. The data types of the columns should match those of the select statement used in the export - with the addition of an AutoNumber column defined as the first column in the Access table (this is basically a row number). Setting Export/Import Options This section explains the Export/Import tab in the Options dialog. See Setting Export Options for more information on setting the Export tab and Setting Import Options for setting the Import tab. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 109

110 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Exporting an Answerset After selecting any of these options, follow the instructions on Exporting Results on page 107 to learn how to export results. After exporting an Answerset, the status bar across the bottom of the main window provides the status of the action. To set export/import options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the Export/Import tab. 3 Select the options you want. The following table explains each option. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save your settings. Table 21: Import/Export tab in the Options Dialog Option Use this delimiter between columns Description Defines the column delimiter. The default value is Tab. This same character is expected to delimit the data fields in an Import file. For Import operations, ensure this character does not occur within any of the data fields unless all data values are enclosed in quotes Enclose column data in Double Quotes - encloses column data values in double-quotes Single Quotes - encloses column data values in single-quotes Nothing - the data values are not enclosed in quotes. This is the default value. For more information, see Default Preferences (Options) on page 136. Setting Export Options This section explains how to set export options in the Options dialog. See Setting Export/ Import Options for more information on setting the Export/Import tab and Setting Import Options for Import tab settings. After selecting any of these options, follow the instructions on Exporting Results on page 107 to learn about exporting results. To set export options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the Export tab. 3 Select the options you want. The following table explains each option. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save your settings. 110 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

111 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Exporting an Answerset Table 22: Export tab in the Options Dialog Option Write all exported answer sets to a single file Write the SQL and result status to the export file Write column headers to the export file Replace Carriage Returns in column data with blanks Honor the Answerset row return limit during exports Description Writes the output from a query that contains multiple select statements to a single file. The default value of this option is unchecked, meaning output from a query that contains multiple select statements is written to multiple files. Writes the SQL and result status to the export file. The result status is the rows processed, elapsed time, and error messages (if any occurred). The default value of this option is unchecked, meaning the SQL and result status will not be written to the export file. Writes column headers to the export file before the data is written. Clearing this option may be useful if you plan to Import the data back into the database at a later time. If this option is not checked, no column headers will be written. The default value is checked. Replaces carriage returns in column data with blanks when exporting to text files. If this option is not checked, carriage returns will be left as is. The default value is unchecked. When checked, exported result sets are terminated when they reach the Maximum Row Limit set on the Answer tab. If there are multiple result sets, the limit applies to each individual set. The default value is unchecked. Setting Import Options For more information, see Default Preferences (Options) on page 136. This section explains how to set import options. See Setting Export/Import Options for more information on setting the Export/Import tab and Setting Export Options for settings on the Import tab. After selecting any of these options, follow the instructions on Exporting Results on page 107. To set import options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the Import tab. 3 Select the options you want. The following table explains each option. 4 Click OK to close the Options dialog box and save your settings. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 111

112 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Understanding Large Object Support Table 23: Import tab in the Options Dialog Option Ignore the first record in the file (Skip Header) Convert localized decimal to a period on Import Maximum batch size for simple imports Silently discard rows that cause constraint violations Description Skips the header when importing the file. The default value is unchecked. Replaces the local decimal point character with a period, allowing data in the local format to be imported to a database that always expects the decimal point to be a period. Clear this check box if the database expects the decimal point to be a localized character. The default value is unchecked. The number of data rows that are sent to the database at one time for Batch Import. The default batch size is 20 rows. SQL Assistant ignores any errors that occur during the import operation and reports the number of rows that were imported and the number of rows discarded. The default value is unchecked. For more information, see Default Preferences (Options) on page 136. Understanding Large Object Support Teradata SQL Assistant supports Large Objects. Large objects come in two types: Binary - These columns may contain Pictures, Music, Word documents, etc. The column type used by different vendors may be any of - BLOB, IMAGE or LONG RAW. Text - These columns contain text data such as Text, HTML, XML or Rich Text (RTF). The column type used by different vendors may be any of - CLOB, TEXT or LONG. Note: When using ODBC, the ODBC Data Source option "Use Native Large Object Support" must be checked to retrieve large objects. Go to Tools>Define ODBC Data Source>Configure>Options and check Use Native Large Object Support. When an Answerset contains a Large Object (LOB) column, Teradata SQL Assistant asks you to provide a file name, a file type, and optionally, a directory for each Large Object column. Each LOB data value will be written to a separate file. The file name for each data value is created by joining the file name, a sequential number, and the file type. For example, if you provide 'Photo' as the name and 'jpg' as the type, the files will be called Photo001.jpg, Photo002.jpg, and so on. Although you may change the directory each time SQL Assistant requests a file name, only the last directory specified for a given Answerset will be used. This directory will be used for all LOB files related to this Answerset. 112 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

