## Crystal SQL Designer files

The Crystal SQL Designer is a query which is simply a request for a specific set of data from a database. Once the data is gathered, it can be stored as a Crystal SQL Designer file (.QRY). The Crystal SQL Designer file can then be used much like a database table. The data it gathers from your SQL databases becomes a new data set that can be added to reports.

A Crystal SQL Designer file gathers data from ODBC data sources (such as SQL servers) by means of SQL (Structured Query Language). The SQL Designer sends an SQL statement with instructions to gather and return a specific set of data is sent directly to the SQL DBMS. The DBMS handles all of the actual data gathering, sorting, and grouping, according to the instructions in the SQL statement. Only the final set of data is returned to the SQL Designer and stored as a query file.

Note: If you are not familiar with SQL, see SQL join types (ODBC data sources).

First, you refine an SQL statement and create a query file that contains only the data you need. Then you design your reports based on the query file instead of on the original databases. Most of the data gathering process is done on the SQL server when you design the query. When you design your report, the Report Designer only needs to work with a small set of data, saving you time and trouble. For more information, see Creating a new query using the Crystal SQL Designer.

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