We've been using WDQ queries a lot recently to update timelines in the Histropedia directory and, while trying to speed up the process, I ended up creating a very crude query generator tool over the weekend. After getting a bit carried away with it, it seemed worth sharing as it could actually be a handy tool for Wikidata editors, or anyone else interested in experimenting with queries.

I have no real coding experience, so it's just made in a humble spreadsheet! You can choose the input values for a query and the links to Histropedia, AutoList and WDQ will update automatically.The idea is obviously that this sort of tool should be written in Javascript by someone who actually knows what they're doing ;) but they do work and can easily be customised by adding more Wikidata items to the available options. 

I've made 3 different types of query generator so far, which I'll publish shortly as free templates on Google Sheets:

1) Date range query generator  

2) People finder query generator 

3) Family tree query generator 

They are publicly editable spreadsheets so feel free to make a copy if someone is using the one you land on. And certainly don't hold back if anyone wishes to make any improvements.

I hope someone finds it useful/fun to mess around with these, but I thought it was a nice story to share in itself - that a non-coder can sit down and create something genuinely useful by tapping into the power of Wikidata, and of course Magnus' amazing tools! :)

Cheers,

Navino

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