113 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using Answerset Shortcut Menus The file names are displayed as links within the Answerset grid. If you click on a link, the corresponding file opens. This feature relies on Windows File Associations so you must specify the file type that is appropriate for the type of data stored in the LOB column. If the data is a graphic (file type BMP, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TGA, TIF, ICO or WMF) SQL Assistant offers you the option of displaying the picture within the Answerset grid itself. You may request that the picture be displayed instead of being saved to a file or in addition to being saved to a file. Using Answerset Shortcut Menus The purpose of the Shortcut menu is to provide fast access to commonly used functions. The Shortcut menu is specific to the active window. In this case, it provides a quick way for performing tasks specific to the Answerset window. Also, you can customize the shortcut menu to provide better functionality. Displaying the Shortcut Menu The following table describes all of the commands on the default menu. To display the Shortcut menu Do one of the following: From any table inside the Answerset window, click the right mouse button. Press Shift+F10. Table 24: The Answerset Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions Command Toggle SQL / Answer Copy Copy as HTML Find Find Next Add Totals Description Toggles between the data in the Answerset and the SQL used to get the answer. Copies the selected text from the currently active window to the Clipboard. Copies the selected text from the currently active window to the Clipboard in HTML format. Displays the Find String in Answerset dialog, allowing you to search for a particular string in the currently active window. See Finding a Text String in the Results Grid on page 95. Finds the next instance of search item. Displays totals at the bottom for numeric columns. The totals remain after the Answerset has been sorted. Totals do not appear in future Answerset windows unless Add Totals is activated again. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 113

114 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using Answerset Shortcut Menus Table 24: The Answerset Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions (continued) Command Sort Wrap Text Merge Cells Decimal Places Format Cells Set Font Allow Grouping Freeze Column(s) Move Column(s) Hide Column(s) Show all Columns Gridlines Column Headers Description Displays the Sort Answerset dialog. For more information, see Sorting an Answerset on page 100. Selecting Wrap Text will cause text that is too long to fit within the selected cells to be wrapped into multiple lines. Selecting this item when the selected cells are already wrapped will return the text in those cells to a single line. Merges selected cells in a column in the Answerset. See Merging Cells in the Answerset on page 92 for more information. Allows you to specify decimal places (0 to 4) in cells with numbers. Applies only to the column or columns selected. Applies to all rows even if all rows are not highlighted. For more information, see Formatting an Answerset on page 105. Allows you to format the color, font name, font style, and font size of a block of cells, individual cells, rows, columns, or the entire spreadsheet. It also allows you to add or remove decimal places and thousand separators. For more information, see Formatting an Answerset on page 105. Displays a Font dialog allowing you to change the font in the cells in the Answerset window. This new font will also be used in all future Answersets. The Font Name and Font Size attribute are saved for future use. Separate values are stored for each type of window. Displays a Group Bar above the spreadsheet. Selecting this item will Freeze the left most columns, preventing them from being scrolled off the screen when you scroll a wide Answerset to the right. All columns up to the current column, or cell, will be frozen. Select Freeze Columns a second time to unfreeze the columns. The default for Freeze Columns is off. Places you into Move Columns mode, allowing you to re-arrange the columns by clicking on a column header and dragging it to the desired position. To switch off Move Columns mode, select this item a second time. The default for Move Columns mode is off. Note: While in this mode, columns can no longer be selected by clicking on their column headers. Hides a single or a multiple of columns. Select the column(s) you want hidden and click Hide Column(s). Redisplays any hidden columns. Displays or hides the gridlines in the Answerset window. You can toggle the gridlines On or Off. Displays or hides column headers. You can toggle the column headers On or Off. 114 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

115 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using Answerset Shortcut Menus Table 24: The Answerset Window Shortcut Menu Commands and Descriptions (continued) Command Row Headers Do Not Close Description Displays or hides row headers. You can toggle the row headers On or Off. Prevent an Answerset window from automatically closing when a new query is executed. If On, the current Answerset window does not close when a new query is run, even if the automatic closing of Answerset windows option is in effect. For more information on this option, see Closing Answerset Windows Before Submitting a New Query on page 91. If Off, this Answerset window will be closed when a new query is executed. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 115

116 Chapter 3: The Answerset Window Using Answerset Shortcut Menus 116 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

