Database Query (DBQ) gives users the ability to access information stored in a database safely and securely. An organization will typically have information specific to itself, such as a membership list, an inventory, contact information, or report data. The structure of the data is unique, but the challenge is not - how does one integrate the database with the website?

DBQ can help by automating the generation of the website interface based on queries defined by the administrator. DBQ will generate any required forms and display the data for you. Look and feel can be customized using style sheets, templates, and a multifold of attributes and parameters that alter the components behavior.

What makes DBQ special is its ability to create forms using variables that one places in the query. Controls over user input ensure that access is controlled and safe. The input accepted by these variables can be restricted by length, character type, and predefined values. Default values can be specified and PHP code can be added to modify the input after it has been submitted by the user. DBQ records the input submitted by users for statistical analysis, provides facilities to view errors, and offers a system of templates that can be customized to meet any needs.

Features

DBQ supports a number of useful features that will improve your Joomla website.

• Support for any SQL query;
• Easy setup of database connections and queries using a web interface;
• Ability to connect to all popular SQL and ODBC databases using one of several interfaces;
• Strict control over user input via variables in the SQL query;
• Intuitive frontend screens permitting multiple XHTML input types;
• Ability to populate list inputs with data from the database;
• Support for custom templates and multiple languages.

The newest version of DBQ, 1.4.1, offers a number of new features that expand or improve existing ones:

• Improvements to the File Upload variable type that help store files on the webserver;
• An additional variable type, Joomla User, that simplifies access to information about the current website user.

Requirements

Database Query is a component for the Joomla 1.0 system and works with PHP4 and PHP5

Some database knowledge is required to use this component - specifically, the knowledge to query a database using the Structured Query Language, or SQL. Knowledge of HTML and PHP will prove helpful for those wanting to exploit the full capabilities of this component. The intended user of this component is a web designer or administrator who needs to use a form to interact with a database but cannot find a component that addresses the project needs. If this is you, DBQ will be a powerful tool for creating websites.

You can download DBQ from the Joomla Forge.

For the latest information about DBQ development, please check the Developer's Blog from time to time.

Database Query Professional

Database Query Professional is a commercial extension that will assist you in creating more advanced applications using the core DBQ component, offering additional options to produce forms or to customize the display of database results.

The new release of Database Query Professional offers several improvements to the frontend presentation. It incorporates new libraries that improve the presentation of forms and the display of query results. In addition, several improvements related to linking queries together have been made. Among the improvements are:

• Dynamic checking of input as the user types;
• A JavaScript grid that provides client side sorting and filtering;
• The ability to prompt users with a custom message before moving to another query;
• The ability to open a link in a new, unique window.

Database Query Professions comes with a sample application - the Dealership Application. This application allows users to submit and maintain records to be stored in a database. The application is documented in the DBQ Introductory Tutorial and many users have found it to be a great introduction to DBQ's many features. Please feel free to evaluate our Dealership Application demo.

To use DBQ Professional, one must have DBQ Standard installed already. Installing DBQ Professional is easy - move several additional files into place and it will work. No customizations to the Standard component are necessary.

Examples Scenarios

Database Query can execute any SQL statement, making it a very versatile and powerful component. Most DBQ users choose to use DBQ when no other component offers the features that they need for their application. They need to manage records in a custom database application that requires special functionality or they are working with an existing database application and need to implement special reporting of the data that the original application does not.

In these and other circumstances, Database Query is the right tool for the job. All one needs to do is to define and configure the query, create several variables that will collect user input, and DBQ will do the rest. This is much easier than coding a custom Joomla component. Below are a few examples of what you can do with DBQ.

1. A client wants to search a table within the Joomla database. Create a SELECT query to search this table based on user-defined criteria and present the list of results with navigational aids.
2. Your organization uses an external accounting system running on an SQL database. Stakeholders want to be able to view a summary of expenses at anytime. Create a SELECT query using SUM and GROUP BY to provide a report via the website.
3. A local professional group would like people to complete a survey consisting of select and text boxes. The database is located on a remote machine. Some fields are required but others are not. Additionally, information such as the user's IP address and, if registered, username and name should be recorded. Create a database connection to the remote database and an INSERT query that will use several DBQ variables to prompt for the user's input. Write snippets of PHP code to extract the IP and user name so that this information can be recorded as well.
4. A company wants an application where a manager selects a list of clients, then clicks on a client's name to view, edit, or delete the client's record. Create the required SELECT, INSERT, and DELETE queries and use DBQ Professional to create links between the queries.

This is only a sample of what you can do with Database Query.

Integrating Database Query with your website is easy. You can create a Joomla menu link directly to a form or to the display of data. Alternatively, you can present a list of queries grouped by category and let the user decide what they want to do. DBQ can even be used as the target of image maps and flash animations, and we are currently working on advanced features which will integrate charts that will dynamically display summary information about the results of a query.

Support

Both DBQ Standard and Professional are supported using the forum on the GMITC website. The DBQ Users Manual and Introductory Tutorial offers detailed explanations about how to use both DBQ Standard and Professional.

If you need help building your application or just lack the time to do it, we also offer consulting services for reasonable rates. To request a quote, e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Future Development

Database Query will not work on the new Joomla 1.5 framework. Instead, use Logos Query Manager which is a native J1.5 application.

I'm sure that you will not regret using Database Query. It is the swiss army knife of components and can help you build applications swiftly and easily.

Happy Querying!