When Is a List Not a List? When It’s a Query!

Melissa Rancour

In recent blog posts, I’ve talked about tiny houses as a metaphor for our current Raiser’s Edge NXT Web View and Database View development. While we’re building out the current Web View functionality, we’re using the Database View (our tiny house) for a variety of tasks. I’ve asked you to check in regularly to see what new goodies our builders are flushing out, and I’ve got great news! Our architects are bridging the gap between the Web View and Database View—with queries.  


When our development team first talked about creating lists in the Web View, I excitedly imagined the possibilities for our users. Could you use lists for mailing? What about appeals? Or exports? But let’s slow down ... the builders have just begun architecting those areas of the Web View. So, what can you do with lists while the builders are building out the Web View? Everything—because you can save your Web View lists as queries in the Database View.


In the Database View, lists are called queries. Queries are groupings of records that you can review or use in other areas of the Raiser’s Edge NXT system (mailings, reports, exports, or global processes). The functionality to complete global processes, send mailings, and create exports already exists in the Database View. You can create your lists from a number of areas in Web View, and when you save the list, you have the option to save it as a query in the Database View.

Learning Opportunities
Queries: To learn more about working with queries and query lists in Database View, check out the eLearning video Raiser’s Edge: Basics of Query or the instructor-led classes Raiser’s Edge: Fundamentals—Query 1 and Raiser’s Edge: Query 2.
Lists: To learn more about working with lists in Web View, check out the eLearning video Raiser’s Edge NXT: Basics of Lists. 

 

Craig Mulder

We don't have NXT yet. Is the reverse situation possible? Can a query created in the Database View be used to create a List in the Web View?

Melissa Rancour

Hi Craig,



Great question. Yes, you can use a query from database view to create a list in web view.



Melissa