117 CHAPTER 4 The History Window The purpose of this section is to help you become familiar with the History window and its features and functions. This section contains the following information: Introduction to the History Window Using the History Window Finding a Text String in the History Table Editing History Records Saving, Copying and Printing History Setting History Window Options Storing History Files The History Window Shortcut Menu Introduction to the History Window The History window is a table that displays your past queries and related processing attributes. The past queries and processing attributes are stored locally in a Microsoft Access 2000 database. This allows the flexibility to work with previous SQL statements in the future. Following is an example of a History window: Clicking any cell in the SQL Statement column in the History window copies the SQL to the Query Window. You can display or hide the History window at any time. For more information on additional options, see Setting History Window Options on page 125. The most recently executed statement appears as the first row in the History window. The data may be sorted locally after it has been loaded into the History window. New entries are added as the first row of history no matter what sort order has been applied. For more information on sorting, see Sorting the History Records on page 122. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 117

118 Chapter 4: The History Window Introduction to the History Window You can review all the information connected to a query in the Edit History dialog. This dialog also allows you to edit the query text, the attached notes, and the result message. For additional information on this dialog, see Displaying and Navigating the Edit History Dialog on page 126. The Columns of the History Window The following columns are displayed in the History window: If the Query text is longer than 1000 characters, it is truncated to 1000, and followed by ellipses ( ). To view the entire text either click on it (to copy it to the Query window) or use the Edit History screen. Table 25: The History Window Column Descriptions Column Name Date/Time Source Elapsed Rows (see Note, below) Result Notes SQL Statement SQL Type Length Stmts Stmt Type User ID DBMS Time Fetch Time Seq (sequence) Description The date and time at which the query ended. The data source name used. The total elapsed time for the query. Teradata only: The number of rows matching the query submitted. Other databases: The number of rows returned or changed. The result message. See first note below. The note the user attached to the query. The query text. The type of database accessed. The length of the query, in characters. The number of statements in the query. A list of statement types used in the query. For example, CREATE TABLE, INSERT, SELECT. The user ID logged on. The time spent within the database. The time taken to return the data. The order the query was submitted to the database. Note: The History grid displays a Result column instead of the full SqlMessage information. This column will be blank unless an error occurred. To see the full Result message, hover the mouse over the Result cell. Note: For Teradata systems only, if you abort a query in progress or decline to continue when the output limit is reached, the Rows column tells you how many rows matched the query you 118 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

119 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window submitted rather than the number of rows that were actually returned to the PC. Other databases will still report only the number of rows returned. Using the History Window Opening the History Window To open the History window Select View > Show History. Closing the History Window To close the History window Do one of the following: With the History window active, select File > Close. Select View > Show History to clear the check box. Viewing the Result Message The History window displays a results message after a query is run. This message refers to information about the query including errors messages. To view the Results message Hover the mouse over the Result column cell in the History pane. The entire message appears in a tool tip. For additional information on error codes and how to resolve problems, refer to Messages. Viewing DBS Error Messages Viewing the History Rows You can view the DBS error messages by pressing F11. This shows the most recent DBS error message no matter when it occurred. Use the PageUp, PageDn, Ctrl+Home and Ctrl+End keys as well as scrollbars to scroll through the history rows. Rearranging History Columns History columns can be rearranged by dragging the column header to a new position. The new column order will be used each time you open the History window. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 119

120 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window Filtering the History Rows You can sort and filter the History rows is various ways to help organize the information. History Filter Operators All history rows are now stored in a single History database. The History Filter dialog allows you to specify a set of filters to be applied to the history rows. The operators include >, <, =, and LIKE. The filter applies to the entire history table. When you click in the fields or boxes in the Filter dialog, the possible operators and proper format are displayed at the bottom of the dialog. Note: The operator box accepts only applicable operators for the filter function. To filter the History table 1 Select the History window. 2 Right-click in the History window and select Filter. 3 Set the history filter as needed. Table 26 explains the History filter options. 120 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

121 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window Table 26: Description of History Window Filter Options History Filter Option Date Data Source User Name SQL Text Notes Statement Type Statement Count Row Count Elapse Time Show successful queries only Description Filters by date range. Clicking the combo box brings up a calendar. Place a filter operator (>, <, =,) in the operator box. To display the history for the most recent n days instead of basing it on a fixed date, check Previous n days and enter the number of days in the date box. Filter by data source name. Enter a data source name, optionally containing wildcard characters. Check Use current Data Source to filter by the current data source only. Note: The Use current Data Source filter option is used only when the Allow connection to multiple data sources option is not checked. See Setting General Program Preferences on page 44 for information about setting this option. Shows only those rows for a specific User Name. Shows only those rows matching the specified string in the SQL text column. Note: See Using Wildcard Characters with the History Filter on page 121 for more information on using valid wildcard characters with this option. Shows only those rows matching the specified string in the Notes column. Note: See Using Wildcard Characters with the History Filter on page 121 to learn more about valid wildcard characters to use in this option. Shows only those rows in which the query contains the specified statement type. For example, Select or Create Table. Show only those rows in which the query contains this many statements (Use operator <, > or =). Shows only those rows in which the query effected this many rows (Use operator <, > or =). Shows only those rows in which the elapsed time matches the time entered (Use operator <, > or =, and specify the time as hh:mm:ss). Check this box to filter for successful queries only. Queries with errors are ignored. Using Wildcard Characters with the History Filter The following wildcard characters are acceptable to use with the history filter: % matches zero or more characters _ matches exactly one character # matches a single numeric digit [xyz] matches a single occurrence of one of the enclosed letters: x, y, or z Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 121

