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In computing, QBE stands for Query-by-Example, a graphical query language for databases. Developed by Moshe Zloof at IBM in the 1970s, QBE allows users to retrieve data without needing to write complex code like Structured Query Language (SQL). Instead of a command line, QBE presents a visual template of a database table. The user can fill in the empty fields with example values or criteria to define their search. The system then generates the corresponding SQL code in the background and returns the requested data.

How QBE works

User-friendly interface: The user interacts with the query through a grid or form-based interface, which is more intuitive for people without a programming background.

"By example" method: The core concept is that the user provides an example of the desired result, rather than instructing the database how to get it.

Automatic code generation: When the user provides their examples in the grid, the database software automatically constructs the correct query in a language like SQL.

Graphical representation: Queries are represented in a two-dimensional, table-like format, making it easy to see how different search conditions relate to one another.