1.2 Query vs. Model vs. Worksheet

There are three principal ways to retrieve data from a datasource:

Query: A query is a specific request for data from the datasource (i.e., a request for specific columns and rows), typically written in the SQL language. Style Studio provides a wizard to make query creation easy. See Independent Query in Data Modeling for information on how to create a query.

Data Model: A data model provides an all-encompassing representation of your data, a view into your database suitable for business users. Because a data model is not a specific request for data, but rather a model of your database schema, it is much more flexible than a query. See Getting Started With Data Models for an example.

Data Worksheet: A Data Worksheet has many roles, but is most often used to graphically build complex queries and mash-up data from different data sources. See Getting Started with Data Mash-Up for more information.

The table below highlights the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches.

Feature

Query

data Model

Data Worksheet

Mash up data from different data sources

No

No

Yes

Quick to create

Yes

No

Yes

Create complex queries

Partially (via SQL string)

Partially (via SQL string)

Yes

Facilitate self-service (see below)

No

Yes

Partially

Accept SQL string

Yes

Yes

No

Import data from non-datasource

No

No

Yes

Available for non-relational databases

Yes

No

Yes

Self-service refers to the ability of an end-user to make their own data selections. Queries and Data Worksheets are limited in this regard, because they provide access only to the fields that they were originally designed to provide (although, of course, a user can choose among those fields). Because a data model provides a broader view into the entire database schema, it gives the user much more flexibility in selecting data and greatly enhances self-service.

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