CE-1772: fix aws expecting content type if object metadata is given

hotfix: allow basepull override values from jobs

.github/actions/install_asciidoctor/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+name: install_asciidoctor
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: Install asciidoctor
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt install -y asciidoctor
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/install_java17/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+name: install_java17
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: Install Java 17
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt install -y openjdk-17-jdk
+      sudo rm /etc/alternatives/java
+      sudo ln -s /usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64/bin/java /etc/alternatives/java
+    shell: bash
+  - name: Install html2text
+    run: |-
+      sudo apt-get update
+      sudo apt-get install -y html2text
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/mvn_jar_deploy/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+name: mvn_jar_deploy
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: Adjust pom version
+    run: ".circleci/adjust-pom-version.sh"
+    shell: bash
+  - name: restore_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+      path: UPDATE_ME
+      restore-keys: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+  - name: Run Maven Jar Deploy
+    run: mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 flatten:flatten jar:jar deploy:deploy
+    shell: bash
+  - name: save_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      path: "~/.m2"
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}

.github/actions/mvn_verify/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+name: mvn_verify
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+  - name: restore_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+      path: UPDATE_ME
+      restore-keys: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}
+  - name: Write .env
+    run: echo "RDBMS_PASSWORD=$RDBMS_PASSWORD" >> qqq-sample-project/.env
+    shell: bash
+  - name: Run Maven Verify
+    run: mvn -s .circleci/mvn-settings.xml -T4 verify
+    shell: bash
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-core
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-filesystem
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-rdbms
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-backend-module-api
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-api
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-javalin
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-picocli
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-middleware-slack
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-language-support-javascript
+  - uses: "./.github/actions/store_jacoco_site"
+    with:
+      module: qqq-sample-project
+  - name: Save test results
+    run: |-
+      mkdir -p ~/test-results/junit/
+      find . -type f -regex ".*/target/surefire-reports/.*xml" -exec cp {} ~/test-results/junit/ \;
+    if: always()
+    shell: bash
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "~/test-results"
+  - name: save_cache
+    uses: actions/cache@v3.3.2
+    with:
+      path: "~/.m2"
+      key: v1-dependencies-{{ checksum "pom.xml" }}

.github/actions/run_asciidoctor/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+name: run_asciidoctor
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: Run asciidoctor
+    run: |-
+      cd docs
+      asciidoctor -a docinfo=shared index.adoc
+    shell: bash

.github/actions/store_jacoco_site/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+name: store_jacoco_site
+inputs:
+  module:
+    required: false
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "${{ inputs.module }}/target/site/jacoco/index.html"
+  - uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4.1.0
+    with:
+      path: "${{ inputs.module }}/target/site/jacoco/jacoco-resources"

.github/actions/upload_docs_site/action.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+name: upload_docs_site
+runs:
+  using: composite
+  steps:
+  - name: scp html to justinsgotskinnylegs.com
+    run: |-
+      cd docs
+      scp index.html dkelkhoff@45.79.44.221:/mnt/first-volume/dkelkhoff/nginx/html/justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html
+    shell: bash

.github/workflows/codacy.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+# This workflow uses actions that are not certified by GitHub.
+# They are provided by a third-party and are governed by
+# separate terms of service, privacy policy, and support
+# documentation.
+
+# This workflow checks out code, performs a Codacy security scan
+# and integrates the results with the
+# GitHub Advanced Security code scanning feature.  For more information on
+# the Codacy security scan action usage and parameters, see
+# https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli-action.
+# For more information on Codacy Analysis CLI in general, see
+# https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli.
+
+name: Codacy Security Scan
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  pull_request:
+    # The branches below must be a subset of the branches above
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '26 5 * * 4'
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+jobs:
+  codacy-security-scan:
+    permissions:
+      contents: read # for actions/checkout to fetch code
+      security-events: write # for github/codeql-action/upload-sarif to upload SARIF results
+      actions: read # only required for a private repository by github/codeql-action/upload-sarif to get the Action run status
+    name: Codacy Security Scan
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      # Checkout the repository to the GitHub Actions runner
+      - name: Checkout code
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      # Execute Codacy Analysis CLI and generate a SARIF output with the security issues identified during the analysis
+      - name: Run Codacy Analysis CLI
+        uses: codacy/codacy-analysis-cli-action@d840f886c4bd4edc059706d09c6a1586111c540b
+        with:
+          # Check https://github.com/codacy/codacy-analysis-cli#project-token to get your project token from your Codacy repository
+          # You can also omit the token and run the tools that support default configurations
+          project-token: ${{ secrets.CODACY_PROJECT_TOKEN }}
+          verbose: true
+          output: results.sarif
+          format: sarif
+          # Adjust severity of non-security issues
+          gh-code-scanning-compat: true
+          # Force 0 exit code to allow SARIF file generation
+          # This will handover control about PR rejection to the GitHub side
+          max-allowed-issues: 2147483647
+
+      # Upload the SARIF file generated in the previous step
+      - name: Upload SARIF results file
+        uses: github/codeql-action/upload-sarif@v2
+        with:
+          sarif_file: results.sarif

.github/workflows/codeql.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+# For most projects, this workflow file will not need changing; you simply need
+# to commit it to your repository.
+#
+# You may wish to alter this file to override the set of languages analyzed,
+# or to provide custom queries or build logic.
+#
+# ******** NOTE ********
+# We have attempted to detect the languages in your repository. Please check
+# the `language` matrix defined below to confirm you have the correct set of
+# supported CodeQL languages.
+#
+name: "CodeQL"
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [ "security" ]
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '31 10 * * 3'
+
+jobs:
+  analyze:
+    name: Analyze (${{ matrix.language }})
+    # Runner size impacts CodeQL analysis time. To learn more, please see:
+    #   - https://gh.io/recommended-hardware-resources-for-running-codeql
+    #   - https://gh.io/supported-runners-and-hardware-resources
+    #   - https://gh.io/using-larger-runners (GitHub.com only)
+    # Consider using larger runners or machines with greater resources for possible analysis time improvements.
+    runs-on: ${{ (matrix.language == 'swift' && 'macos-latest') || 'ubuntu-latest' }}
+    timeout-minutes: ${{ (matrix.language == 'swift' && 120) || 360 }}
+    permissions:
+      # required for all workflows
+      security-events: write
+
+      # required to fetch internal or private CodeQL packs
+      packages: read
+
+      # only required for workflows in private repositories
+      actions: read
+      contents: read
+
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        include:
+        - language: java-kotlin
+          build-mode: none # This mode only analyzes Java. Set this to 'autobuild' or 'manual' to analyze Kotlin too.
+        # CodeQL supports the following values keywords for 'language': 'c-cpp', 'csharp', 'go', 'java-kotlin', 'javascript-typescript', 'python', 'ruby', 'swift'
+        # Use `c-cpp` to analyze code written in C, C++ or both
+        # Use 'java-kotlin' to analyze code written in Java, Kotlin or both
+        # Use 'javascript-typescript' to analyze code written in JavaScript, TypeScript or both
+        # To learn more about changing the languages that are analyzed or customizing the build mode for your analysis,
+        # see https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/creating-an-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning/customizing-your-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning.
+        # If you are analyzing a compiled language, you can modify the 'build-mode' for that language to customize how
+        # your codebase is analyzed, see https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/creating-an-advanced-setup-for-code-scanning/codeql-code-scanning-for-compiled-languages
+    steps:
+    - name: Checkout repository
+      uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+    # Initializes the CodeQL tools for scanning.
+    - name: Initialize CodeQL
+      uses: github/codeql-action/init@v3
+      with:
+        languages: ${{ matrix.language }}
+        build-mode: ${{ matrix.build-mode }}
+        # If you wish to specify custom queries, you can do so here or in a config file.
+        # By default, queries listed here will override any specified in a config file.
+        # Prefix the list here with "+" to use these queries and those in the config file.
+
+        # For more details on CodeQL's query packs, refer to: https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/code-scanning/automatically-scanning-your-code-for-vulnerabilities-and-errors/configuring-code-scanning#using-queries-in-ql-packs
+        # queries: security-extended,security-and-quality
+
+    # If the analyze step fails for one of the languages you are analyzing with
+    # "We were unable to automatically build your code", modify the matrix above
+    # to set the build mode to "manual" for that language. Then modify this step
+    # to build your code.
+    # ℹ️ Command-line programs to run using the OS shell.
+    # 📚 See https://docs.github.com/en/actions/using-workflows/workflow-syntax-for-github-actions#jobsjob_idstepsrun
+    - if: matrix.build-mode == 'manual'
+      shell: bash
+      run: |
+        echo 'If you are using a "manual" build mode for one or more of the' \
+          'languages you are analyzing, replace this with the commands to build' \
+          'your code, for example:'
+        echo '  make bootstrap'
+        echo '  make release'
+        exit 1
+
+    - name: Perform CodeQL Analysis
+      uses: github/codeql-action/analyze@v3
+      with:
+        category: "/language:${{matrix.language}}"

.github/workflows/deploy.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+name: Kingsrook/qqq/deploy
+on:
+  push:
+    branches:
+    - release
+jobs:
+  mvn_deploy:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_java17"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_verify"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_jar_deploy"
+  publish_asciidoc:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_asciidoctor"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/run_asciidoctor"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/upload_docs_site"

.github/workflows/test_only.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+name: Kingsrook/qqq/test_only
+on:
+  push:
+    branches:
+    - release
+jobs:
+  mvn_test:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+    - uses: actions/checkout@v4.1.0
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/install_java17"
+    - uses: "./.github/actions/mvn_verify"

.gitignore

@@ -35,3 +35,5 @@ hs_err_pid*
 *.swp
 .flattened-pom.xml
 dependency-reduced-pom.xml
+/.env.local
+/.cache/

