QueryBuilder

QueryBuilder (QB) provides one-stop shopping for information in FlyBase. QB presents a simple user interface that supports powerful searches by offering access to every DataSet|Field pair (for example, Genes|CV:GO:Molecular Function) in FlyBase along with the ability to include any combination of datasets in the same search. QB automatically creates sets of records that are cross-referenced to the records that match your query, providing links to all related records in FlyBase from a single page. Both simple and complex queries can be built in a few steps:

The Getting Started section outlines the basic search strategy.

To query FlyBase, you must build one or more segments. Please note that building a segment using the Controlled Vocabulary (CV) hierarchy as your DataSet is slightly different from building a segment with any other data class.

To start building a query, click the yellow box.

STEP 1: Select a data class to search from the DataSet menu.

STEP 2: Select a field to search, or use "Any field" to search full records.

STEP 3: Enter text string to search for. The search algorithm will identify data fields which contain and the text string you have entered. You may opt for case sensitivity if desired. To see a list of the most frequently found entries for that field click the "index dictionary". You have the option to select a term from that list.

STEP 4: Click "Done" button.

STEP 5: (optional): To add additional segments, click the "+" button.

STEP 1: Select "CV Hierarchy (GO/etc.)" from the DataSet menu. Note that the appearance of the window will change to include four tabs instead of three.

STEP 2: To identify a CV term, either select the second tab, "Search CV terms", or the third tab, "Browse CV terms". Choose the "Search" option if you have a good idea of what you're looking for. Otherwise, select "Browse".

STEP 3: Once you've chosen your term, you will be shown the fourth tab, "Enter CV term ID" box with the CV term ID and name automatically entered for you. By default, your search will be performed for CV terms from the whole subtree of the term you've chosen. If you wish to search only for the exact CV term you have chosen, select "This CV term only" from the drop down menu. (Hint: you'll retrieve more results by searching the whole subtree)

STEP 4: Click "Done" button.

STEP 5: (optional): To add additional segments, click the "+" button.

STEP 1: Check boolean operators (if query consists of more than one segment). Default is "AND". Change to "OR" or "BUT NOT" if desired.

STEP 2: Check that query segments are correct. Segments can be modified by clicking on them, or deleted, by clicking the "X" in the top right hand corner of the segment boxes.

STEP 3: Select output options. Default is to show related genes, to provide cross-references to other datasets, and to search Dmel data only. Change if desired.

STEP 4: Click "Run query" button.