DBQ is a form generator and query manager that works with any database. DBQ automatically creates forms for selecting, updating, inserting, or deleting data in MySQL, Oracle, DB2, or any other database. Input submitted using the form is checked and validated before interacting with the database. A template system allows you to customize the appearance of the form and the presentation of data. The standard release offers the following features: * Support for all SQL databases and queries; * Support for all XHTML input types; * Generate list inputs based on existing data in the database; * Validate user input based on input size, character type, and conditionality * Reuse form elements in multiple queries; * Custom title, hint, and error messages for all form elements; * Support for multiple languages. A professional extension can be purchased to offer additional features: * Send notifications by mail during query execution; * Format result columns to be more readable by users; * Create links to other DBQ queries using the result data; * Execute multiple SQL queries via a single DBQ query; * Preload data into the form; * Restrict the viewing of specific data fields to users who are members of a specified group. Scenarios – Putting DBQ to Work - A client wants to search a table within the Joomla database. Create a SELECT query to search this table based on user-defined criteria and present the list of results with navigational aids. - Your organization uses an external accounting system running on an SQL database. Stakeholders want to be able to view a summary of expenses at any time. Create a SELECT query using SUM and GROUP BY to provide a report via the website. - A local professional group would like people to complete a survey consisting of select and text boxes. The database is located on a remote machine. Some fields are required but others are not. Additionally, information such as the user’s IP address and, if registered, username and name should be recorded. Create a database connection to the remote database and an INSERT query that will use several DBQ variables to prompt for the user’s input. Write snippets of PHP code to extract the IP and user name so that this information can be recorded as well. - A company wants an application where a manager selects a list of clients, then clicks on a client’s name to view, edit, or delete the client’s record. Create the required queries and use DBQ Professional to create links between the queries. Development The newest release of DBQ provides experimental support for non-XHTML outputs, such as XML. This feature will be fully implemented in Joomla 1.5. Support & Documentation This component is extremely flexible, but basic SQL knowledge is required to use this component. A comprehensive tutorial and new documentation is available for download on the website. Support is provided via the forum. Joomla 1.5 Users of the new Joomla 1.5 framework will want to look at Logos Query Manager, also listed on the extensions website in the Forms category.