An ad-hoc query is a tool that enables you to select, group, and list records that meet a set of conditions you define. It provides access to all of your data and helps you answer specific organizational questions. Ad-hoc queries are available in Query. To access the Query section, from Analysis, click Information library.
After you select an initial source view to indicate the type of records to include in the query such as constituent or revenue, you filter and view data according to your needs. For information about source views, refer to Source Views. For information about how to create ad-hoc queries, refer to Create Ad-Hoc Queries.
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You can also generate a named set of IDs of the same record type, called a selection, for use for in other processes throughout the program. When you use query to produce a selection, you produce only a set of IDs. In many cases, you create an ad-hoc query solely to create a selection. Although selections include no information about the records other than their IDs, you can select a set of output fields in the query. This enables you to view a sampling of records so you can verify the accuracy of the criteria you selected and that the process will work with the records. For more information, refer to Selections.