Logos Query Manager Cube
Overview of Logos Query Manager for Joomla 1.5 Print E-mail

Logos Query Manager ( LQM ) enables you to integrate data resources such as databases and web services into your website. It does this by providing a set of tools used to query these resources using standards such as SQL, the Standard Query Language. Using variables defined with a query, LQM autogenerates form elements and presents the results using a variety of formats. Typical applications of LQM include:

  • Using forms to search a database;
  • Generating reports that summarize data based on user criteria;
  • Allowing users to enter and manipulate enter data into a database;
  • Creating a web service to provide data to other applications.
The LQM component is a bridge to the LQM Library. This library is a form and report generator that can interact with any database management system. It can output data in any format including HTML, XML, and JSON, among others. The core distribution supplies a number of utilities such as interfaces to various database systems and layout files for the formats listed above. Adding new or custom functionality can be easily accomplished by creating extensions to the core functionality — no modifications to the core library files are required.

Features

Logos Query Manager strives to provide tools to integrate a data resource into a website. The current release of LQM offers the following features:
  • Dynamic form generation;
  • AJAX presentation that allows users to navigate, sort, and filter query results without requiring a reload of the page;
  • Support for most SQL queries and major database systems;
  • A comprehensive templating system employing views and layout files;
  • Ability to customize core functionality through extensions;
  • Output of data in a variety of formats, such as HTML, JSON, and CSV.
  • An easy-to-use site and administrative interfaces;
  • Tools such as plugins and modules that allow the site administrator to place data in various parts of the website;
  • A framework which developers can easily extend to fulfill custom needs.

User Interfaces

When working with LQM, the site administrator will define one or more queries using the administrative interface. Users can then run the queries using the site interface.

Administrative Interface

Administrators use LQM's administrative interface to setup applications, connections, and queries that will be used by site users. For example, the screen below is the query summary screen which lists all previously defined queries.

Example - Admin Query Summary.tiff

The most important screen is the query details screen which allows one to define a query to be executed on the site interface. LQM variables are used to define inputs into and outputs from the query. The inputs are used to generate a form by which users can submit input. The outputs are used to format the data returned by the query.

Example - Admin Query Details.tiff

Site Interface

The typical user of LQM uses a form to submit information and then views the result. Using the example queries listed above, the user can submit the name of a customer and then view a list of orders by that customer.

Example - Site Pane.tiff

 

Examples Scenarios

There are many potential applications of LQM for any type of organization. Because LQM works with generic queries it is well suited for any application.
  • A form that allows users to search a read-only copy of an internal database, giving people instant access to organizational data.
  • An application that allows select users to collaborate by searching, editing, and managing data on the website using any number of interfaces.
  • A data feed that allows anyone to query data for use on another site.
This is just a sample of what LQM can do.

Learning to Use

The typical user of LQM will be a site administrator with some knowledge of databases and queries, preferably with a minimal understanding of the PHP language. The typical responsibilities of the administrator include:
  • Defining queries to be executed;
  • Creating style sheets and layout files for user interfaces;
  • Coding extensions to provide additional functionality when needed.
Learning how to use LQM will require between one and three hours, after which LQM should become a vital extension used to create dynamic websites.

Availability

The LQM extensions can be downloaded for free from the GMITC website, and the LQM Library can be purchased from the same site. Please note that the extensions are wrappers for the library - the extensions do not perform query execution and should not be used independently.

Legal Notice

Any part of LQM, such as CMS-specific extensions or the library, are delivered unencrypted and you are free to modify any of the files for your own usage. If you wish to share your modifications, please do so on the GMITC forum but be mindful to post the modifications, not the entire file. Generally speaking GMITC is more concerned about helping people adapt the software than policing the license.

The LQM Library is a proprietary library and its redistribution and usage, in whole or in part, is restricted by the license agreement. By purchasing, installing, or using this library, you are agreeing that its distribution and usage complies with laws in your country.

Logos Query Manager is provided "as is". Although GMITC has an excellent reputation for helping users on the forum, purchase of this software does not imply any official support obligations. One may request support via the GMITC forum, or by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to request a quote.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 26 March 2008 08:42 )