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+# Contributing to QQQ
+
+First off, thanks for taking the time to contribute! ❤️
+
+All types of contributions are encouraged and valued. See the [Table of Contents](#table-of-contents) for different ways to help and details about how this project handles them. Please make sure to read the relevant section before making your contribution. It will make it a lot easier for us maintainers and smooth out the experience for all involved. The community looks forward to your contributions. 🎉
+
+> And if you like the project, but just don't have time to contribute, that's fine. There are other easy ways to support the project and show your appreciation, which we would also be very happy about:
+> - Star the project
+> - Tweet about it
+> - Refer this project in your project's readme
+> - Mention the project at local meetups and tell your friends/colleagues
+
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Code of Conduct](#code-of-conduct)
+- [I Have a Question](#i-have-a-question)
+- [I Want To Contribute](#i-want-to-contribute)
+- [Reporting Bugs](#reporting-bugs)
+- [Suggesting Enhancements](#suggesting-enhancements)
+- [Your First Code Contribution](#your-first-code-contribution)
+- [Improving The Documentation](#improving-the-documentation)
+- [Styleguides](#styleguides)
+- [Commit Messages](#commit-messages)
+- [Join The Project Team](#join-the-project-team)
+
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+We do not have a published Code of Conduct at this time.  
+Lacking that, please just follow the [Golden Rule](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule)
+
+
+## I Have a Question
+
+> If you want to ask a question, we assume that you have read the available [Documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html).
+
+Before you ask a question, it is best to search for existing [Issues](/issues) that might help you. In case you have found a suitable issue and still need clarification, you can write your question in this issue. It is also advisable to search the internet for answers first.
+
+If you then still feel the need to ask a question and need clarification, we recommend the following:
+
+- Open an [Issue](/issues/new).
+- Provide as much context as you can about what you're running into.
+- Provide project and platform versions, depending on what seems relevant.
+
+We will then take care of the issue as soon as possible.
+
+
+
+## I Want To Contribute
+
+> ### Legal Notice 
+> When contributing to this project, you must agree that you have authored 100% of the content, that you have the necessary rights to the content and that the content you contribute may be provided under the project license.
+
+### Reporting Bugs
+
+
+#### Before Submitting a Bug Report
+
+A good bug report shouldn't leave others needing to chase you up for more information. Therefore, we ask you to investigate carefully, collect information and describe the issue in detail in your report. Please complete the following steps in advance to help us fix any potential bug as fast as possible.
+
+- Make sure that you are using the latest version.
+- Determine if your bug is really a bug and not an error on your side e.g. using incompatible environment components/versions (Make sure that you have read the [documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html). If you are looking for support, you might want to check [this section](#i-have-a-question)).
+- To see if other users have experienced (and potentially already solved) the same issue you are having, check if there is not already a bug report existing for your bug or error in the [bug tracker](issues?q=label%3Abug).
+- Also make sure to search the internet (including Stack Overflow) to see if users outside of the GitHub community have discussed the issue.
+- Collect information about the bug:
+  - Stack trace
+  - OS, Platform and Version (Windows, Linux, macOS, x86, ARM)
+  - Version of the interpreter, compiler, SDK, runtime environment, package manager, depending on what seems relevant.
+  - Possibly your input and the output
+  - Can you reliably reproduce the issue? And can you also reproduce it with older versions?
+
+
+#### How Do I Submit a Good Bug Report?
+
+> You must never report security related issues, vulnerabilities or bugs including sensitive information to the issue tracker, or elsewhere in public. Instead sensitive bugs must be sent by email to <contact@kingsrook.com>.
+
+
+We use GitHub issues to track bugs and errors. If you run into an issue with the project:
+
+- Open an [Issue](/issues/new). (Since we can't be sure at this point whether it is a bug or not, we ask you not to talk about a bug yet and not to label the issue.)
+- Explain the behavior you would expect and the actual behavior.
+- Please provide as much context as possible and describe the *reproduction steps* that someone else can follow to recreate the issue on their own. This usually includes your code. For good bug reports you should isolate the problem and create a reduced test case.
+- Provide the information you collected in the previous section.
+
+Once it's filed:
+
+- The project team will label the issue accordingly.
+- A team member will try to reproduce the issue with your provided steps. If there are no reproduction steps or no obvious way to reproduce the issue, the team will ask you for those steps and mark the issue as `needs-repro`. Bugs with the `needs-repro` tag will not be addressed until they are reproduced.
+- If the team is able to reproduce the issue, it will be marked `needs-fix`, as well as possibly other tags (such as `critical`), and the issue will be left to be [implemented by someone](#your-first-code-contribution).
+
+
+
+
+### Suggesting Enhancements
+
+This section guides you through submitting an enhancement suggestion for QQQ, **including completely new features and minor improvements to existing functionality**. Following these guidelines will help maintainers and the community to understand your suggestion and find related suggestions.
+
+
+#### Before Submitting an Enhancement
+
+- Make sure that you are using the latest version.
+- Read the [documentation](https://justinsgotskinnylegs.com/qqq-docs.html) carefully and find out if the functionality is already covered, maybe by an individual configuration.
+- Perform a [search](/issues) to see if the enhancement has already been suggested. If it has, add a comment to the existing issue instead of opening a new one.
+- Find out whether your idea fits with the scope and aims of the project. It's up to you to make a strong case to convince the project's developers of the merits of this feature. Keep in mind that we want features that will be useful to the majority of our users and not just a small subset. If you're just targeting a minority of users, consider writing an add-on/plugin library.
+
+
+#### How Do I Submit a Good Enhancement Suggestion?
+
+Enhancement suggestions are tracked as [GitHub issues](/issues).
+
+- Use a **clear and descriptive title** for the issue to identify the suggestion.
+- Provide a **step-by-step description of the suggested enhancement** in as many details as possible.
+- **Describe the current behavior** and **explain which behavior you expected to see instead** and why. At this point you can also tell which alternatives do not work for you.
+- You may want to **include screenshots and animated GIFs** which help you demonstrate the steps or point out the part which the suggestion is related to. You can use [this tool](https://www.cockos.com/licecap/) to record GIFs on macOS and Windows, and [this tool](https://github.com/colinkeenan/silentcast) or [this tool](https://github.com/GNOME/byzanz) on Linux. 
+- **Explain why this enhancement would be useful** to most QQQ users. You may also want to point out the other projects that solved it better and which could serve as inspiration.
+
+
+
+### Your First Code Contribution
+
+Unfortunately, we are not prepared at this time for accepting external code contributions in any meaningful way.  We don't have process in place for reviewing pull requests.  So, the best we can do right now would be to accept suggestions via issues, as referenced above.
+
+### Improving The Documentation
+
+Unfortunately, we are not prepared at this time for accepting external documentation contributions in any meaningful way.  We don't have process in place for reviewing pull requests.  So, the best we can do right now would be to accept suggestions via issues, as referenced above.
+
+
+## Styleguides
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept code contributions.
+
+### Commit Messages
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept code contributions.
+
+## Join The Project Team
+
+To be documented at a point when we become ready to accept more team members.
+
+
+## Attribution
+This guide is based on the **contributing.md**. [Make your own](https://contributing.md/)!
+

LICENSE.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,619 @@
+                    GNU AFFERO GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
+                       Version 3, 19 November 2007
+
+ Copyright (C) 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc. <https://fsf.org/>
+ Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies
+ of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
+
+                            Preamble
+
+  The GNU Affero General Public License is a free, copyleft license for
+software and other kinds of works, specifically designed to ensure
+cooperation with the community in the case of network server software.
+
+  The licenses for most software and other practical works are designed
+to take away your freedom to share and change the works.  By contrast,
+our General Public Licenses are intended to guarantee your freedom to
+share and change all versions of a program--to make sure it remains free
+software for all its users.
+
+  When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not
+price.  Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you
+have the freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for
+them if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you
+want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new
+free programs, and that you know you can do these things.
+
+  Developers that use our General Public Licenses protect your rights
+with two steps: (1) assert copyright on the software, and (2) offer
+you this License which gives you legal permission to copy, distribute
+and/or modify the software.
+
+  A secondary benefit of defending all users' freedom is that
+improvements made in alternate versions of the program, if they
+receive widespread use, become available for other developers to
+incorporate.  Many developers of free software are heartened and
+encouraged by the resulting cooperation.  However, in the case of
+software used on network servers, this result may fail to come about.
+The GNU General Public License permits making a modified version and
+letting the public access it on a server without ever releasing its
+source code to the public.
+
+  The GNU Affero General Public License is designed specifically to
+ensure that, in such cases, the modified source code becomes available
+to the community.  It requires the operator of a network server to
+provide the source code of the modified version running there to the
+users of that server.  Therefore, public use of a modified version, on
+a publicly accessible server, gives the public access to the source
+code of the modified version.
+
+  An older license, called the Affero General Public License and
+published by Affero, was designed to accomplish similar goals.  This is
+a different license, not a version of the Affero GPL, but Affero has
+released a new version of the Affero GPL which permits relicensing under
+this license.
+
+  The precise terms and conditions for copying, distribution and
+modification follow.
+
+                       TERMS AND CONDITIONS
+
+  0. Definitions.
+
+  "This License" refers to version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License.
+
+  "Copyright" also means copyright-like laws that apply to other kinds of
+works, such as semiconductor masks.
+
+  "The Program" refers to any copyrightable work licensed under this
+License.  Each licensee is addressed as "you".  "Licensees" and
+"recipients" may be individuals or organizations.
+
+  To "modify" a work means to copy from or adapt all or part of the work
+in a fashion requiring copyright permission, other than the making of an
+exact copy.  The resulting work is called a "modified version" of the
+earlier work or a work "based on" the earlier work.
+
+  A "covered work" means either the unmodified Program or a work based
+on the Program.
+
+  To "propagate" a work means to do anything with it that, without
+permission, would make you directly or secondarily liable for
+infringement under applicable copyright law, except executing it on a
+computer or modifying a private copy.  Propagation includes copying,
+distribution (with or without modification), making available to the
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+
+                     END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

README.md

@@ -5,21 +5,34 @@ This is the top-level/parent project of qqq.
 QQQ is a Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
 
 ## Artifacts
-QQQ can be used with a single bundle or smaller fine grained jars.
-The bundle contains all of the sub-jars.  It is named:
+*Note, this information - well, I'd say it's out of date, but honestly, I don't
+think this was ever accurate, lol.  Either way, it needs re-written, please.
+Should refrence the bom-pom, and there is no "bundle" concept at present.*
 
-```qqq-${version}.jar```
+> QQQ can be used with a single bundle or smaller fine grained jars.
+> The bundle contains all of the sub-jars.  It is named:
+> 
+> ```qqq-${version}.jar```
+> 
+> You can also use fine-grained jars:
+> - `qqq-backend-core`: The core module.  Useful if you're developing other modules.
+> - `qqq-backend-module-rdbms`: Backend module for working with Relational Databases.
+> - `qqq-backend-module-filesystem`: Backend module for working with Filesystems (including AWS S3).
+> - `qqq-middleware-javalin`: Middleware http server.  Procivdes REST API, and/or backing for a web frotnend.
+> - `qqq-middleware-picocli`: Middleware (actually, a front-end, innint?) Command Line interface.
 
-You can also use fine-grained jars:
-- `qqq-backend-core`: The core module.  Useful if you're developing other modules.
-- `qqq-backend-module-rdbms`: Backend module for working with Relational Databases.
-- `qqq-backend-module-filesystem`: Backend module for working with Filesystems (including AWS S3).
-- `qqq-middleware-javalin`: Middleware http server.  Procivdes REST API, and/or backing for a web frotnend.
-- `qqq-middleware-picocli`: Middleware (actually, a front-end, innint?) Command Line interface.
+## Framework Developer Tools/Resources
+### IntelliJ
+There are a few useful IntelliJ settings files, under `qqq-dev-tools/intellij`:
+- Kingsrook_Code_Style.xml
+- Kingsrook_Copyright_Profile.xml
+
+One will likely also want the [Kingsrook Commentator
+Plugin](https://plugins.jetbrains.com/plugin/19325-kingsrook-commentator).
 
 ## License
 QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers. \
-Copyright (C) 2022.  Kingsrook, LLC \
+Copyright (C) 2020-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC \
 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States \
 contact@kingsrook.com | https://github.com/Kingsrook/
 

SECURITY.md

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+# Security Policy
+
+## Supported Versions
+
+Use this section to tell people about which versions of your project are
+currently being supported with security updates.
+
+| Version | Supported          |
+| ------- | ------------------ |
+| 5.1.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| 5.0.x   | :x:                |
+| 4.0.x   | :white_check_mark: |
+| < 4.0   | :x:                |
+
+## Reporting a Vulnerability
+
+Use this section to tell people how to report a vulnerability.
+
+Tell them where to go, how often they can expect to get an update on a
+reported vulnerability, what to expect if the vulnerability is accepted or
+declined, etc.

checkstyle/config.xml

@@ -213,18 +213,6 @@
          <property name="tokens" value="VARIABLE_DEF"/>
          <property name="allowSamelineMultipleAnnotations" value="true"/>
       </module>
-      <module name="NonEmptyAtclauseDescription"/>
-      <!-- <module name="JavadocTagContinuationIndentation"/> -->
-      <!--
-      <module name="SummaryJavadoc">
-         <property name="forbiddenSummaryFragments" value="^@return the *|^This method returns |^A [{]@code [a-zA-Z0-9]+[}]( is a )"/>
-      </module>
-      -->
-      <!-- <module name="JavadocParagraph"/> -->
-      <module name="AtclauseOrder">
-         <property name="tagOrder" value="@param, @return, @throws, @deprecated"/>
-         <property name="target" value="CLASS_DEF, INTERFACE_DEF, ENUM_DEF, METHOD_DEF, CTOR_DEF, VARIABLE_DEF"/>
-      </module>
       <module name="JavadocMethod">
          <property name="allowMissingParamTags" value="true"/>
          <property name="allowMissingReturnTag" value="true"/>
@@ -233,23 +221,14 @@
       <module name="MissingJavadocMethod">
          <property name="scope" value="private"/>
       </module>
+      <module name="MissingJavadocType">
+         <property name="scope" value="private"/>
+      </module>
       <module name="MethodName">
          <property name="format" value="^[a-z][a-zA-Z0-9_]*$"/>
          <message key="name.invalidPattern"
           value="Method name ''{0}'' must match pattern ''{1}''."/>
       </module>
-      <module name="SingleLineJavadoc">
-         <property name="ignoreInlineTags" value="false"/>
-      </module>
-
-      <module name="MagicNumber">
-         <property name="severity" value="info"/>
-         <property name="tokens" value="NUM_DOUBLE, NUM_FLOAT, NUM_INT"/>
-         <property name="ignoreNumbers" value="0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8"/>
-         <property name="ignoreFieldDeclaration" value="true"/>
-         <property name="ignoreAnnotation" value="true"/>
-      </module>
-
       <module name="EmptyCatchBlock">
          <property name="exceptionVariableName" value="expected"/>
       </module>

docs/actions/QueryAction.adoc

@@ -33,9 +33,6 @@ If the {link-table} has a `POST_QUERY_CUSTOMIZER` defined, then after records ar
 * `table` - *String, Required* - Name of the table being queried against.
 * `filter` - *<<QQueryFilter>> object* - Specification for what records should be returned, based on *<<QFilterCriteria>>* objects, and how they should be sorted, based on *<<QFilterOrderBy>>* objects.
 If a `filter` is not given, then all rows in the table will be returned by the query.
-* `skip` - *Integer* - Optional number of records to be skipped at the beginning of the result set.
-e.g., for implementing pagination.
-* `limit` - *Integer* - Optional maximum number of records to be returned by the query.
 * `transaction` - *QBackendTransaction object* - Optional transaction object.
 ** Behavior for this object is backend-dependant.
 In an RDBMS backend, this object is generally needed if you want your query to see data that may have been modified within the same transaction.
@@ -55,6 +52,14 @@ But if running a query to provide data as part of a process, then this can gener
 * `shouldMaskPassword` - *boolean, default: true* - Controls whether or not fields with `type` = `PASSWORD` should be masked, or if their actual values should be returned.
 * `queryJoins` - *List of <<QueryJoin>> objects* - Optional list of tables to be joined with the main table being queried.
 See QueryJoin below for further details.
+* `fieldNamesToInclude` - *Set of String* - Optional set of field names to be included in the records.
+** Fields from a queryJoin must be prefixed by the join table's name or alias, and a period.
+Field names from the table being queried should not have any sort of prefix.
+** A `null` set here (default) means to include all fields from the table and any queryJoins set as select=true.
+** An empty set will cause an error, as well any unrecognized field names.
+** `QueryAction` will validate the set of field names, and throw an exception if any unrecognized names are given.
+** _Note that this is an optional feature, which some backend modules may not implement.
+Meaning, they would always return all fields._
 
 ==== QQueryFilter
 A key component of *<<QueryInput>>*, a *QQueryFilter* defines both what records should be included in a query's results (e.g., an SQL `WHERE`), as well as how those results should be sorted (SQL `ORDER BY`).
@@ -68,6 +73,9 @@ In general, multiple *orderBys* can be given (depending on backend implementatio
 ** Each *subFilter* can include its own additional *subFilters*.
 ** Each *subFilter* can specify a different *booleanOperator*.
 ** For example, consider the following *QQueryFilter*, that uses two *subFilters*, and a mix of *booleanOperators*
+* `skip` - *Integer* - Optional number of records to be skipped at the beginning of the result set.
+e.g., for implementing pagination.
+* `limit` - *Integer* - Optional maximum number of records to be returned by the query.
 
 [source,java]
 ----

docs/metaData/Fields.adoc

@@ -117,3 +117,19 @@ new QTableMetaData().withName("flights").withFields(List.of(
       .withBehavior(new DateTimeDisplayValueBehavior()
          .withDefaultZoneId("UTC"))
 ----
+
+===== CaseChangeBehavior
+A field can be made to always go through a toUpperCase or toLowerCase transformation, both before it is stored in a backend,
+and after it is read from a backend, by adding a CaseChangeBehavior to it:
+
+[source,java]
+.Examples of using CaseChangeBehavior
+----
+new QTableMetaData().withName("item").withFields(List.of(
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("sku", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withBehavior(CaseChangeBehavior.TO_UPPER_CASE)),
+
+   new QFieldMetaData("username", QFieldType.STRING)
+      .withBehavior(CaseChangeBehavior.TO_LOWER_CASE)),
+----

docs/metaData/Processes.adoc

@@ -190,8 +190,8 @@ To improve this programmer-interface, an inner `Builder` class exists within `St
 
 *StreamedETLWithFrontendProcess.Builder methods:*
 
-* `withName(String name) - Set the name for the process.
-* `withLabel(String label) - Set the label for the process.
+* `withName(String name)` - Set the name for the process.
+* `withLabel(String label)` - Set the label for the process.
 * `withIcon(QIcon icon)` - Set an {link-icon} to be display with the process in the UI.
 * `withExtractStepClass(Class<? extends AbstractExtractStep>)` - Define the Extract step for the process.
 If no special extraction logic is needed, `ExtractViaQuery.class` is often a reasonable default.

docs/misc/ProcessBackendSteps.adoc

@@ -128,15 +128,15 @@ These steps are:
 ** The Extract step is called before the Preview, Validate, and Result screens, though for the Preview screen, it is set to only extract a small number of records (10).
 * *Transform* - a subclass of `AbstractTransformStep` - is responsible for applying the majority of the business logic of the process.
 In ETL terminology, this is the "Transform" action - which means applying some type of logical transformation an input record (found by the Extract step) to generate an output record (stored by the Load step).
-** A Transform step's `run` method will be called, potentially, multiple times, each time with a page of records in the `runBackendStepInput` parameter.
+** A Transform step's `runOnePage` method will be called, potentially, multiple times, each time with a page of records in the `runBackendStepInput` parameter.
 ** This method is responsible for adding records to the `runBackendStepOutput`, which will then be passed to the *Load* step.
 ** This class is also responsible for implementing the method `getProcessSummary`, which provides the data to the *Validate* screen.
-** The run method will generally update ProcessSummaryLine objects to facilitate this functionality.
+** The `runOnePage` method will generally update ProcessSummaryLine objects to facilitate this functionality.
 ** The Transform step is called before the Preview, Validate, and Result screens, consuming all records selected by the Extract step.
 * *Load* - a subclass of `AbstractLoadStep` - is responsible for the Load function of the ETL job.
 _A quick word on terminology - this step is actually doing what we are more likely to think of as storing data - which feels like the opposite of “loading” - but we use the name Load to keep in line with the ETL naming convention…_
 ** The Load step is ONLY called before the Result screen is presented (possibly after Preview, if the user chose to skip validation, otherwise, after validation).
-** Similar to the Transform step, the Load step's `run` method will be called potentially multiple times, with pages of records in its input.
+** Similar to the Transform step, the Load step's `runOnePage` method will be called potentially multiple times, with pages of records in its input.
 ** As such, the Load step is generally the only step where data writes should occur.
 *** e.g., a Transform step should not do any writes, as it will be called when the user is going to the Preview & Validate screens - e.g., before the user confirmed that they want to execute the action!
 ** A common pattern is that the Load step just needs to insert or update the list of records output by the Transform step, in which case the QQQ-provided `LoadViaInsertStep` or `LoadViaUpdateStep` can be used, but custom use-cases can be built as well.

pom.xml

@@ -46,16 +46,15 @@
    </modules>
 
    <properties>
-      <revision>0.20.0-SNAPSHOT</revision>
+      <revision>0.23.0-SNAPSHOT</revision>
 
       <project.build.sourceEncoding>UTF-8</project.build.sourceEncoding>
       <project.reporting.outputEncoding>UTF-8</project.reporting.outputEncoding>
-      <maven.compiler.source>17</maven.compiler.source>
-      <maven.compiler.target>17</maven.compiler.target>
+      <maven.compiler.release>17</maven.compiler.release>
       <maven.compiler.showDeprecation>true</maven.compiler.showDeprecation>
       <maven.compiler.showWarnings>true</maven.compiler.showWarnings>
       <coverage.haltOnFailure>true</coverage.haltOnFailure>
-      <coverage.instructionCoveredRatioMinimum>0.75</coverage.instructionCoveredRatioMinimum>
+      <coverage.instructionCoveredRatioMinimum>0.80</coverage.instructionCoveredRatioMinimum>
       <coverage.classCoveredRatioMinimum>0.95</coverage.classCoveredRatioMinimum>
       <plugin.shade.phase>none</plugin.shade.phase>
    </properties>
@@ -150,7 +149,7 @@
                <dependency>
                   <groupId>com.puppycrawl.tools</groupId>
                   <artifactId>checkstyle</artifactId>
-                  <version>9.0</version>
+                  <version>10.16.0</version>
                </dependency>
             </dependencies>
             <executions>
@@ -168,6 +167,7 @@
                      <violationSeverity>warning</violationSeverity>
                      <excludes>**/target/generated-sources/*.*</excludes>
                      <!-- <linkXRef>false</linkXRef> -->
+                     <includeTestSourceDirectory>true</includeTestSourceDirectory>
                   </configuration>
                   <goals>
                      <goal>check</goal>
@@ -209,6 +209,7 @@
                   <productionBranch>main</productionBranch>
                   <developmentBranch>dev</developmentBranch>
                   <versionTagPrefix>version-</versionTagPrefix>
+                  <releaseBranchPrefix>rel/</releaseBranchPrefix>
                </gitFlowConfig>
                <skipFeatureVersion>true</skipFeatureVersion> <!-- Keep feature names out of versions -->
                <postReleaseGoals>install</postReleaseGoals>  <!-- Let CI run deploys -->

qodana.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
+#               Qodana analysis is configured by qodana.yaml file               #
+#             https://www.jetbrains.com/help/qodana/qodana-yaml.html            #
+#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------#
+version: "1.0"
+
+#Specify inspection profile for code analysis
+profile:
+  name: qodana.starter
+
+#Enable inspections
+#include:
+#  - name: <SomeEnabledInspectionId>
+
+#Disable inspections
+#exclude:
+#  - name: <SomeDisabledInspectionId>
+#    paths:
+#      - <path/where/not/run/inspection>
+
+projectJDK: 17 #(Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+
+#Execute shell command before Qodana execution (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+#bootstrap: sh ./prepare-qodana.sh
+
+#Install IDE plugins before Qodana execution (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+#plugins:
+#  - id: <plugin.id> #(plugin id can be found at https://plugins.jetbrains.com)
+
+#Specify Qodana linter for analysis (Applied in CI/CD pipeline)
+linter: jetbrains/qodana-jvm:latest

qqq-backend-core/pom.xml

@@ -192,6 +192,13 @@
          <version>2.3.2</version>
       </dependency>
 
+      <!-- bring in a newer version of this lib, which quartz transitively loads through c3p0 -->
+      <dependency>
+         <groupId>com.mchange</groupId>
+         <artifactId>mchange-commons-java</artifactId>
+         <version>0.3.0</version>
+      </dependency>
+
       <!-- Many of the deps we bring in use slf4j.  This dep maps slf4j to our logger, log4j -->
       <dependency>
          <groupId>org.apache.logging.log4j</groupId>

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/ActionHelper.java

@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.authentication.QAuthenticationModuleDispatcher;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.authentication.QAuthenticationModuleInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ public class ActionHelper
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    private static Integer         CORE_THREADS    = 8;
    private static Integer         MAX_THREADS     = 500;
-   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>());
+   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>(), new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(ActionHelper.class));
 
 
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/QBackendTransaction.java

@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleInterface;
  **
  ** Note:  One would imagine that this class shouldn't ever implement Serializable...
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class QBackendTransaction
+public class QBackendTransaction implements AutoCloseable
 {
 
    /*******************************************************************************

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/AsyncJobManager.java

@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.InMemoryStateProvider;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateProviderInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.UUIDAndTypeStateKey;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Level;
 import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
@@ -65,7 +66,7 @@ public class AsyncJobManager
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    private static Integer         CORE_THREADS    = 8;
    private static Integer         MAX_THREADS     = 500;
-   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>());
+   private static ExecutorService executorService = new ThreadPoolExecutor(CORE_THREADS, MAX_THREADS, 60L, TimeUnit.SECONDS, new SynchronousQueue<>(), new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(AsyncJobManager.class));
 
 
    private String forcedJobUUID = null;

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/async/AsyncRecordPipeLoop.java

@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.SleepUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeFunction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeSupplier;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -185,8 +186,7 @@ public class AsyncRecordPipeLoop
 
       if(recordCount > 0)
       {
-         LOG.info(String.format("Processed %,d records", recordCount)
-            + String.format(" at end of job [%s] in %,d ms (%.2f records/second).", jobName, (endTime - jobStartTime), 1000d * (recordCount / (.001d + (endTime - jobStartTime)))));
+         LOG.info("End of job summary", logPair("recordCount", recordCount), logPair("jobName", jobName), logPair("millis", endTime - jobStartTime), logPair("recordsPerSecond", 1000d * (recordCount / (.001d + (endTime - jobStartTime)))));
       }
 
       return (recordCount);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/audits/AuditAction.java

@@ -225,7 +225,13 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
                {
                   if(auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues() == null || !auditSingleInput.getSecurityKeyValues().containsKey(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType()))
                   {
-                     throw (new QException("Missing securityKeyValue [" + recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType() + "] in audit request for table " + auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()));
+                     ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // originally, this case threw...                    //
+                     // but i think it's better to record the audit, just //
+                     // missing its security key value, then to fail...   //
+                     ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // throw (new QException("Missing securityKeyValue [" + recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType() + "] in audit request for table " + auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()));
+                     LOG.info("Missing securityKeyValue in audit request", logPair("table", auditSingleInput.getAuditTableName()), logPair("securityKey", recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType()));
                   }
                }
 
@@ -272,7 +278,7 @@ public class AuditAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<AuditInput, AuditOutput
             List<QRecord> auditDetailRecords = new ArrayList<>();
             for(AuditSingleInput auditSingleInput : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(input.getAuditSingleInputList()))
             {
-               Integer auditId = insertOutput.getRecords().get(i++).getValueInteger("id");
+               Long auditId = insertOutput.getRecords().get(i++).getValueLong("id");
                if(auditId == null)
                {
                   LOG.warn("Missing an id for inserted audit - so won't be able to store its child details...");

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/AutomationStatus.java

@@ -127,7 +127,6 @@ public enum AutomationStatus implements PossibleValueEnum<Integer>
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    public String getInsertOrUpdate()
    {
       return switch(this)

