Bug 337360

The idea is that an existing data-entry Form can be restrained to display a subset of data rather than the entire data set.

What is envisaged is a 'Filter Funnel' icon will show in Form Data mode. This will open a window allowing simple criteria to be entered for the fields in the existing Form. When the criteria is entered the Form can then display only those records matching the criteria set.

For instance you could enter "price > 50.00" and "sold = false" and "author = 'Agatha Christie'" to review and edit the pricing on unsold 'Agatha Christie' novels currently priced at more than $50.00

Thus the Form will allow sequential editing of those records matching the criteria that have been set.

When there are no criteria listed (startup default) the Form will of course display all records.

It is envisaged that the entry of criteria will require minimal or no knowledge of SQL.

Reproducible: Always




To achieve this at present it is necessary to create a new Form, maybe based upon an existing Query, but this can be time consuming to create, layout, save.  It assumes that you already have a suitable existing Query on which to build the Form - otherwise a new one will have to be created. It also assumes that the operator has these skills.

This is intended to shortcut that whole process. Creating a plethora of new SQL Queries and/or Forms for every ad hoc query is not necessary. The only saved Queries should be major ones which are used frequently.

The main point is that it is often needed 'on the fly' to quickly edit or review a set of records rather than have to search for them one at a time through the whole data set. The only current way to search for records matching multiple criteria is through a full SQL Query and the result is not editable. The Find facility, in turn, only allow searching for criteria in one field at a time.

There is code in the Query design which allows the entry of criteria if the user would rather do so than write a fully structured SQL query themselves, and in fact generates an SQL Query which can itself be viewed. Maybe this code could be reused?

 A 'filter' on a Form would add usability for a less-skilled user.
 The concept of filtered data on an existing data-entry Form will in any case save time for all users.