Overview of the SQL Menu

As you use the various SQL menu options, DB–Access retains the statements, if any, in the editor. These statements are called the current statements.

Use the following steps to create and test SQL:

• To enter a new SQL statement or to enter multiple statements separated by semicolons, use the New option.

  If you prefer to enter or modify a query with an editor of your choice, use the Use-editor option. This option provides an alternative to the New and Modify options.

• To execute your statements, use the Run option.

  When you choose the Run option, a message appears or the data retrieved by a query appears with the number of rows retrieved.

  To send the query results to an output file or printer instead of your terminal, use the Output option.

• If a syntax error occurs when you run the query, or if you want to change the query, use the Modify or Use-editor option to revise the text of the query.

  To reexecute the query, use the Run option.

• To save the text of the query in a command file, use the Save option.

  To run or modify a query that you saved in a command file, use the Choose option to select the file.

• To delete a command file in which you saved a query, use the Drop option.