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/automation/RecordAutomationStatusUpdater.java

@@ -344,6 +344,9 @@ public class RecordAutomationStatusUpdater
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
    private record Key(QTableMetaData table, TriggerEvent triggerEvent) {}
 
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.java

@@ -55,10 +55,10 @@ public abstract class AbstractPreInsertCustomizer implements TableCustomizerInte
 
 
 
-   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-   // allow the customizer to specify when it should be executed as part of the   //
-   // insert action.  default (per method in this class) is AFTER_ALL_VALIDATIONS //
-   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** allow the customizer to specify when it should be executed as part of the
+    ** insert action.  default (per method in this class) is AFTER_ALL_VALIDATIONS
+    ***************************************************************************/
    public enum WhenToRun
    {
       BEFORE_ALL_VALIDATIONS,

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer.java

@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ import java.util.Iterator;
 import java.util.List;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.InsertAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.UpdateAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QRuntimeException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertInput;
@@ -49,6 +50,9 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public abstract class ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer extends AbstractPostInsertCustomizer
 {
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
    public enum RelationshipType
    {
       PARENT_POINTS_AT_CHILD,
@@ -97,7 +101,7 @@ public abstract class ChildInserterPostInsertCustomizer extends AbstractPostInse
          List<QRecord>  rs               = records;
          List<QRecord>  childrenToInsert = new ArrayList<>();
          QTableMetaData table            = getInsertInput().getTable();
-         QTableMetaData childTable       = getInsertInput().getInstance().getTable(getChildTableName());
+         QTableMetaData childTable       = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(getChildTableName());
 
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // iterate over the inserted records, building a list child records to insert //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/customizers/RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface.java

@@ -24,10 +24,12 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers;
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.update.UpdateInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
@@ -50,10 +52,7 @@ public interface RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Container for an old value and a new value.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:MethodName")
-   record Change(Serializable oldValue, Serializable newValue)
-   {
-   }
+   record Change(Serializable oldValue, Serializable newValue) {}
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -146,4 +145,19 @@ public interface RecordCustomizerUtilityInterface
       }
    }
 
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   default Map<Serializable, QRecord> getOldRecordMap(List<QRecord> oldRecordList, UpdateInput updateInput)
+   {
+      Map<Serializable, QRecord> oldRecordMap = new HashMap<>();
+      for(QRecord qRecord : oldRecordList)
+      {
+         oldRecordMap.put(qRecord.getValue(updateInput.getTable().getPrimaryKeyField()), qRecord);
+      }
+
+      return (oldRecordMap);
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
    public static String linkTableCreateWithDefaultValues(RenderWidgetInput input, String tableName, Map<String, Serializable> defaultValues) throws QException
    {
       String tablePath = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(tableName);
-      return (tablePath + "/create?defaultValues=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(defaultValues), Charset.defaultCharset()));
+      return (tablePath + "/create#defaultValues=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(defaultValues), Charset.defaultCharset()));
    }
 
 
@@ -183,7 +183,6 @@ public abstract class AbstractHTMLWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
 
 
 
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/AbstractWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Set;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.SearchPossibleValueSourceAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
@@ -102,7 +103,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractWidgetRenderer
             String possibleValueSourceName = dropdownData.getPossibleValueSourceName();
             if(possibleValueSourceName != null)
             {
-               QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource = input.getInstance().getPossibleValueSource(possibleValueSourceName);
+               QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource = QContext.getQInstance().getPossibleValueSource(possibleValueSourceName);
 
                /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                // this looks complicated, but is just look for a label in the dropdown data and if found use it,                                                                                  //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/ChildRecordListRenderer.java

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.CountAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.GetAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
@@ -181,10 +182,10 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
       {
          String         widgetLabel = input.getQueryParams().get("widgetLabel");
          String         joinName    = input.getQueryParams().get("joinName");
-         QJoinMetaData  join        = input.getInstance().getJoin(joinName);
+         QJoinMetaData  join        = QContext.getQInstance().getJoin(joinName);
          String         id          = input.getQueryParams().get("id");
-         QTableMetaData leftTable   = input.getInstance().getTable(join.getLeftTable());
-         QTableMetaData rightTable  = input.getInstance().getTable(join.getRightTable());
+         QTableMetaData leftTable   = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(join.getLeftTable());
+         QTableMetaData rightTable  = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(join.getRightTable());
 
          Integer maxRows = null;
          if(StringUtils.hasContent(input.getQueryParams().get("maxRows")))
@@ -252,7 +253,7 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
             }
          }
 
-         String tablePath   = input.getInstance().getTablePath(rightTable.getName());
+         String tablePath   = QContext.getQInstance().getTablePath(rightTable.getName());
          String viewAllLink = tablePath == null ? null : (tablePath + "?filter=" + URLEncoder.encode(JsonUtils.toJson(filter), Charset.defaultCharset()));
 
          ChildRecordListData widgetData = new ChildRecordListData(widgetLabel, queryOutput, rightTable, tablePath, viewAllLink, totalRows);
@@ -278,7 +279,9 @@ public class ChildRecordListRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
             Map<String, Serializable> widgetValues = input.getWidgetMetaData().getDefaultValues();
             if(widgetValues.containsKey("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords"))
             {
-               widgetData.setDisabledFieldsForNewChildRecords((Set<String>) widgetValues.get("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords"));
+               @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+               Set<String> disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords = (Set<String>) widgetValues.get("disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords");
+               widgetData.setDisabledFieldsForNewChildRecords(disabledFieldsForNewChildRecords);
             }
             else
             {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/DateTimeGroupBy.java

@@ -256,7 +256,6 @@ public enum DateTimeGroupBy
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    public Instant roundDown(Instant instant, ZoneId zoneId)
    {
       ZonedDateTime zoned = instant.atZone(zoneId);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/ProcessAlertWidget.java

@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.MetaDataProducerInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.AlertData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.dashboard.widgets.WidgetType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.dashboard.QWidgetMetaData;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Widget that can add an Alert to a process screen.
+ **
+ ** In the process, you'll want values:
+ ** - alertType - name of entry in AlertType enum (ERROR, WARNING, SUCCESS)
+ ** - alertHtml - html to display inside the alert (other than its icon)
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class ProcessAlertWidget extends AbstractWidgetRenderer implements MetaDataProducerInterface<QWidgetMetaData>
+{
+   public static final String NAME = "ProcessAlertWidget";
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public RenderWidgetOutput render(RenderWidgetInput input) throws QException
+   {
+      AlertData.AlertType alertType = AlertData.AlertType.WARNING;
+      if(input.getQueryParams().containsKey("alertType"))
+      {
+         alertType = AlertData.AlertType.valueOf(input.getQueryParams().get("alertType"));
+      }
+
+      String html = "Warning";
+      if(input.getQueryParams().containsKey("alertHtml"))
+      {
+         html = input.getQueryParams().get("alertHtml");
+      }
+
+      return (new RenderWidgetOutput(new AlertData(alertType, html)));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public QWidgetMetaData produce(QInstance qInstance) throws QException
+   {
+      return new QWidgetMetaData()
+         .withType(WidgetType.ALERT.getType())
+         .withGridColumns(12)
+         .withName(NAME)
+         .withIsCard(false)
+         .withShowReloadButton(false)
+         .withCodeReference(new QCodeReference(getClass()));
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/dashboard/widgets/ProcessWidgetRenderer.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets;
 
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.widgets.RenderWidgetOutput;
@@ -57,7 +58,7 @@ public class ProcessWidgetRenderer extends AbstractWidgetRenderer
             setupDropdowns(input, widgetMetaData, data);
 
             String           processName     = (String) widgetMetaData.getDefaultValues().get(WIDGET_PROCESS_NAME);
-            QProcessMetaData processMetaData = input.getInstance().getProcess(processName);
+            QProcessMetaData processMetaData = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
             data.setProcessMetaData(processMetaData);
 
             data.setDefaultValues(new HashMap<>(input.getQueryParams()));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/MetaDataAction.java

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ import java.util.Map;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.permissions.PermissionCheckResult;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.permissions.PermissionsHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.MetaDataOutput;
@@ -72,7 +73,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map tables to frontend metadata //
       /////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendTableMetaData> tables = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QTableMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getTables().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QTableMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getTables().entrySet())
       {
          String         tableName = entry.getKey();
          QTableMetaData table     = entry.getValue();
@@ -83,7 +84,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
             continue;
          }
 
-         QBackendMetaData backendForTable = metaDataInput.getInstance().getBackendForTable(tableName);
+         QBackendMetaData backendForTable = QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(tableName);
          tables.put(tableName, new QFrontendTableMetaData(metaDataInput, backendForTable, table, false, false));
          treeNodes.put(tableName, new AppTreeNode(table));
       }
@@ -96,7 +97,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map processes to frontend metadata //
       ////////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendProcessMetaData> processes = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QProcessMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getProcesses().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QProcessMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getProcesses().entrySet())
       {
          String           processName = entry.getKey();
          QProcessMetaData process     = entry.getValue();
@@ -116,7 +117,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map reports to frontend metadata //
       //////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendReportMetaData> reports = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QReportMetaData> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getReports().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QReportMetaData> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getReports().entrySet())
       {
          String          reportName = entry.getKey();
          QReportMetaData report     = entry.getValue();
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       // map widgets to frontend metadata //
       //////////////////////////////////////
       Map<String, QFrontendWidgetMetaData> widgets = new LinkedHashMap<>();
-      for(Map.Entry<String, QWidgetMetaDataInterface> entry : metaDataInput.getInstance().getWidgets().entrySet())
+      for(Map.Entry<String, QWidgetMetaDataInterface> entry : QContext.getQInstance().getWidgets().entrySet())
       {
          String                   widgetName = entry.getKey();
          QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget     = entry.getValue();
@@ -154,7 +155,7 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // sort apps - by sortOrder (integer), then by label //
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      List<QAppMetaData> sortedApps = metaDataInput.getInstance().getApps().values().stream()
+      List<QAppMetaData> sortedApps = QContext.getQInstance().getApps().values().stream()
          .sorted(Comparator.comparing((QAppMetaData a) -> a.getSortOrder())
             .thenComparing((QAppMetaData a) -> a.getLabel()))
          .toList();
@@ -211,12 +212,14 @@ public class MetaDataAction
       ////////////////////////////////////
       // add branding metadata if found //
       ////////////////////////////////////
-      if(metaDataInput.getInstance().getBranding() != null)
+      if(QContext.getQInstance().getBranding() != null)
       {
-         metaDataOutput.setBranding(metaDataInput.getInstance().getBranding());
+         metaDataOutput.setBranding(QContext.getQInstance().getBranding());
       }
 
-      metaDataOutput.setEnvironmentValues(metaDataInput.getInstance().getEnvironmentValues());
+      metaDataOutput.setEnvironmentValues(QContext.getQInstance().getEnvironmentValues());
+
+      metaDataOutput.setHelpContents(QContext.getQInstance().getHelpContent());
 
       // todo post-customization - can do whatever w/ the result if you want?
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/ProcessMetaDataAction.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
 
 
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.ProcessMetaDataInput;
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ public class ProcessMetaDataAction
       // todo pre-customization - just get to modify the request?
       ProcessMetaDataOutput processMetaDataOutput = new ProcessMetaDataOutput();
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = processMetaDataInput.getInstance().getProcess(processMetaDataInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processMetaDataInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw (new QNotFoundException("Process [" + processMetaDataInput.getProcessName() + "] was not found."));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/metadata/TableMetaDataAction.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata;
 
 
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QNotFoundException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.metadata.TableMetaDataInput;
@@ -48,12 +49,12 @@ public class TableMetaDataAction
       // todo pre-customization - just get to modify the request?
       TableMetaDataOutput tableMetaDataOutput = new TableMetaDataOutput();
 
-      QTableMetaData table = tableMetaDataInput.getInstance().getTable(tableMetaDataInput.getTableName());
+      QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableMetaDataInput.getTableName());
       if(table == null)
       {
          throw (new QNotFoundException("Table [" + tableMetaDataInput.getTableName() + "] was not found."));
       }
-      QBackendMetaData backendForTable = tableMetaDataInput.getInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName());
+      QBackendMetaData backendForTable = QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName());
       tableMetaDataOutput.setTable(new QFrontendTableMetaData(tableMetaDataInput, backendForTable, table, true, true));
 
       // todo post-customization - can do whatever w/ the result if you want

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/permissions/PermissionsHelper.java

@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.Capability;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -78,6 +79,12 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
       warnAboutPermissionSubTypeForTables(permissionSubType);
       QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName);
 
+      if(table == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent table name", logPair("tableName", tableName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(table, QContext.getQInstance()), permissionSubType, table.getName());
    }
 
@@ -184,7 +191,14 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
     *******************************************************************************/
    public static void checkProcessPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String processName, Map<String, Serializable> processValues) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
-      QProcessMetaData process                  = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(processName);
+
+      if(process == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent process name", logPair("processName", processName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       QPermissionRules effectivePermissionRules = getEffectivePermissionRules(process, QContext.getQInstance());
 
       if(effectivePermissionRules.getCustomPermissionChecker() != null)
@@ -226,6 +240,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkAppPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String appName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QAppMetaData app = QContext.getQInstance().getApp(appName);
+
+      if(app == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent app name", logPair("appName", appName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(app, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, app.getName());
    }
 
@@ -255,6 +276,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkReportPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String reportName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QReportMetaData report = QContext.getQInstance().getReport(reportName);
+
+      if(report == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent process name", logPair("reportName", reportName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(report, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, report.getName());
    }
 
@@ -284,6 +312,13 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    public static void checkWidgetPermissionThrowing(AbstractActionInput actionInput, String widgetName) throws QPermissionDeniedException
    {
       QWidgetMetaDataInterface widget = QContext.getQInstance().getWidget(widgetName);
+
+      if(widget == null)
+      {
+         LOG.info("Throwing a permission denied exception in response to a non-existent widget name", logPair("widgetName", widgetName));
+         throw (new QPermissionDeniedException("Permission denied."));
+      }
+
       commonCheckPermissionThrowing(getEffectivePermissionRules(widget, QContext.getQInstance()), PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS, widget.getName());
    }
 
@@ -500,7 +535,6 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    static PermissionSubType getEffectivePermissionSubType(QPermissionRules rules, PermissionSubType originalPermissionSubType)
    {
       if(rules == null || rules.getLevel() == null)
@@ -515,10 +549,10 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
       if(PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
       {
          return switch(rules.getLevel())
-            {
-               case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
-               default -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
-            };
+         {
+            case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
+            default -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
+         };
       }
       else
       {
@@ -527,30 +561,30 @@ public class PermissionsHelper
          // permission sub-type to what we expect to be set for the table                                      //
          ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          return switch(rules.getLevel())
+         {
+            case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
+            case HAS_ACCESS_PERMISSION -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
+            case READ_WRITE_PERMISSIONS ->
             {
-               case NOT_PROTECTED -> null;
-               case HAS_ACCESS_PERMISSION -> PrivatePermissionSubType.HAS_ACCESS;
-               case READ_WRITE_PERMISSIONS ->
+               if(PrivatePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
                {
-                  if(PrivatePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (originalPermissionSubType);
-                  }
-                  else if(TablePermissionSubType.INSERT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.EDIT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.DELETE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE);
-                  }
-                  else if(TablePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
-                  {
-                     yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.READ);
-                  }
-                  else
-                  {
-                     throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected permissionSubType: " + originalPermissionSubType);
-                  }
+                  yield (originalPermissionSubType);
                }
-               case READ_INSERT_EDIT_DELETE_PERMISSIONS -> originalPermissionSubType;
-            };
+               else if(TablePermissionSubType.INSERT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.EDIT.equals(originalPermissionSubType) || TablePermissionSubType.DELETE.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
+               {
+                  yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.WRITE);
+               }
+               else if(TablePermissionSubType.READ.equals(originalPermissionSubType))
+               {
+                  yield (PrivatePermissionSubType.READ);
+               }
+               else
+               {
+                  throw new IllegalStateException("Unexpected permissionSubType: " + originalPermissionSubType);
+               }
+            }
+            case READ_INSERT_EDIT_DELETE_PERMISSIONS -> originalPermissionSubType;
+         };
       }
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/CancelProcessAction.java

@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.processes;
+
+
+import java.util.Optional;
+import java.util.UUID;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QBadRequestException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.ProcessState;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QProcessMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.StateType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.state.UUIDAndTypeStateKey;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Action handler for running the cancel step of a qqq process
+ *
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class CancelProcessAction extends RunProcessAction
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(CancelProcessAction.class);
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public RunProcessOutput execute(RunProcessInput runProcessInput) throws QException
+   {
+      ActionHelper.validateSession(runProcessInput);
+
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
+      if(process == null)
+      {
+         throw new QBadRequestException("Process [" + runProcessInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
+      }
+
+      if(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID() == null)
+      {
+         throw (new QBadRequestException("Cannot cancel process - processUUID was not given."));
+      }
+
+      UUIDAndTypeStateKey    stateKey     = new UUIDAndTypeStateKey(UUID.fromString(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID()), StateType.PROCESS_STATUS);
+      Optional<ProcessState> processState = getState(runProcessInput.getProcessUUID());
+      if(processState.isEmpty())
+      {
+         throw (new QBadRequestException("Cannot cancel process - State for process UUID [" + runProcessInput.getProcessUUID() + "] was not found."));
+      }
+
+      RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput = new RunProcessOutput();
+      try
+      {
+         if(process.getCancelStep() != null)
+         {
+            LOG.info("Running cancel step for process", logPair("processName", process.getName()));
+            runBackendStep(runProcessInput, process, runProcessOutput, stateKey, process.getCancelStep(), process, processState.get());
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            LOG.debug("Process does not have a custom cancel step to run.", logPair("processName", process.getName()));
+         }
+      }
+      catch(QException qe)
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // upon exception (e.g., one thrown by a step), throw it. //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         throw (qe);
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         throw (new QException("Error cancelling process", e));
+      }
+      finally
+      {
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // always put the final state in the process result //
+         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         runProcessOutput.setProcessState(processState.get());
+      }
+
+      return (runProcessOutput);
+   }
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/RunBackendStepAction.java

@@ -26,14 +26,17 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.stream.Collectors;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QUserFacingException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunBackendStepOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.code.QCodeReference;
@@ -62,7 +65,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
    {
       ActionHelper.validateSession(runBackendStepInput);
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = runBackendStepInput.getInstance().getProcess(runBackendStepInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runBackendStepInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Process [" + runBackendStepInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
@@ -71,7 +74,17 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
       QStepMetaData stepMetaData = process.getStep(runBackendStepInput.getStepName());
       if(stepMetaData == null)
       {
-         throw new QException("Step [" + runBackendStepInput.getStepName() + "] is not defined in the process [" + process.getName() + "]");
+         if(process.getCancelStep() != null && Objects.equals(process.getCancelStep().getName(), runBackendStepInput.getStepName()))
+         {
+            /////////////////////////////////////
+            // special case for cancel step... //
+            /////////////////////////////////////
+            stepMetaData = process.getCancelStep();
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            throw new QException("Step [" + runBackendStepInput.getStepName() + "] is not defined in the process [" + process.getName() + "]");
+         }
       }
 
       if(!(stepMetaData instanceof QBackendStepMetaData backendStepMetaData))
@@ -82,7 +95,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // ensure input data is set as needed - use callback object to get anything missing //
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      ensureRecordsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData);
+      ensureRecordsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData, process);
       ensureInputFieldsAreInRequest(runBackendStepInput, backendStepMetaData);
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -167,7 +180,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
     ** check if this step uses a record list - and if so, if we need to get one
     ** via the callback
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void ensureRecordsAreInRequest(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, QBackendStepMetaData step) throws QException
+   private void ensureRecordsAreInRequest(RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput, QBackendStepMetaData step, QProcessMetaData process) throws QException
    {
       QFunctionInputMetaData inputMetaData = step.getInputMetaData();
       if(inputMetaData != null && inputMetaData.getRecordListMetaData() != null)
@@ -190,9 +203,44 @@ public class RunBackendStepAction
 
             queryInput.setFilter(callback.getQueryFilter());
 
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process has a max-no of records, set a limit on the process of that number plus 1 //
+            // (the plus 1 being so we can see "oh, you selected more than that many; error!"       //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMaxInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(callback.getQueryFilter() == null)
+               {
+                  queryInput.setFilter(new QQueryFilter());
+               }
+
+               queryInput.getFilter().setLimit(process.getMaxInputRecords() + 1);
+            }
+
             QueryOutput queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(queryInput);
             runBackendStepInput.setRecords(queryOutput.getRecords());
-            // todo - handle 0 results found?
+
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process defines a max, and more than the max were found, throw an error //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMaxInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(queryOutput.getRecords().size() > process.getMaxInputRecords())
+               {
+                  throw (new QUserFacingException("Too many records were selected for this process.  At most, only " + process.getMaxInputRecords() + " can be selected."));
+               }
+            }
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if process defines a min, and fewer than the min were found, throw an error //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(process.getMinInputRecords() != null)
+            {
+               if(queryOutput.getRecords().size() < process.getMinInputRecords())
+               {
+                  throw (new QUserFacingException("Too few records were selected for this process.  At least " + process.getMinInputRecords() + " must be selected."));
+               }
+            }
          }
       }
    }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/processes/RunProcessAction.java

@@ -79,10 +79,11 @@ public class RunProcessAction
 {
    private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(RunProcessAction.class);
 
+   public static final String BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE        = "basepullKeyValue";
    public static final String BASEPULL_THIS_RUNTIME_KEY = "basepullThisRuntimeKey";
    public static final String BASEPULL_LAST_RUNTIME_KEY = "basepullLastRuntimeKey";
    public static final String BASEPULL_TIMESTAMP_FIELD  = "basepullTimestampField";
-   public static final String BASEPULL_CONFIGURATION = "basepullConfiguration";
+   public static final String BASEPULL_CONFIGURATION    = "basepullConfiguration";
 
    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    // indicator that the timestamp field should be updated - e.g., the execute step is finished. //
@@ -99,7 +100,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    {
       ActionHelper.validateSession(runProcessInput);
 
-      QProcessMetaData process = runProcessInput.getInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
+      QProcessMetaData process = QContext.getQInstance().getProcess(runProcessInput.getProcessName());
       if(process == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Process [" + runProcessInput.getProcessName() + "] is not defined in this instance.");
@@ -335,6 +336,13 @@ public class RunProcessAction
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
          runProcessInput.seedFromProcessState(optionalProcessState.get());
 
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if we're restoring an old state, we can discard a previously stored updatedFrontendStepList - //
+         // it is only needed on the transitional edge from a backend-step to a frontend step, but not    //
+         // in the other directly                                                                         //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         optionalProcessState.get().setUpdatedFrontendStepList(null);
+
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // if there were values from the caller, put those (back) in the request //
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -357,7 +365,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Run a single backend step.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStep(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, QBackendStepMetaData backendStep, QProcessMetaData qProcessMetaData, ProcessState processState) throws Exception
+   protected RunBackendStepOutput runBackendStep(RunProcessInput runProcessInput, QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessOutput runProcessOutput, UUIDAndTypeStateKey stateKey, QBackendStepMetaData backendStep, QProcessMetaData qProcessMetaData, ProcessState processState) throws Exception
    {
       RunBackendStepInput runBackendStepInput = new RunBackendStepInput(processState);
       runBackendStepInput.setProcessName(process.getName());
@@ -510,9 +518,13 @@ public class RunProcessAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   protected String determineBasepullKeyValue(QProcessMetaData process, BasepullConfiguration basepullConfiguration) throws QException
+   protected String determineBasepullKeyValue(QProcessMetaData process, RunProcessInput runProcessInput, BasepullConfiguration basepullConfiguration) throws QException
    {
       String basepullKeyValue = (basepullConfiguration.getKeyValue() != null) ? basepullConfiguration.getKeyValue() : process.getName();
+      if(runProcessInput.getValueString(BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE) != null)
+      {
+         basepullKeyValue = runProcessInput.getValueString(BASEPULL_KEY_VALUE);
+      }
 
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if process specifies that it uses variants, look for that data in the session and append to our basepull key //
@@ -544,7 +556,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       String basepullTableName            = basepullConfiguration.getTableName();
       String basepullKeyFieldName         = basepullConfiguration.getKeyField();
       String basepullLastRunTimeFieldName = basepullConfiguration.getLastRunTimeFieldName();
-      String basepullKeyValue             = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, basepullConfiguration);
+      String basepullKeyValue             = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, runProcessInput, basepullConfiguration);
 
       ///////////////////////////////////////
       // get the stored basepull timestamp //
@@ -624,7 +636,7 @@ public class RunProcessAction
       String  basepullKeyFieldName                 = basepullConfiguration.getKeyField();
       String  basepullLastRunTimeFieldName         = basepullConfiguration.getLastRunTimeFieldName();
       Integer basepullHoursBackForInitialTimestamp = basepullConfiguration.getHoursBackForInitialTimestamp();
-      String  basepullKeyValue                     = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, basepullConfiguration);
+      String  basepullKeyValue                     = determineBasepullKeyValue(process, runProcessInput, basepullConfiguration);
 
