Galaxy queries

Execute the following example query via SoapUI:

Figure 827: Example 1-1 – galaxy query

This is the most basic kind of query that is possible in RAQL: a galaxy query 1 The underlying metaphor is that all objects inside an ImageMaster system define the “universe” of all objects. Each “galaxy” encompasses all objects of a type and each object itself is a “star”. These names are mostly used internally in the RAQL implementation. The only place where a metaphor is externally visible is the notion of a “galaxy query”.. A galaxy contains all objects of a certain kind inside the ImageMaster system in no particular order. In this example, the galaxy is called “revisions” and contains all2 “all” is not entirely true. In truth, a galaxy represents all objects of its type that the current user/role has permissions to read. Since the role used in the examples has full access, it does return all objects in this case. revisions in the system. This query in itself is only of limited use because it returns revisions from all document types and historic revisions together with revisions that are the latest revision of their document. The following chapters show how this query can be restricted to return more useful results.

The syntax of a galaxy query is the following:

This kind of syntax diagram is called a “railroad diagram” and they are used throughout this course to describe the syntax of RAQL elements. They are supposed to be read like this:

• Start from the left and follow the lines like a train would (i.e. don’t turn around or take “sharp” turns.

• The bold elements in round boxes are literal elements and need to be written as they are in the query.

• The elements in square boxes stand for further syntax elements explained separately. Here, “identifier” is a placeholder for the galaxy name.

• Branches in the line indicate alternative possibilities. Loops indicate parts that can be repeated multiple times.

• Every possible route from the left to the right represents valid RAQL syntax.