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Browse Objects

Browse Objects is a query‑builder style view (Visual Builder) in Cloudaware CMDB that lets you explore CMDB data beyond a single list view. It reuses the familiar list‑view layout but adds tools for building, refining, and saving queries that can be reused across reporting, dashboards, and automation.

When to Use Browse Objects​

Use Browse Objects when you want to:

  • Start from an existing list view and explore “what if” filters without editing the original view.
  • Build a richer query (additional filters, groupings, or joins) before saving it as a new list view or report.
  • Validate the impact of a scope (for example, production internet‑facing resources) before wiring it into modules like Compliance Engine (v1), Backup & Replication, or Cost Management.
tip

You can open the Browse Objects screen from an existing list view by clicking the blue OPEN QUERY button.

Layout Overview​

The Browse Objects screen typically includes:

  • Context bar – shows the object type (for example, AWS EC2 Instances, Azure VMs, etc.) and the current starting scope (for example, the list view you opened from).
  • Filter builder – a structured panel for adding and editing conditions:
    • Field pickers for provider, account/subscription/project, region, tags, and key CMDB attributes.
    • Logical operators (equals, not equal, greater than, less than, contains, etc.).
    • Grouping options (AND/OR groups) for more complex logic.
  • Results table – a tabular preview of objects that match the current filter set, with sortable columns similar to a list view.
  • Actions – options such as:
    • Run/Apply – refresh the preview with the current filters.
    • Save as – create a new list view from the current configuration.
    • Export/Show equivalent/Open in SOQL Editor (where available) – obtain CSV exports or API/SOQL/BigQuery equivalents for automation.

Think of Browse Objects as a sandbox for building queries: you can iterate quickly, then save only the scopes that matter.

Relationship to List Views and Queries​

Browse Objects is tightly connected to list views and CMDB queries:

  • From list views to Browse Objects
    • Open a list view that is “close” to the query you want.
    • Click OPEN QUERY to launch Browse Objects with the same base filters and columns.
    • Refine the filters or columns, then run and save as a new list view.
  • From Browse Objects to Queries & Reporting
    • Use the resulting scopes in dashboards and KPI views described in Queries & Reporting.
    • Reuse the equivalent query snippets obtained from Browse Objects in automation, BI tools, or custom integrations.

In practice, operators often move between Navigator, list views, Browse Objects, and dashboards as part of the same workflow:

  1. Use CMDB Navigator or Search to find the right object type and a starting view.
  2. Use List Views for day‑to‑day work and quick adjustments.
  3. Use Browse Objects when you need to design or debug a more sophisticated query.
  4. Save the result as a reusable list view or plug the scope into other modules.