Newbie - need help with a SQL query for a bar chart

Question

Hi,
I'm a new user on APEX with no real SQL knowledge and I'm trying to build a dashboard with charts into an existing APEX application. Based on another application, I have come up with the following SQL code:
select null link
, CATEGORY label
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'1',PROJECT_ID))"Active"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'2',PROJECT_ID))"Complete"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'3',PROJECT_ID))"On Hold"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'4',PROJECT_ID))"Pipeline"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'5',PROJECT_ID))"Pending Review"
from GRAPO_PROHEADTRK
where (PROJECT_STATUS='1' or PROJECT_STATUS='2' or PROJECT_STATUS='3' or PROJECT_STATUS='4' or PROJECT_STATUS='5' or PROJECT_STATUS='6')
group by CATEGORY
Order by COUNT(PROJECT_ID) DESC
The code from the other app was:
select null link
, FUNCTIONAL_AREA label
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'Active',PROJECT_ID))"Active"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'Complete',PROJECT_ID))"Complete"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'On Hold',PROJECT_ID)) "On Hold"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'Recurring',PROJECT_ID))"Recurring"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'Pipeline',PROJECT_ID))"Pipeline"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'Not Approved',PROJECT_ID))"Not Approved"
from PM_V2
where LOB='S2S' and (FUNCTIONAL_AREA='Accounts Payable' or FUNCTIONAL_AREA='Expense' or FUNCTIONAL_AREA='Procurement' or FUNCTIONAL_AREA='Fixed Assets')
group by FUNCTIONAL_AREA
Order by COUNT(PROJECT_ID) DESC
I'm getting a "Failed to parse SQL query!" error when I try to run validation.
Is this enough info for some assistance? Any help would really be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rachel

Answer 1

Hello,
This is more of an SQL question, rather than specifically APEX-related. It's notable that you say: I'm a new user on APEX with no real SQL knowledgeWhich is fine (we all have to start somewhere, afterall) but it might be worth de-coupling the problem from APEX in the first instance. I'd also strongly recommend either taking a course, reading a book (e.g. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=r5vbGgz7TFsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Mastering+Oracle+SQL&hl=en#v=onepage&q=Mastering%20Oracle%20SQL&f=false) or looking for a basic SQL tutorial - it will save you a whole lot of heartache, I promise you. Search the oracle forums for the terms "Basic SQL Tutorial" and you should come up with a bunch of results.
Given that you've copied your query template from another, I would suggest ensuring that the actual query works first of all. Try running it in either:
* SQL Editor
* SQL*Plus
* an IDE like SQL Developer (available free from the OTN: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/developer-tools/sql-developer/downloads/index.html ) or TOAD or similar.
You may find there are syntax errors associated with the query - it's difficult to tell without looking at your data model.
select null link
, CATEGORY label
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'1',PROJECT_ID))"Active"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'2',PROJECT_ID))"Complete"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'3',PROJECT_ID))"On Hold"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'4',PROJECT_ID))"Pipeline"
, count (decode(PROJECT_STATUS,'5',PROJECT_ID))"Pending Review"
from GRAPO_PROHEADTRK
where (PROJECT_STATUS='1' or PROJECT_STATUS='2' or PROJECT_STATUS='3' or PROJECT_STATUS='4' or PROJECT_STATUS='5' or PROJECT_STATUS='6')
group by CATEGORYNote that your "order by" clause references a field called "PROJECT_ID", which exists in the old query but you've changed other similar references to "PROJECT_STATUS" - is it possible you've just missed this one? The perils of copy-paste coding I'm afraid...