The Query-by-example (QBE) Element enhances the search capability that you can provide on your site. With the QBE feature, users can more easily locate information. For example, you may allow visitors to search for:
With the QBE Element, you allow users to query and filter existing data records using a simple form, custom metadata form, or custom Element, and display the results of the query on a page.
The QBE Element provides a form with which users will generate their queries. When configuring the QBE Element, you will choose which fields from the underlying data source to include in this form. For each field, the user can select from a drop-down list of available values. After the user completes the form and clicks the Submit button, CommonSpot displays a page that having an Element containing the query's results. The Element type in which to display the QBE results depends on the source type that is specified for the QBE Element, as follows:
|
QBE Source Type |
Results Element |
|
Custom Metadata |
Page Index Element, or “Page Result” Datasheet Element |
|
Simple Form |
“Simple Form” Datasheet Element |
|
Custom Element |
Custom Element, or “Custom Element” Datasheet Element |
The recommended process for using a QBE Element is as follows:
By first creating the empty results page, you will be able to reference it when configuring the QBE Element.
Related Links
Query-by-example Layout Properties
Manage Query-by-example Element Fields
Manage Query-by-example Element
Configuring Query-by-example Results Elements
Configure Page Index Element for QBE Results
Configure Datasheet Element for QBE Results
You can download PDF versions of the Content Contributor's, Administrator's, and Elements Reference documents from the support section of paperthin.com (requires login).
For technical support:
The following guides are available locally on your CommonSpot Server: