Tana Query Builder Series for Beginners | Intro and Index - Updating to Beta Version
Introduction, Basic Queries, Index to entire series - Updated 06/2024
Welcome back. Thank you for subscribing to Tana Deconstructed, where we break down TANA node by node for beginners.
This article introduces the Tana Query Builder and has been fully updated to the Tana Beta Version, released in 2024.
Query Builder Series for Tana Beginners. Note that I’m in the process of updating each of the articles to the 2024 Beta Version, and the links below will be updated as the articles are updated. But until then, you can still learn a lot from 90% of the information in the old article series.
Updated to Tana Beta Version 2024
Old Versions yet to be updated:
#2 Live Search Series: Search Building Blocks and Execution Order
#3 Live Search Series: Differences in value types, system operators, system nodes, and fields
#4 Query Builder Series: KEYWORDS relating to DATEs and TODOs
#5 Live Search Series: KEYWORDS relating to PARENT and GRANDPARENT
Remember, these deconstruction articles aren’t for easy reading. Consider them more as a reference than an article you’d read from beginning to end. Think of them as a supplement to the ever-evolving Tana documentation.
One of Tana's strengths is that you don't have to be a programmer to write a darn good query.
Like most beginners, I started building queries (aka searches) using their Query Builder invoked using Tana's command line CMD-K (CTRL-K Windows) and select “Find nodes...” and the options you want. This feature walks you through building a query with step-by-step prompts. So, yeah, you don't have to be a programmer to build queries using this super cool feature.
But when I went beyond the automated Query Builder, though, and tried building queries on my own, I failed miserably.😭
Perhaps building searches was really meant for programmers. After much experimentation, though, it finally clicked. My failures weren't because I wasn't a programmer; I failed because I hadn't yet grasped a few fundamental Tana search concepts.
If you understand these concepts, even beginners can build their own queries in Tana without the help of the automated query builder. There is more to learn for more complex searches, but these basic concepts will enhance your confidence in building your own searches and deepen your knowledge of Tana.
There are a few basic concepts to grasp:
How to create a Search node
Query Builder Box and What it Tells You
Search Structure and Order
The Difference Between Plain Text Values, Search Operators, System Nodes, and System Fields.
The Search Node Itself and Its Relation to Other Nodes
We'll cover each of the concepts in detail in multi-part deconstruction articles (index to which is shown at the beginning of this article).
Enjoy!
I’m not an expert at Tana, nor do I work for them. As a passionate volunteer and avid user. Researching these deconstructions helps me learn, but I write them to help you avoid my mistakes. I’ve done my utmost to ensure the accuracy of this information, including extensive testing and review. That said, I’m human. I make mistakes. If you find an error - please comment here, DM me on SLACK @Dee Todd or DM me on Twitter @denisehtodd.