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Reference: Tools-Comparators

RidgeStar search functions normally contain what is called a Criteria Area, where the Visitor can specify values that will restrict the resulting records to a desired subset. The Criteria Area may be made up of a series of pulldowns, checkboxes, radio buttons, and/or open text boxes (where you simply type a desired value).

Many of the "text boxes" are what we call Comparator fields. They're called Comparator fields because you are permitted to enter an optional, standard arithmetic Comparator or operator (=, <, >, >=, <=, and <>) to represent a comparison against the underlying data element.

You'll gradually gain an understanding of which data fields accept the Comparator format. As a reminder and aid, when you move your mouse over the input box associated with a Comparator field, the popup will use the phrase "Comparator" in it.

Evaluation Process

The input data value (text you type) is:

Searched for one of the Comparator character sequences. If not present, the Equal (=) comparator is assumed as the "operator" for comparision.
The underlying SQL created for searching the database (etc.) is then built utilizing the specified operator and value.

Why use a Comparator?

Comparator specifications are quite handy when trying to:

Obtain a list of People over or under a specific Age (e.g. ">18", "<=21")
Extract a list of activities occuring before or after a specific Date (e.g. "<03/12/2010", ">=Jan 1")
... use your imagination

Ultimately, Fragments and Comparators are little more than shortcuts or abbreviations to permit you to specify a desired subset in a relatively flexible fashion. When used in conjunction with other selection Criteria, it provides an important technique to get the most out of your Search Criteria.