What Does Query Mean?

[lezawang]

Hi
I am trying to understand what does query mean. I read the article below but it is hard to image what does Query mean? How you understand or define Query from excel point of view? Thank you very much.

Query

This definition explains the meaning of Query and why it matters.

www.techopedia.com

 

[Alex Blakenburg]

It would be good to know in what context you have seen it when you are referring to Query in Excel.
Generally when you are talking about a query in Excel, you mean that the data is stored somewhere, either in an External database (eg SQL Server, MS Access, Azure etc) or other External source (eg text file, web site) or even in Excel either the same workbook or other workbooks.

The Query is meant to retrieve some or all of the data from the external source. eg some or all of the fields, some or all of the records. It also generally handles doing any conversions to make it Excel Friendly.

Excel used to use Microsoft Query but although it is still there hardly anyone would still use it.

The tool of choice is Microsoft Power Query.

When you first start using it, it is essentially like recording a Macro. You pick items off a menu and it records the steps.
Like a macro it can hard code column and other references, so to make it more flexible you eventually need to delve into the code which is called the M Language.

 

[Joe4]

A "query" is usually a retrieval of a subset of records from a database based upon some criteria/filter.
For example, return all records created in the past month.
Or return all negative balances.

As Alex said, you can also do calculations in a query. In most database programs, the calculations are NOT down at the table level.
They are typically done dynamically at the query level.

 

[lezawang]

Both answers are amazing and clear. Hard to find them on the net. It is much clearer now. Thank you both. I appreciate it.

 

[Alex Blakenburg]

We appreciate your feedback. Glad we could help.