122 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window [0-5] matches a single occurrence of this range of characters: 0 to 5 Wildcard matches are not case specific. To match the percentage character (%) by itself, enclose the character in brackets. For example, enter %[%]% in the SQL Text field to return all rows containing a % sign in the SQL text. Copying SQL from Previous History Record to the Query Window You can copy the SQL from the previous History record to the Query Window. To copy the SQL from the previous row Do one of the following: Select View > Previous SQL. Press F7. The new SQL replaces what was previously in the Query Window. Copying SQL from Next History Record to the Query Window You can copy the SQL from the next History record to the Query Window. To copy the SQL from the next row Do one of the following: Select View > Next SQL. Press F8. The new SQL replaces what was previously in the Query Window. Selecting All History Rows You can select all rows in the History window. To select all history rows Do one of the following: With the History window active, press Ctrl+A Sorting the History Records Click the top left header cell in the History table. There are two ways to sort the history locally: quick sort or full sort. Full Sort allows sorting of data in multiple columns. 122 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

123 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window To sort history using quick sort Click the sort icon in any column header to sort the data by that column only. The data is initially sorted in ascending order. Clicking the sort icon again reverses the sort order. To sort history using full sort 1 Do one of the following: From the Toolbar, click. Right-click in the History window, then select Sort. Select Edit > Sort. In the Sort dialog box, all columns in the active History window are presented in the Available Columns list. 2 Select the column name in the Available Columns list and click the Add button. By default, the sort direction for this new sort column is ascending. Use the up or down icons to change the sort order. 3 To remove a sort column from the list, double-click the column name, or select it and press the Delete key or click the Remove button. You may also remove all columns from the Sort Keys list by pressing the Clear button. If you wish to reset all the columns in the Sort Keys list back to the Available Columns list box, click Clear. 4 After you have selected the columns by which you want to sort and the direction in which you want to sort, click Sort. Performance Note: Sorting history the Seq (sequence number) column has exactly the same effect as sorting by date and time; however, it is considerably faster. Finding a Text String in the History Table You can find a specific text string in the History Table. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 123

124 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window To find text in the history grid 1 With the history table window active, select Edit > Find. 2 Complete the following options: Table 27: Find dialog box Option Find What Match Case Search current column only Use wildcard characters ( * and?) Find Next Find All Description Enter the desired text string, or select an existing text string. Select this checkbox to find text that matches the case of the search string. Clear this checkbox to search the entire spreadsheet. If multiple cells are selected, the current cell is marked with a bold outline. Performance Note: Searches are faster when they are limited to a single column. Select this checkbox to treat any question mark symbol (?) and asterisk symbol (*) in the search string as a wildcard character. The question mark represents any single character. The asterisk represents any string of zero or more characters. Click to search for the next occurrence of the search string within the current grid. The search starts at the current cell position in the grid. Click to find all occurrences of the search string and display them in a listbox. Clicking an item in the list moves the selection in Answerset to the corresponding cell. The cell scrolls into view if necessary. Zooming the History Window You can zoom the contents of a window in and out by using the Ctrl button and mouse wheel. 124 Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide

125 Chapter 4: The History Window Using the History Window To zoom the active window 1 Make sure the window is active. 2 Hold the Ctrl button and spin the mouse wheel. The display zooms in and out. Setting History Window Options You can control the History window by setting options. The following section explains how. To set options 1 Select Tools > Options. 2 Click the History tab. The following table explains each option. Table 28: History Tab in the Options dialog Option Record queries and metadata in the History Datebase Record file name in history when using Save As Description The default is checked. This option allows SQL statements to be inserted into the History table. They are also displayed in the History window whenever a query is submitted. When unchecked, SQL queries are not logged. The default is unchecked. Set this option to request that a record be added to the history file whenever you Save As query to a file. This record contains the date/time of the save operation together with the fully qualified name of the file that you saved. Teradata SQL Assistant for Microsoft Windows User Guide 125