The Query Tool is one of the most powerful data tools we have in Virtuous. It allows you to ask more complex questions of the database than what Filters can handle. In other words: Queries allow for flexibility by combining data across multiple objects or types (which can be done via nested queries). In addition, you can save Queries, perform Bulk Actions, export data from your Query, and use Queries for operations like receipting, segmentation, and automation.
What Queries cannot do:
- Contain different groups of data in the output.
- For example: If you want your output to include specific information about projects AND specific information about gifts, this might not be possible. You might be limited to basic information about projects on a gift query's output.
- Mathematical operations within each query parameter.
- For example: You cannot pull a list of people who gave the same amount in 2021 as they did in 2020.
How Do I Get There?
Hover over the menu on the left hand side of the screen and select Query Tool.
When you're ready to start your querying journey, click on the New Query Button in the upper right hand corner of the query screen.
You will be taken to a form to create your query. One of the biggest things you need to consider is your Query Type:
You'll see that there are many to choose from, so which one should you use? Well, let's go back to the question you'd like to ask of the database. Specifically, ask yourself (yes, a question that is about to be grammatically incorrect): What do you want a list of?
For example: Let's say you need to pull a list of major donors who have an address so you can send out a mailer. Note that this is a donor list - in Virtuous terms, this is a contact list! Thus, you would choose Contact as your Query Type.
Then, enter a Name and a Description and you're ready to start building!