Modifying the data source of a form

When modifying a form, you might realize that you have not included all the columns you need, or you might need to define retrieval arguments. You can modify the data source from the Form painter by graphically modifying the SQL SELECT statement.

StepsTo modify the form’s data source:

  1. Select Design>Edit Data Source from the menu bar, or select Edit Data Source from the form’s pop-up menu.

    InfoMaker returns you to the Select painter.

    If you used Quick Select to define the data source, this might be the first time you have seen the Select painter.

    For information, see “Using SQL Select”.

  2. Modify the SELECT statement graphically using the same techniques you used when creating it.

  3. Click the Return button to return to the Form painter, or select File>Return to Form Painter from the menu bar.

NoteChanging the table If you change the table referenced in the SELECT statement, InfoMaker maintains the columns in the Layout view (now from a different table) only if they match the datatypes and order of the columns in the original table.

Adding columns

You can add columns to the SELECT statement. However, the column does not automatically display in the Layout view. You need to add columns manually, one at a time.

StepsTo use a new column in a form:

  1. Click the Column button in the Controls drop-down toolbar, or select Insert>Column from the menu bar.

  2. Click where you want to place the column.

  3. In the Select Column dialog box, select the new column and click OK.