A flat query is the simplest type of query. It is called flat because its result set is not divided into levels or groups, but is simply a raw listing of data values in a tabular format.
Every row contains values from the same set of tables and columns in a single database.
You can use an individual flat query to retrieve a flat result set. You can also place one or more flat queries inside a hierarchical query when you want to merge the query's result set with a template to create dynamic output, such as a report. A flat query is an instance of the IQuery interface , and its result set is an instance of the IResultSet interface . Flat queries are handled by the Data Access Engine service of KIVA Enterprise Server. For more information about the Data Access Engine, see the Administering KIVA Enterprise Servers.