PeopleSoft Query Voodoo

This article provides various tips and tricks for using PeopleSoft® Query.

Detailed Instructions

Table of contents

• Clear Your Browsing Data/Cache/Cookies
• Outputting Alphabetized List of Fields to Excel
• XLAT (Translation)
• Put name of field in Expression
• Use Signed Number
• Set Default or Optional Value on Prompt

Outputting Alphabetized List of Fields to Excel

If you are in need of selecting fields to output in alphabetical order:

1. 1. In the Query tab, alphabetize, then choose fields (be sure to do this in this order)
   2. Proceed to the Fields tab and output to Excel

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Excel and PS Query alphabetize certain things (spaces and underscores, for example) differently, which results in your alphabetized list in PS differing from an alphabetized list in Excel.

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XLAT (Translation)

Some fields have translated values. When you go to the "Fields" tab, there is a column labeled "XLAT". This indicates whether or not the database will translate the value of the field. An "N" indicates that translate is available, but not being used in the query.  Click the "Edit" button to change the selection. When you choose "Short", the output will return a short description, and the "Fields" table shows "S".  For "Long", it will return a long description and show as "L" on the Fields tab.

Put name of field in Expression

When you create an expression, put the field name first before the case statement with commenting  /*+name of field or purpose of case statement */.
This step makes it easier to identify Expression fields on the query fields page tab.

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Use Signed Number

Use the "Signed Number" option under 'Expression Type' in order to get the correct numbers. (not "Number" option)

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Set Default or Optional Value on Prompt

Enter the default number/ data on the prompt.  Additionally, you can make the prompt "optional" by leaving the default value field blank and checking the box. 

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