       ///////////////////////////////////////
       // get the stored basepull timestamp //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/queues/SQSQueuePoller.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.queues;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.function.Supplier;
 import com.amazonaws.auth.AWSStaticCredentialsProvider;
 import com.amazonaws.auth.BasicAWSCredentials;
@@ -41,6 +42,8 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.processes.RunProcessOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.QQueueMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSPollerSettings;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueProviderMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 
@@ -90,15 +93,17 @@ public class SQSQueuePoller implements Runnable
          }
          queueUrl += queueMetaData.getQueueName();
 
-         while(true)
+         SQSPollerSettings sqsPollerSettings = getSqsPollerSettings(queueProviderMetaData, queueMetaData);
+
+         for(int loop = 0; loop < sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops(); loop++)
          {
             ///////////////////////////////
             // fetch a batch of messages //
             ///////////////////////////////
             ReceiveMessageRequest receiveMessageRequest = new ReceiveMessageRequest();
             receiveMessageRequest.setQueueUrl(queueUrl);
-            receiveMessageRequest.setMaxNumberOfMessages(10);
-            receiveMessageRequest.setWaitTimeSeconds(20); // help urge SQS to query multiple servers and find more messages
+            receiveMessageRequest.setMaxNumberOfMessages(sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages());
+            receiveMessageRequest.setWaitTimeSeconds(sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()); // larger value (e.g., 20) can help urge SQS to query multiple servers and find more messages
             ReceiveMessageResult receiveMessageResult = sqs.receiveMessage(receiveMessageRequest);
             if(receiveMessageResult.getMessages().isEmpty())
             {
@@ -177,6 +182,47 @@ public class SQSQueuePoller implements Runnable
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** For a given queueProvider and queue, get the poller settings to use (using
+    ** default values if none are set at either level).
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   static SQSPollerSettings getSqsPollerSettings(SQSQueueProviderMetaData queueProviderMetaData, QQueueMetaData queueMetaData)
+   {
+      /////////////////////////////////
+      // start with default settings //
+      /////////////////////////////////
+      SQSPollerSettings sqsPollerSettings = new SQSPollerSettings()
+         .withMaxLoops(Integer.MAX_VALUE)
+         .withMaxNumberOfMessages(10)
+         .withWaitTimeSeconds(20);
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if the queue provider has settings, let them overwrite defaults //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(queueProviderMetaData != null && queueProviderMetaData.getPollerSettings() != null)
+      {
+         SQSPollerSettings providerSettings = queueProviderMetaData.getPollerSettings();
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxLoops(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxLoops(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxNumberOfMessages(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setWaitTimeSeconds(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds(), sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()));
+      }
+
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if the queue has settings, let them overwrite defaults //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(queueMetaData instanceof SQSQueueMetaData sqsQueueMetaData && sqsQueueMetaData.getPollerSettings() != null)
+      {
+         SQSPollerSettings providerSettings = sqsQueueMetaData.getPollerSettings();
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxLoops(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxLoops(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxLoops()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setMaxNumberOfMessages(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages(), sqsPollerSettings.getMaxNumberOfMessages()));
+         sqsPollerSettings.setWaitTimeSeconds(Objects.requireNonNullElse(providerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds(), sqsPollerSettings.getWaitTimeSeconds()));
+      }
+
+      return sqsPollerSettings;
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Setter for queueProviderMetaData
     **

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportAction.java

@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
@@ -216,7 +217,8 @@ public class ExportAction
       }
       queryInput.getFilter().setLimit(exportInput.getLimit());
       queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
-      queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryInput.QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+      queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+      queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND);
 
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // tell this query that it needs to put its output into a pipe //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/ExportsFullInstanceVerifier.java

@@ -0,0 +1,202 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting;
+
+
+import java.io.ByteArrayOutputStream;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collection;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.LinkedHashMap;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportDestination;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.Capability;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.ExposedJoin;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.Pair;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Utility for verifying that the ExportAction works for all tables, and all
+ ** exposed joins.
+ **
+ ** Meant for use within a unit test, or maybe as part of an instance's boot-up/
+ ** validation.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public class ExportsFullInstanceVerifier
+{
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(ExportsFullInstanceVerifier.class);
+
+   private boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = true;
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void verify(Collection<QTableMetaData> tables) throws QException
+   {
+      Map<Pair<String, String>, Exception> caughtExceptions = new LinkedHashMap<>();
+      for(QTableMetaData table : tables)
+      {
+         if(table.isCapabilityEnabled(QContext.getQInstance().getBackendForTable(table.getName()), Capability.TABLE_QUERY))
+         {
+            LOG.info("Verifying Exports on table", logPair("tableName", table.getName()));
+
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run the table by itself (no join fields) //
+            //////////////////////////////////////////////
+            runExport(table.getName(), Collections.emptyList(), "main-table-only", caughtExceptions);
+
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run once w/ the fields from each exposed join //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getExposedJoins()))
+            {
+               runExport(table.getName(), List.of(exposedJoin), "join-" + exposedJoin.getLabel(), caughtExceptions);
+            }
+
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // run w/ all exposed joins (if there are any) //
+            /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(table.getExposedJoins()))
+            {
+               runExport(table.getName(), table.getExposedJoins(), "all-joins", caughtExceptions);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      // log out an exceptions caught //
+      //////////////////////////////////
+      if(!caughtExceptions.isEmpty())
+      {
+         for(Map.Entry<Pair<String, String>, Exception> entry : caughtExceptions.entrySet())
+         {
+            LOG.info("Caught an exception verifying reports", entry.getValue(), logPair("tableName", entry.getKey().getA()), logPair("fieldName", entry.getKey().getB()));
+         }
+         throw (new QException("Reports Verification failed with " + caughtExceptions.size() + " exception" + StringUtils.plural(caughtExceptions.size())));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void runExport(String tableName, List<ExposedJoin> exposedJoinList, String description, Map<Pair<String, String>, Exception> caughtExceptions)
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // build the list of fieldNames to export - starting with all fields in the table //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         List<String> fieldNames = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(QFieldMetaData field : QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName).getFields().values())
+         {
+            fieldNames.add(field.getName());
+         }
+
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // add all fields from all exposed joins as well //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(exposedJoinList))
+         {
+            QTableMetaData joinTable = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(exposedJoin.getJoinTable());
+            for(QFieldMetaData field : joinTable.getFields().values())
+            {
+               fieldNames.add(joinTable.getName() + "." + field.getName());
+            }
+         }
+
+         LOG.info("Verifying export", logPair("description", description), logPair("fieldCount", fieldNames.size()));
+
+         QQueryFilter queryFilter = new QQueryFilter();
+
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if caller is okay with a filter that should limit the report to a small number of rows (could be more than 1 for to-many joins), then do so //
+         /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         if(filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+         {
+            queryFilter.withCriteria(QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName).getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, 1);
+         }
+
+         ExportInput exportInput = new ExportInput();
+         exportInput.setTableName(tableName);
+         exportInput.setFieldNames(fieldNames);
+         exportInput.setReportDestination(new ReportDestination()
+            .withReportOutputStream(new ByteArrayOutputStream())
+            .withReportFormat(ReportFormat.CSV));
+         exportInput.setQueryFilter(queryFilter);
+         new ExportAction().execute(exportInput);
+      }
+      catch(QException e)
+      {
+         caughtExceptions.put(Pair.of(tableName, description), e);
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean getFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport()
+   {
+      return (this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport(boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+   {
+      this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public ExportsFullInstanceVerifier withFilterForAtMostOneRowPerExport(boolean filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport)
+   {
+      this.filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport = filterForAtMostOneRowPerExport;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/GenerateReportAction.java

@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.AbstractQActionFunction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.async.AsyncRecordPipeLoop;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.DataSourceQueryInputCustomizer;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.ReportViewCustomizer;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.CountAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
@@ -59,12 +60,16 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ExportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportFormat;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountOutput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.FilterUseCase;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.JoinsContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterOrderBy;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldType;
@@ -300,10 +305,19 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
       JoinsContext joinsContext = null;
       if(dataSource != null)
       {
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // count records, if applicable, from the data source - for populating into the      //
+         // countByDataSource map, as well as for checking if too many rows (e.g., for excel) //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         countDataSourceRecords(reportInput, dataSource, reportFormat);
+
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if there's a source table, set up a joins context, to use below for looking up fields //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
          {
-            joinsContext = new JoinsContext(exportInput.getInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), dataSource.getQueryFilter());
-            countDataSourceRecords(reportInput, dataSource, reportFormat);
+            QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
+            joinsContext = new JoinsContext(QContext.getQInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), queryFilter);
          }
       }
 
@@ -327,6 +341,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
             field.setName(column.getName());
             if(StringUtils.hasContent(column.getLabel()))
             {
+
                field.setLabel(column.getLabel());
             }
             fields.add(field);
@@ -344,23 +359,33 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
     *******************************************************************************/
    private void countDataSourceRecords(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, ReportFormat reportFormat) throws QException
    {
-      QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
-      setInputValuesInQueryFilter(reportInput, queryFilter);
-
-      CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
-      countInput.setTableName(dataSource.getSourceTable());
-      countInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
-      countInput.setQueryJoins(dataSource.getQueryJoins());
-      CountOutput countOutput = new CountAction().execute(countInput);
-
-      if(countOutput.getCount() != null)
+      Integer count = null;
+      if(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() != null)
       {
-         countByDataSource.put(dataSource.getName(), countOutput.getCount());
+         // todo - add `count` method to interface?
+      }
+      else if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
+      {
+         QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
+         setInputValuesInQueryFilter(reportInput, queryFilter);
 
-         if(reportFormat.getMaxRows() != null && countOutput.getCount() > reportFormat.getMaxRows())
+         CountInput countInput = new CountInput();
+         countInput.setTableName(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+         countInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
+         countInput.setQueryJoins(cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(dataSource));
+         CountOutput countOutput = new CountAction().execute(countInput);
+
+         count = countOutput.getCount();
+      }
+
+      if(count != null)
+      {
+         countByDataSource.put(dataSource.getName(), count);
+
+         if(reportFormat.getMaxRows() != null && count > reportFormat.getMaxRows())
          {
             throw (new QUserFacingException("The requested report would include more rows ("
-               + String.format("%,d", countOutput.getCount()) + ") than the maximum allowed ("
+               + String.format("%,d", count) + ") than the maximum allowed ("
                + String.format("%,d", reportFormat.getMaxRows()) + ") for the selected file format (" + reportFormat + ")."));
          }
       }
@@ -368,6 +393,26 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private static List<QueryJoin> cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(QReportDataSource dataSource)
+   {
+      if(dataSource == null || dataSource.getQueryJoins() == null)
+      {
+         return (null);
+      }
+
+      List<QueryJoin> rs = new ArrayList<>();
+      for(QueryJoin queryJoin : dataSource.getQueryJoins())
+      {
+         rs.add(queryJoin.clone());
+      }
+      return (rs);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -401,13 +446,19 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
       String        tableLabel    = ObjectUtils.tryElse(() -> QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable()).getLabel(), Objects.requireNonNullElse(dataSource.getSourceTable(), ""));
       AtomicInteger consumedCount = new AtomicInteger(0);
 
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // run a record pipe loop, over the query for this data source //
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // run a record pipe loop, over the query (or other data-supplier/source) for this data source //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       RecordPipe recordPipe = new BufferedRecordPipe(1000);
       new AsyncRecordPipeLoop().run("Report[" + reportInput.getReportName() + "]", null, recordPipe, (callback) ->
       {
-         if(dataSource.getSourceTable() != null)
+         if(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() != null)
+         {
+            ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface recordSource = QCodeLoader.getAdHoc(ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface.class, dataSource.getCustomRecordSource());
+            recordSource.execute(reportInput, dataSource, recordPipe);
+            return (true);
+         }
+         else if(dataSource.getSourceTable() != null)
          {
             QQueryFilter queryFilter = dataSource.getQueryFilter() == null ? new QQueryFilter() : dataSource.getQueryFilter().clone();
             setInputValuesInQueryFilter(reportInput, queryFilter);
@@ -416,11 +467,12 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
             queryInput.setRecordPipe(recordPipe);
             queryInput.setTableName(dataSource.getSourceTable());
             queryInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
-            queryInput.setQueryJoins(dataSource.getQueryJoins());
-            queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryInput.QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+            queryInput.setQueryJoins(cloneDataSourceQueryJoins(dataSource));
+            queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS);
+            queryInput.withQueryHint(QueryHint.MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND);
 
             queryInput.setShouldTranslatePossibleValues(true);
-            queryInput.setFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(reportInput, dataSource, new JoinsContext(reportInput.getInstance(), dataSource.getSourceTable(), dataSource.getQueryJoins(), queryInput.getFilter())));
+            queryInput.setFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(reportInput, dataSource));
 
             if(dataSource.getQueryInputCustomizer() != null)
             {
@@ -472,7 +524,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
          }
          consumedCount.getAndAdd(records.size());
 
