{{tag>data data_retrieval concepts}}
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====== Data Retrieval ======

Retrieval of data in //**Aware IM**// is achieved by means of a //data query// (or simply a //query//). A query goes through all data in the system and compares it against some criteria. The data that matches the criteria is retrieved. Since data in //**Aware IM**// is encapsulated in business objects (see [[docs:2000_concepts:0200_basics:0100_business_objects_as_carriers_of_data|Business Objects as Carriers of Data]]) a query looks for the instances of a business object that match the criteria of the query.

Data may be retrieved not only explicitly by a user but also by processes and business rules. This is achieved by executing the ''[[a_f:a:find|FIND]]'', ''[[a_f:a:pick_from|PICK FROM]]'' or ''[[a_f:a:display|DISPLAY]]'' actions of the Rule Language. Executing this action is equivalent to running a query – in fact, almost any query (other than very specific queries in SQL form) may be represented as a ''[[a_f:a:find|FIND]]'' action.

See also:

{{simplenavi>docs:2000_concepts:0600_data_retrieval}}