The Fixed Constraints tab configuration automatically limits the results a user receives in the filter. Add attributes and attribute values that must match in order for objects to be displayed. When a constraint is added to a filter, objects will only be found if they meet the criteria of the constraint. One or many fixed constraints can be configured for a filter.
To create a fixed constraint:
- Select the attribute(s) you want to allow users to search for specific values.
- Click Add.
- Click under the Operator column in the attribute row. and select a mathematical operator from the drop-down menu. The following operators are available: =, <, >, <=, >=, <>, NULL, and NOT NULL. The NULL operator searches for attributes that do not have any value. The NOT NULL operator searches for attributes that have any value. If NULL or NOT NULL is selected, any value in the value field is ignored and listed in the field as a blank string when it is added.
- Click under the Value column in the attribute row and enter the value that the attribute must meet in order for objects to be displayed.
- Repeat steps 1- 4 for all constraints you want to add.
In addition, complex fixed constraints can be configured. This can be accomplished by using a combination of parentheses and AND/OR operators to construct complex queries.
Parentheses can be used to group constraint items together. To specify a parenthesis before a constraint item, click the attribute row under the ( column. To specify a parenthesis after a constraint item, click the attribute row under the ) column.
The Connector column allows you to specify how values are searched using the fixed constraint items. AND is selected by default. If AND is selected, multiple fixed constraints must be met in order for objects to be returned in the filter's results. If OR is selected, one of the fixed constraints items must be met in order for objects to be returned in the filter's results. You can use a combination of the AND and OR operators, coupled with the use of parentheses in order to yield the desired results.