Ask a question

In DoordaOnline, you can explore and analyse your data by posing questions through the graphical query builder. This intuitive interface allows you to filter, summarize, and visualise data without the need for SQL knowledge. This guide will walk you through the process of creating and visualising a basic question using DoordaOnline's query builder.

Introduction

The query builder in DoordaOnline serves as a graphical interface that enables you to construct queries—referred to as "questions"—about your data without writing SQL. These questions can include various components such as filters, summaries, custom columns, joins, and sorts. You can combine these components in different sequences to refine your data analysis. At each stage of your query, you have the option to preview results as a table or create visualizations, and you can switch between the query builder, the query’s result as a chart, and the results as a table at any time.

Creating and Visualising a Basic Question

For this tutorial, we'll demonstrate basic querying operations—filtering, summarizing, and sorting—using a sample dataset. The steps outlined below will guide you through the process of creating a question and visualising its results.

Select the Data Source

Begin by initiating a new query builder question and selecting your desired data source:

• Click on the “+ New” button.

• Select “Question”.

• In the data picker, choose the appropriate database and table you wish to analyse.
  

Once you've selected the table, DoordaOnline will direct you to the query builder with the Data, Filter, and Summary steps. The Data step will display the link to your chosen table.

Preview the Data

To get an initial look at your data:

• Click on the “Play” button to the right of the Data section.

This action will display a preview of the table, allowing you to familiarise yourself with its structure and contents.

Filter Results

To focus on specific data points, you can apply filters:

• In the grey “Filter” block, click on the “Add filter” button.

• Select the column you wish to filter.

• Choose the filter condition (e.g., “Greater than”) and specify the value.

• Preview the filtered results by clicking on the “Play” button to the right of the filter block.

Applying filters helps in narrowing down the data to the most relevant records for your analysis.

Summarise the Filtered Results

To identify patterns or aggregate information:

• In the purple “Summarize” block, add a metric (e.g., “Average”) for a specific column, and group by another column if needed.

• Preview the summarized results by clicking on the “Play” button to the right of the summarize block.

Summarising data allows you to compute aggregate values and observe trends within your filtered dataset.

Visualise

To create a visual representation of your data:

• Click on the “Visualize” button at the bottom of the query builder.

DoordaOnline will automatically generate an appropriate chart based on your summarized data, aiding in the visual interpretation of your analysis.

Sort Your Results

For better readability and analysis:

• Return to the query builder by clicking on the “Editor” button in the top right corner. 

• Add a Sort block and specify the column by which to sort.

• Click on the arrow icon to set the sort order (ascending or descending).

• Visualise the sorted results.

Alternatively in the results view you can also filter by clicking on the relevant column to see addtional options. 

Sorting helps in organising your data, making it easier to identify patterns or outliers. 

Save

To retain your analysis for future reference or sharing:

• Click on the “Save” button at the top right corner.

• Choose a collection to store your question.

• Provide a name and an optional description for your question.

Saving your question ensures that you can revisit or share your analysis with others in your organisation.

Changing the Visualisation Type

DoordaOnline automatically selects a visualization type based on your data. However, you can change the visualisation to better suit your analysis:

• In the visualization view, click on the “Visualization” button at the bottom left corner.

• Select your preferred chart type (e.g., pie chart, bar chart).

Choosing the appropriate visualisation enhances the clarity and impact of your data presentation.

Refining Results at Each Step

You can further refine your analysis by adding more filters, summaries, or even joining additional tables:

• In the Filter step, add additional filters to narrow down your data further.

• In the Summarise step, include additional groupings or metrics