Searching And Filtering Metadata In Data Catalog

In the grand symphony of information, navigating through the vast repertoire of data is no less than a thrilling musical adventure. We stand at the intersection of precision and personalization, with metadata search opening up a world of possibilities. In this composition, we'll explore the masterful techniques to refine your metadata search results and orchestrate your data like a maestro conducting a symphony.

The Art of Filtering

Like a virtuoso, the first step in refining your metadata search results is to apply filtering options. Imagine a painter choosing the right brushes and colors for a masterpiece. In the metadata realm, you can curate your search by selecting the 'Element type.' You decide what elements to spotlight in your results, whether it's the panoramic 'Views and web services,' the intimate 'Views only,' or the intricate 'Web services only.'

Crafting the Perfect Query

As we delve deeper into this symphonic journey, the next piece of the puzzle is the 'Search fields.' By default, all fields in the metadata are included in the search. However, like a composer carefully selecting instruments for an orchestra, you have the power to choose which elements should be harmonized. Will it be the bold 'Name,' the lyrical 'Description,' the subtle 'Field name,' the evocative 'Field description,' or the nuanced 'Property values'? Your choice shapes the melody of your search results.

Collaborative Crescendo

In this symphony of collaboration, you hold the baton. The views and web services with at least one of the collaborations of your chosen type will appear in the results. Are they 'Endorsed' by your peers, 'Warned' about, or 'Deprecated'? You get to decide who takes center stage in your data ensemble. It's like selecting soloists for a grand opera, each with their unique contribution.

A Whirlwind through Databases

Now, imagine a library with shelves upon shelves of books. In the metadata world, these shelves are 'Databases.' By default, all databases in the Virtual DataPort server are included in your search. However, you can be more selective, picking just the databases that resonate with your quest for knowledge. It's akin to choosing which chapters you want to explore in the great novel of data.

Categories: Organized Harmony

A symphony is nothing without its sections - the strings, brass, and woodwinds. The 'Categories' in your metadata search are the sections that organize your data elements. If you select a category, your results will only showcase views and web services belonging to that category or any of its subcategories. It's like attending a thematic concert where every piece belongs to a specific genre, ensuring a harmonious experience.

Tags: The Musical Notes of Metadata

Lastly, we come to the 'Tags,' which act as the musical notes in this metadata symphony. Tags are your criteria for classifying views and web services. When you select a tag, your search results will feature only those elements with that tag assigned. It's like sifting through a vast sheet music collection to find compositions that resonate with a specific theme or mood.

The Crescendo: A Metadata Search in Action

Now, let's take a moment to witness the metadata search in action. Picture this as the grand finale of our symphony. Click on the search, and type in your keyword; for instance, "customer." Since we are embarking on a metadata search, that option is already selected. In the results list, you'll be greeted by a harmonious array of relevant views and web services related to customers.

And here's the encore - if you prefer not to use filters, you can perform the same search in the quick search box on the home page. The results are just as electrifying.

Refining the Sonata

Since we are exploring a grand library of information, you might want to refine your results further. To make it a breeze, apply some of the available filtering options under the 'Filter results' section on the left panel. Just like a connoisseur, fine-tune your search to find the right element for your data needs.

In the End, a Symphony of Success

In this remarkable journey through the metadata landscape, we've learned how to compose a symphony of data. Filtering, selecting search fields, orchestrating collaborations, exploring databases, harmonizing categories, and tagging your elements - all these tools are at your disposal. With metadata search, you become the conductor, guiding your data orchestra to create the masterpiece you seek. The crescendo is yours to command, and the symphony of success awaits.