Logos Query Manager ( LQM ) enables you to integrate databases into your Joomla website. For example, using LQM one can easily build an interface for searching and viewing sport scores, adding contact information for organizations or clubs, loading data from a file, and creating reports that summarize sales data. One can quickly build complex applications using a few queries and, because LQM employs SQL ( a standard database language ), you have maximum control over how your application works.

Logos Query Manager is more than your normal form extension. LQM can connect with major database systems such as MySQL, Oracle, MSSQL and MS Access and can output data in any format including HTML, XML, and JSON, among others. It also lets you execute multiple SQL queries in series and lets you manipulate each query based on user input. From the bottom-up, LQM is designed to give the you power and flexability in creating applications.

For those less familiar with databases, the LQM Wizard will generate a basic application for you. Simply point LQM to your MySQL database and follow the steps - the wizard will generate the skeletal code you need to add, edit, publish, and delete records.

Logos Query is the most powerful form and report generator available for Joomla. Among LQM's many features are the following:

• AJAX presentation that allows users to navigate, sort, and filter query results within the browser;
  
• A comprehensive templating system employing views and layout files;
  
• Ability to format data, including the generation of links to other forms and results;
  
• Output of data in a variety of formats such as HTML, JSON, and CSV;
  
• An easy-to-use site and administrative interfaces;
  
• Support for connections to most SQL queries and major database systems;
  
• 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.

Logos Query Manager was the first form component for Joomla 1.5 and is continually being updated. You'll find a lot of new features in LQM 3.0.

• LQM Wizard - The improved Wizard makes building applications easier than ever. The wizard will generate many of the interfaces used in a typical application.
• Variable Manager - The new Variable Manager lets you easily configure global variables that are shared among queries within an LQM application.
• AJAX Features - The new version offers several new AJAX features, such as reloading the data grid after an update to the records and writing to target Divs in the same page.
• Help System - The documentation can now be found within the component.

The following examples demonstrate many of LQM features and potential uses. Please note that you may need to be logged into the forum in order to access some of the screens.

Ordering Reporting

One common application of LQM is to generate reports for external systems, such as this ordering system. In this demo a sales agent has a number of tools to search for and view an order placed by a customer. View the Order Report System.

Dealership Search

Another common application is a simple record management system that allows users to submit dealership information, manage their records, and let general users search this database. Please note that you must be logged into the forum to add records. View the Dealership Application.

Editable Grid

Logos Query Manager also supports editing of table data directly in the results grid. This example demonstrates a simple application to keep track of the number of party invites, a concept that can be easily extended to many different contexts. View the Editable Grid demo.

Contact Form

A contact form is a standard part of many websites, but using LQM you can create a custom contact form for any number of fields. This example also demonstrates LQM's ability to break input elements into individual tabs. View the Contact Form demo.

Article Comments

You can easily embed LQM into a Joomla article using the LQM Content Plugin, as shown in this example. View the Article Comments demo.

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.

Query Manager Queries are the heart of LQM. When a site user accesses LQM they are working with one or more queries that the administrator has previously defined. Many queries will access SQL tables located within the Joomla databases, while others will work with other databases using different database management systems, possibly on different hosts. The Query Manager is one of the most important administrative interfaces where the administrator defines queries that will be run on the frontend.
Application Manager Applications allow the administrator to group related queries together, to easily control access to this group, and to assign common assets to all member queries. Using the Application Manager one can easily associate language files, code, style sheets, and script files to all member queries.
Connection Manager A connection is the means by which a query is sent to the database using one of several interfaces. In LQM you can create connections to a variety of database systems using these interfaces. The connection manager is used to establish connections to various database systems.
Variable Manager Variables are used to integrate user or system input into a query, execute the query, and manipulate the results displayed to the user. A query does not need to use variables, but most queries will, and the Variable Manager can be used to configure these variables. The Variable Manager is a new tool in LQM 3.0 that allows one to define global valuables that can be used by multiple queries.
Wizard The best way to get started with LQM is to use the Wizard which will generate many of the queries that you will use in your application. You can then customize these queries to suite your specific organizational needs or business logic.

The current version of Logos Query Manager works with recent releases of the Joomla 1.5 system. It will not work with either Joomla 1.0 or any of the Mambo distributions.

LQM also requires PHP 5, and the DOMDocument core library must be enabled.

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.

LQM Extension

The LQM Joomla extensions are licensed under the GPL/LGPL licenses and are available for download for free. Please note that the actual work of LQM is done by the commercial library, but installing the component can still give you a good overview of the LQM interface.

If you are currently using LQM then you should download the complete package from My Stuff, which will give you the most recent versions of both the component and the library.

LQM Library

The LQM Library is an essential package for LQM and is responsible for processing and rendering queries. The library handles the generation of forms and the rendering of query results in a dynamic grid. The library costs $44 and allows you to receive updates for one year.

Purchase the LQM Library.

Getting Started Manual

The LQM 3.0 Getting Started manual is an essential guide to those new to LQM. The document is structured as a tutorial and will walk you through the steps of creating a basic application.

LQM 2.2 Users Manual

The LQM Users Manual discusses the 2.2 version LQM. Although not addressing LQM 3.0 specifically all of the concepts still apply.

Support is provided via the GMITC Support Forum where we have a forum board dedicated to questions related to all aspects of LQM. We do not provide support via e-mail.

Consulting services are also available. We can help you build or customize your LQM application.

Will LQM Work with Joomla 1.0?

No. The LQM extensions only works with the new Joomla 1.5 system.

Will LQM Work with Joomla 1.5?

Yes. The LQM extensions are native Joomla 1.5 extensions. The LQM Library is not dependent on Joomla and will thus work on any system including 1.5 .

What is the LQM Library?

The library is a commercial library used by the LQM Joomla extensions. Although you can download the extensions for free, it is the library that performs the actual work of LQM.

How Much Does LQM Cost?

The Logos Query Manager extensions for Joomla are free and the LQM Library costs $44. If you purchase LQM you can receive updates for one year.

How Do I Purchase LQM?

You can purchase it using your credit card or PayPal account. Bank and Western Union transfers are not accepted.

Can I Purchase LQM Using a Credit Card?

Yes. Use the PayPal payment method. When you arrive at the PayPal site, click the Continue button under the text "Don't have a PayPal Account".

Is There a Free Trial Version of the Library?

Not at this time.

Once I Purchase LQM, How Do I Receive It?

After the transaction has been processed, you will receive a download link by mail. Usually this link is mailed to you immediately. You can click on My Stuff to view information about your orders, registrations, and updates. If there are any problems, please contact us via the support forum. Please remember that the component and library work together and must be of the same version.

What Is the Activation Code?

Starting with LQM 2.0 you will need to enter an activation code to disable a nag message. You can get this code by registering your purchase.

Once I Have the Extensions and Library, How Do I Install Them?

Please have a look at the LQM Getting Started Manual and the section titled Installation.

How Do I Receive Updates to LQM ?

You can download new versions of the LQM extensions from the website, but these new versions always require the corresponding version of the LQM Library. First you need to register your purchase. Click My Stuff from the top menu for more information.

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.