-         return (consumeRecords(reportInput, dataSource, records, tableView, summaryViews, variantViews));
+         return (consumeRecords(dataSource, records, tableView, summaryViews, variantViews));
       });
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -491,7 +543,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private Set<String> setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, JoinsContext joinsContext) throws QException
+   private Set<String> setupFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource) throws QException
    {
       Set<String> fieldsToTranslatePossibleValues = new HashSet<>();
 
@@ -564,7 +616,56 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
          return;
       }
 
-      queryFilter.interpretValues(reportInput.getInputValues());
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for reports defined in meta-data, the established rule is, that missing input variable values are discarded. //
+      // but for non-meta-data reports (e.g., user-saved), we expect an exception for missing values.                 //
+      // so, set those use-cases up.                                                                                  //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      FilterUseCase filterUseCase;
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(reportInput.getReportName()) && QContext.getQInstance().getReport(reportInput.getReportName()) != null)
+      {
+         filterUseCase = new ReportFromMetaDataFilterUseCase();
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         filterUseCase = new ReportNotFromMetaDataFilterUseCase();
+      }
+
+      queryFilter.interpretValues(reportInput.getInputValues(), filterUseCase);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class ReportFromMetaDataFilterUseCase implements FilterUseCase
+   {
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior()
+      {
+         return CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.REMOVE_FROM_FILTER;
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static class ReportNotFromMetaDataFilterUseCase implements FilterUseCase
+   {
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior()
+      {
+         return CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.THROW_EXCEPTION;
+      }
    }
 
 
@@ -572,9 +673,9 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private Integer consumeRecords(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource dataSource, List<QRecord> records, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
+   private Integer consumeRecords(QReportDataSource dataSource, List<QRecord> records, QReportView tableView, List<QReportView> summaryViews, List<QReportView> variantViews) throws QException
    {
-      QTableMetaData table = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+      QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
 
       ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if this record goes on a table view, add it to the report streamer now //
@@ -685,7 +786,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void addRecordToSummaryKeyAggregates(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> viewAggregates, SummaryKey key) throws QException
+   private void addRecordToSummaryKeyAggregates(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<SummaryKey, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>>> viewAggregates, SummaryKey key)
    {
       Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> keyAggregates = viewAggregates.computeIfAbsent(key, (name) -> new HashMap<>());
       addRecordToAggregatesMap(table, record, keyAggregates);
@@ -696,7 +797,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private void addRecordToAggregatesMap(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> aggregatesMap) throws QException
+   private void addRecordToAggregatesMap(QTableMetaData table, QRecord record, Map<String, AggregatesInterface<?, ?>> aggregatesMap)
    {
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // todo - an optimization could be, to only compute aggregates that we'll need...   //
@@ -704,7 +805,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       for(String fieldName : record.getValues().keySet())
       {
-         QFieldMetaData field = null;
+         QFieldMetaData field;
          try
          {
             //////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -777,9 +878,14 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
       List<QReportView> reportViews = views.stream().filter(v -> v.getType().equals(ReportType.SUMMARY)).toList();
       for(QReportView view : reportViews)
       {
-         QReportDataSource dataSource    = getDataSource(view.getDataSourceName());
-         QTableMetaData    table         = reportInput.getInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
-         SummaryOutput     summaryOutput = computeSummaryRowsForView(reportInput, view, table);
+         QReportDataSource dataSource = getDataSource(view.getDataSourceName());
+         if(dataSource == null)
+         {
+            throw new QReportingException("Data source for summary view was not found (viewName=" + view.getName() + ", dataSourceName=" + view.getDataSourceName() + ").");
+         }
+
+         QTableMetaData table         = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable());
+         SummaryOutput  summaryOutput = computeSummaryRowsForView(reportInput, view, table);
 
          ExportInput exportInput = new ExportInput();
          exportInput.setReportDestination(reportInput.getReportDestination());
@@ -865,9 +971,8 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private SummaryOutput computeSummaryRowsForView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportView view, QTableMetaData table) throws QReportingException, QFormulaException
+   private SummaryOutput computeSummaryRowsForView(ReportInput reportInput, QReportView view, QTableMetaData table) throws QFormulaException
    {
-      QValueFormatter              valueFormatter      = new QValueFormatter();
       QMetaDataVariableInterpreter variableInterpreter = new QMetaDataVariableInterpreter();
       variableInterpreter.addValueMap("input", reportInput.getInputValues());
       variableInterpreter.addValueMap("total", getSummaryValuesForInterpreter(totalAggregates));
@@ -939,10 +1044,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
       //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(view.getOrderByFields()))
       {
-         summaryRows.sort((o1, o2) ->
-         {
-            return summaryRowComparator(view, o1, o2);
-         });
+         summaryRows.sort((o1, o2) -> summaryRowComparator(view, o1, o2));
       }
 
       ////////////////
@@ -977,8 +1079,6 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
             Serializable serializable = getValueForColumn(variableInterpreter, column);
             totalRow.setValue(column.getName(), serializable);
             thisRowValues.put(column.getName(), serializable);
-
-            String formatted = valueFormatter.formatValue(column.getDisplayFormat(), serializable);
          }
       }
 
@@ -1001,7 +1101,7 @@ public class GenerateReportAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<ReportInput, R
             titleValues.add(variableInterpreter.interpret(titleField));
          }
 
-         title = new QValueFormatter().formatStringWithValues(view.getTitleFormat(), titleValues);
+         title = QValueFormatter.formatStringWithValues(view.getTitleFormat(), titleValues);
       }
       else if(StringUtils.hasContent(view.getTitleFormat()))
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/customizers/ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface.java

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers;
+
+
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.RecordPipe;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.reporting.ReportInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportDataSource;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Interface to be implemented to do a custom source of data for a report
+ ** (instead of just a query against a table).
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface
+{
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** Given the report input, put records into the pipe, for the report.
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   void execute(ReportInput reportInput, QReportDataSource reportDataSource, RecordPipe recordPipe) throws QException;
+
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/fastexcel/ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer.java

@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ public class ExcelFastexcelExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInterface
          if(workbook == null)
          {
             String    appName = ObjectUtils.tryAndRequireNonNullElse(() -> QContext.getQInstance().getBranding().getAppName(), "QQQ");
-            QInstance instance = exportInput.getInstance();
+            QInstance instance = QContext.getQInstance();
             if(instance != null && instance.getBranding() != null && instance.getBranding().getCompanyName() != null)
             {
                appName = instance.getBranding().getCompanyName();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/poi/ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer.java

@@ -124,10 +124,11 @@ public class ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInter
    private Writer              activeSheetWriter = null;
    private StreamedSheetWriter sheetWriter       = null;
 
-   private QReportView                       currentView      = null;
-   private Map<String, List<QFieldMetaData>> fieldsPerView    = new HashMap<>();
-   private Map<String, Integer>              rowsPerView      = new HashMap<>();
-   private Map<String, String>               labelViewsByName = new HashMap<>();
+   private QReportView                       currentView              = null;
+   private Map<String, List<QFieldMetaData>> fieldsPerView            = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, Integer>              rowsPerView              = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, String>               labelViewsByName         = new HashMap<>();
+   private Map<String, String>               sheetReferenceByViewName = new HashMap<>();
 
 
 
@@ -180,6 +181,7 @@ public class ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInter
             String    sheetReference = sheet.getPackagePart().getPartName().getName().substring(1);
             sheetMapByExcelReference.put(sheetReference, sheet);
             sheetMapByViewName.put(view.getName(), sheet);
+            sheetReferenceByViewName.put(view.getName(), sheetReference);
             sheetCounter++;
          }
 
@@ -446,7 +448,7 @@ public class ExcelPoiBasedStreamingExportStreamer implements ExportStreamerInter
          // - with a new output stream writer    //
          // - and with a SpreadsheetWriter       //
          //////////////////////////////////////////
-         zipOutputStream.putNextEntry(new ZipEntry("xl/worksheets/sheet" + this.sheetIndex++ + ".xml"));
+         zipOutputStream.putNextEntry(new ZipEntry(sheetReferenceByViewName.get(view.getName())));
          activeSheetWriter = new OutputStreamWriter(zipOutputStream);
          sheetWriter = new StreamedSheetWriter(activeSheetWriter);
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/reporting/excel/poi/StreamedSheetWriter.java

@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ public class StreamedSheetWriter
             }
          }
 
-         Map<String, Integer> m = new HashMap();
+         Map<String, Integer> m = new HashMap<>();
          m.computeIfAbsent("s", (s) -> 3);
 
          value = rs.toString();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/scripts/ExecuteCodeAction.java

@@ -77,7 +77,6 @@ public class ExecuteCodeAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:indentation")
    public void run(ExecuteCodeInput input, ExecuteCodeOutput output) throws QException, QCodeException
    {
       QCodeReference codeReference = input.getCodeReference();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/scripts/RecordScriptTestInterface.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.scripts;
 
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.Arrays;
 import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.List;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.scripts.logging.BuildScriptLogAndScriptLogLineExecutionLogger;
@@ -97,7 +98,7 @@ public class RecordScriptTestInterface implements TestScriptActionInterface
          }
 
          QueryOutput queryOutput = new QueryAction().execute(new QueryInput(tableName)
-            .withFilter(new QQueryFilter(new QFilterCriteria(table.getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.IN, recordPrimaryKeyList.split(","))))
+            .withFilter(new QQueryFilter(new QFilterCriteria(table.getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.IN, Arrays.stream(recordPrimaryKeyList.split(",")).toList())))
             .withIncludeAssociations(true));
          if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(queryOutput.getRecords()))
          {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/scripts/RunAdHocRecordScriptAction.java

@@ -154,8 +154,9 @@ public class RunAdHocRecordScriptAction
          Method   qRecordListToApiRecordList = apiScriptUtilsClass.getMethod("qRecordListToApiRecordList", List.class, String.class, String.class, String.class);
          Object   apiRecordList              = qRecordListToApiRecordList.invoke(null, input.getRecordList(), input.getTableName(), scriptRevision.getApiName(), scriptRevision.getApiVersion());
 
-         // noinspection unchecked
-         return (ArrayList<? extends Serializable>) apiRecordList;
+         @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+         ArrayList<? extends Serializable> rs = (ArrayList<? extends Serializable>) apiRecordList;
+         return rs;
       }
       catch(ClassNotFoundException e)
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/scripts/logging/BuildScriptLogAndScriptLogLineExecutionLogger.java

@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ public class BuildScriptLogAndScriptLogLineExecutionLogger implements QCodeExecu
    protected QRecord buildDetailLogRecord(String logLine)
    {
       return (new QRecord()
-         .withValue("scriptLogId", scriptLog.getValue("id"))
+         .withValue("scriptLogId", scriptLog == null ? null : scriptLog.getValue("id"))
          .withValue("timestamp", Instant.now())
          .withValue("text", truncate(logLine)));
    }
@@ -145,6 +145,14 @@ public class BuildScriptLogAndScriptLogLineExecutionLogger implements QCodeExecu
       {
          this.executeCodeInput = executeCodeInput;
          this.scriptLog = buildHeaderRecord(executeCodeInput);
+
+         if(scriptLogLines != null)
+         {
+            for(QRecord scriptLogLine : scriptLogLines)
+            {
+               scriptLogLine.setValue("scriptLogId", scriptLog.getValue("id"));
+            }
+         }
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/AggregateAction.java

@@ -22,9 +22,12 @@
 package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables;
 
 
+import java.util.Collections;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.interfaces.AggregateInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers.QueryStatManager;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.ValueBehaviorApplier;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate.AggregateInput;
@@ -58,6 +61,11 @@ public class AggregateAction
       QTableMetaData   table   = aggregateInput.getTable();
       QBackendMetaData backend = aggregateInput.getBackend();
 
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // apply any available field behaviors to the filter (noting that, if anything changes, a new filter is returned) //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      aggregateInput.setFilter(ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(QContext.getQInstance(), table, aggregateInput.getFilter(), Collections.emptySet()));
+
       QueryStat queryStat = QueryStatManager.newQueryStat(backend, table, aggregateInput.getFilter());
 
       QBackendModuleDispatcher qBackendModuleDispatcher = new QBackendModuleDispatcher();
@@ -67,6 +75,10 @@ public class AggregateAction
       aggregateInterface.setQueryStat(queryStat);
       AggregateOutput aggregateOutput = aggregateInterface.execute(aggregateInput);
 
+      // todo, maybe, not real important? ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.READ, QContext.getQInstance(), table, aggregateOutput.getResults(), null);
+      //  issue being, the signature there... it takes a list of QRecords, which aren't what we have...
+      //  do we want to ... idk, refactor all these behavior deals?  hmm... maybe a new interface/ for ones that do reads?  not sure.
+
       QueryStatManager.getInstance().add(queryStat);
 
       return aggregateOutput;

