Data View is a plugin for Obsidian that allows you to query your files using filters, sorts, expressions, and functions.
It provides flexibility in organizing and displaying your notes but can be complex to set up.
Obsidian functions like a big folder with files, and Data View helps in filtering and viewing these files efficiently.
Setting Up Data View
Initial Setup: Create a new Vault, e.g., 'Data View Explainer'.
Files Organization: Include a data folder with files (e.g., personal and podcast co-host files).
Plugin Installation: Install Data View from the community plugins section and enable inline queries, JavaScript queries, and JavaScript inline queries.
Viewing Modes in Obsidian
Source Mode: Allows viewing and editing in markdown format.
Live Preview Mode: Displays the rendered markdown without showing the source code.
Creating Queries
Code Block: Created using three ticks on the keyboard.
Data View Query Language (DQL): Write queries using the Data View Query Language to extract file information.
Tables, Lists, and Tasks: Queries can be displayed as tables, lists, or tasks.
Tables: Show columns (e.g., file name, properties).
Lists: Show bullet points.
Tasks: Show task lists if present.
Fields and Properties
Field Types: Text, number, boolean, date, duration, link, list, object.
Inline Properties: Defined within files; use the "key::value" format.
Implicit Fields: Predefined fields such as file.name, file.folder.
Query Expressions and Filters
Where Clause: Filters files based on conditions (e.g., presence of a property).
From Clause: Specifies the source of query (e.g., folders, tags, links).
Functions: Use functions like 'contains' to refine queries.
Comparison Operators: Greater than, less than, equal to.
Arithmetic: Perform calculations within queries.
Advanced Query Techniques
Flatten and Group By:
Flatten: Splits lists into individual rows.
Group By: Groups multiple results into a single row.
Sorting and Limit: Sort results and limit the number of results shown.
Custom Sorts and Calculations
Create custom sorting orders and perform calculations (e.g., age calculation from date of birth).
JavaScript in Data View
Data View JS: Use JavaScript for more advanced queries.
Examples: Constants, conditionals, and output formatting.
Inline Queries
Use inline queries to display dynamic content within text.
Inline queries require enabling the corresponding settings in the Data View plugin.
Miscellaneous Features
CSS and Custom Styling: Style results with CSS.
Community Support: Join the Obsidian Discord for more help and discussion.