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/CountAction.java

@@ -22,9 +22,12 @@
 package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables;
 
 
+import java.util.Collections;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.ActionHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.interfaces.CountInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers.QueryStatManager;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.ValueBehaviorApplier;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count.CountInput;
@@ -58,6 +61,11 @@ public class CountAction
       QTableMetaData   table   = countInput.getTable();
       QBackendMetaData backend = countInput.getBackend();
 
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // apply any available field behaviors to the filter (noting that, if anything changes, a new filter is returned) //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      countInput.setFilter(ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(QContext.getQInstance(), table, countInput.getFilter(), Collections.emptySet()));
+
       QueryStat queryStat = QueryStatManager.newQueryStat(backend, table, countInput.getFilter());
 
       QBackendModuleDispatcher qBackendModuleDispatcher = new QBackendModuleDispatcher();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/GetAction.java

@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables;
 
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Optional;
@@ -34,8 +36,10 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.interfaces.GetInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers.GetActionCacheHelper;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QPossibleValueTranslator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.ValueBehaviorApplier;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get.GetInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get.GetOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
@@ -45,11 +49,16 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.AdornmentType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldBehavior;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldFilterBehavior;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleDispatcher;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleInterface;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ObjectUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.Pair;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.memoization.Memoization;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -58,20 +67,14 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ObjectUtils;
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class GetAction
 {
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(GetAction.class);
+
    private Optional<TableCustomizerInterface> postGetRecordCustomizer;
 
    private GetInput                 getInput;
    private QPossibleValueTranslator qPossibleValueTranslator;
 
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public QRecord executeForRecord(GetInput getInput) throws QException
-   {
-      return (execute(getInput).getRecord());
-   }
+   private Memoization<Pair<String, String>, List<FieldFilterBehavior<?>>> getFieldFilterBehaviorMemoization = new Memoization<>();
 
 
 
@@ -108,13 +111,15 @@ public class GetAction
       }
 
       GetOutput getOutput;
-      boolean usingDefaultGetInterface = false;
+      boolean   usingDefaultGetInterface = false;
       if(getInterface == null)
       {
          getInterface = new DefaultGetInterface();
          usingDefaultGetInterface = true;
       }
 
+      getInput = applyFieldBehaviors(getInput);
+
       getInterface.validateInput(getInput);
       getOutput = getInterface.execute(getInput);
 
@@ -140,6 +145,119 @@ public class GetAction
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private GetInput applyFieldBehaviors(GetInput getInput)
+   {
+      QTableMetaData table = getInput.getTable();
+
+      try
+      {
+         if(getInput.getPrimaryKey() != null)
+         {
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if the input has a primary key, get its behaviors, then apply, and update the pkey in the input if the value is different //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            List<FieldFilterBehavior<?>> fieldFilterBehaviors = getFieldFilterBehaviors(table, table.getPrimaryKeyField());
+            for(FieldFilterBehavior<?> fieldFilterBehavior : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(fieldFilterBehaviors))
+            {
+               QFilterCriteria pkeyCriteria    = new QFilterCriteria(table.getPrimaryKeyField(), QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, getInput.getPrimaryKey());
+               QFilterCriteria updatedCriteria = ValueBehaviorApplier.apply(pkeyCriteria, QContext.getQInstance(), table, table.getField(table.getPrimaryKeyField()), fieldFilterBehavior);
+               if(updatedCriteria != pkeyCriteria)
+               {
+                  getInput.setPrimaryKey(updatedCriteria.getValues().get(0));
+               }
+            }
+         }
+         else if(getInput.getUniqueKey() != null)
+         {
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // if the input has a unique key, get its behaviors, then apply, and update the ukey values in the input if any are different //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            Map<String, Serializable> updatedUniqueKey = new HashMap<>(getInput.getUniqueKey());
+            for(String fieldName : getInput.getUniqueKey().keySet())
+            {
+               List<FieldFilterBehavior<?>> fieldFilterBehaviors = getFieldFilterBehaviors(table, fieldName);
+               for(FieldFilterBehavior<?> fieldFilterBehavior : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(fieldFilterBehaviors))
+               {
+                  QFilterCriteria ukeyCriteria    = new QFilterCriteria(fieldName, QCriteriaOperator.EQUALS, updatedUniqueKey.get(fieldName));
+                  QFilterCriteria updatedCriteria = ValueBehaviorApplier.apply(ukeyCriteria, QContext.getQInstance(), table, table.getField(table.getPrimaryKeyField()), fieldFilterBehavior);
+                  updatedUniqueKey.put(fieldName, updatedCriteria.getValues().get(0));
+               }
+            }
+            getInput.setUniqueKey(updatedUniqueKey);
+         }
+      }
+      catch(Exception e)
+      {
+         LOG.warn("Error applying field behaviors to get input - will run with original inputs", e);
+      }
+
+      return (getInput);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private List<FieldFilterBehavior<?>> getFieldFilterBehaviors(QTableMetaData tableMetaData, String fieldName)
+   {
+      Pair<String, String> key = new Pair<>(tableMetaData.getName(), fieldName);
+      return getFieldFilterBehaviorMemoization.getResult(key, (p) ->
+      {
+         List<FieldFilterBehavior<?>> rs = new ArrayList<>();
+         for(FieldBehavior<?> fieldBehavior : CollectionUtils.nonNullCollection(tableMetaData.getFields().get(fieldName).getBehaviors()))
+         {
+            if(fieldBehavior instanceof FieldFilterBehavior<?> fieldFilterBehavior)
+            {
+               rs.add(fieldFilterBehavior);
+            }
+         }
+         return (rs);
+      }).orElse(null);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** shorthand way to call for the most common use-case, when you just want the
+    ** output record to be returned.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public QRecord executeForRecord(GetInput getInput) throws QException
+   {
+      return (execute(getInput).getRecord());
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** more shorthand way to call for the most common use-case, when you just want the
+    ** output record to be returned, and you just want to pass in a table name and primary key.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QRecord execute(String tableName, Serializable primaryKey) throws QException
+   {
+      GetAction getAction = new GetAction();
+      GetInput  getInput  = new GetInput(tableName).withPrimaryKey(primaryKey);
+      return getAction.executeForRecord(getInput);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** more shorthand way to call for the most common use-case, when you just want the
+    ** output record to be returned, and you just want to pass in a table name and unique key
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QRecord execute(String tableName, Map<String, Serializable> uniqueKey) throws QException
+   {
+      GetAction getAction = new GetAction();
+      GetInput  getInput  = new GetInput(tableName).withUniqueKey(uniqueKey);
+      return getAction.executeForRecord(getInput);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Run a GetAction by using the QueryAction instead (e.g., with a filter made
     ** from the pkey/ukey, and returning the single record if found).
@@ -228,11 +346,13 @@ public class GetAction
          returnRecord = postGetRecordCustomizer.get().postQuery(getInput, List.of(record)).get(0);
       }
 
+      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.READ, QContext.getQInstance(), getInput.getTable(), List.of(record), null);
+
       if(getInput.getShouldTranslatePossibleValues())
       {
          if(qPossibleValueTranslator == null)
          {
-            qPossibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(getInput.getInstance(), getInput.getSession());
+            qPossibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(QContext.getQInstance(), QContext.getQSession());
          }
          qPossibleValueTranslator.translatePossibleValuesInRecords(getInput.getTable(), List.of(returnRecord));
       }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/InsertAction.java

@@ -227,6 +227,11 @@ public class InsertAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<InsertInput, InsertOut
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void performValidations(InsertInput insertInput, boolean isPreview) throws QException
    {
+      if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(insertInput.getRecords()))
+      {
+         return;
+      }
+
       QTableMetaData table = insertInput.getTable();
 
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -241,7 +246,7 @@ public class InsertAction extends AbstractQActionFunction<InsertInput, InsertOut
 
       setDefaultValuesInRecords(table, insertInput.getRecords());
 
-      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.INSERT, insertInput.getInstance(), table, insertInput.getRecords(), null);
+      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.INSERT, QContext.getQInstance(), table, insertInput.getRecords(), null);
 
       runPreInsertCustomizerIfItIsTime(insertInput, isPreview, preInsertCustomizer, AbstractPreInsertCustomizer.WhenToRun.BEFORE_UNIQUE_KEY_CHECKS);
       setErrorsIfUniqueKeyErrors(insertInput, table);

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/QueryAction.java

@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables;
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Collection;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.HashSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
@@ -41,6 +43,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers.QueryActionCacheHel
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers.QueryStatManager;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QPossibleValueTranslator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QValueFormatter;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.ValueBehaviorApplier;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
@@ -48,8 +51,10 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperat
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecordEntity;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QBackendMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.AdornmentType;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
@@ -62,6 +67,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleDispatcher;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.modules.backend.QBackendModuleInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ListingHash;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 
 
@@ -99,6 +105,8 @@ public class QueryAction
          throw (new QException("A table named [" + queryInput.getTableName() + "] was not found in the active QInstance"));
       }
 
+      validateFieldNamesToInclude(queryInput);
+
       QBackendMetaData backend = queryInput.getBackend();
       postQueryRecordCustomizer = QCodeLoader.getTableCustomizer(table, TableCustomizers.POST_QUERY_RECORD.getRole());
       this.queryInput = queryInput;
@@ -117,6 +125,11 @@ public class QueryAction
          }
       }
 
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // apply any available field behaviors to the filter (noting that, if anything changes, a new filter is returned) //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      queryInput.setFilter(ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(QContext.getQInstance(), table, queryInput.getFilter(), Collections.emptySet()));
+
       QueryStat queryStat = QueryStatManager.newQueryStat(backend, table, queryInput.getFilter());
 
       QBackendModuleDispatcher qBackendModuleDispatcher = new QBackendModuleDispatcher();
@@ -151,6 +164,141 @@ public class QueryAction
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** if QueryInput contains a set of FieldNamesToInclude, then validate that
+    ** those are known field names in the table being queried, or a selected
+    ** queryJoin.
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   static void validateFieldNamesToInclude(QueryInput queryInput) throws QException
+   {
+      Set<String> fieldNamesToInclude = queryInput.getFieldNamesToInclude();
+      if(fieldNamesToInclude == null)
+      {
+         ////////////////////////////////
+         // null set means select all. //
+         ////////////////////////////////
+         return;
+      }
+
+      if(fieldNamesToInclude.isEmpty())
+      {
+         /////////////////////////////////////
+         // empty set, however, is an error //
+         /////////////////////////////////////
+         throw (new QException("An empty set of fieldNamesToInclude was given as queryInput, which is not allowed."));
+      }
+
+      List<String>                unrecognizedFieldNames = new ArrayList<>();
+      Map<String, QTableMetaData> selectedQueryJoins     = null;
+      for(String fieldName : fieldNamesToInclude)
+      {
+         if(fieldName.contains("."))
+         {
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // handle names with dots - fields from joins //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            String[] parts = fieldName.split("\\.");
+            if(parts.length != 2)
+            {
+               unrecognizedFieldNames.add(fieldName);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               String tableOrAlias  = parts[0];
+               String fieldNamePart = parts[1];
+
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // build map of queryJoins being selected //
+               ////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(selectedQueryJoins == null)
+               {
+                  selectedQueryJoins = new HashMap<>();
+                  for(QueryJoin queryJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(queryInput.getQueryJoins()))
+                  {
+                     if(queryJoin.getSelect())
+                     {
+                        String         joinTableOrAlias = queryJoin.getJoinTableOrItsAlias();
+                        QTableMetaData joinTable        = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(queryJoin.getJoinTable());
+                        if(joinTable != null)
+                        {
+                           selectedQueryJoins.put(joinTableOrAlias, joinTable);
+                        }
+                     }
+                  }
+               }
+
+               if(!selectedQueryJoins.containsKey(tableOrAlias))
+               {
+                  ///////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // unrecognized tableOrAlias is an error //
+                  ///////////////////////////////////////////
+                  unrecognizedFieldNames.add(fieldName);
+               }
+               else
+               {
+                  QTableMetaData joinTable = selectedQueryJoins.get(tableOrAlias);
+                  if(!joinTable.getFields().containsKey(fieldNamePart))
+                  {
+                     //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // unrecognized field within the join table is an error //
+                     //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     unrecognizedFieldNames.add(fieldName);
+                  }
+               }
+            }
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // non-join fields - just ensure field name is in table's fields map //
+            ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            if(!queryInput.getTable().getFields().containsKey(fieldName))
+            {
+               unrecognizedFieldNames.add(fieldName);
+            }
+         }
+      }
+
+      if(!unrecognizedFieldNames.isEmpty())
+      {
+         throw (new QException("QueryInput contained " + unrecognizedFieldNames.size() + " unrecognized field name" + StringUtils.plural(unrecognizedFieldNames) + ": " + StringUtils.join(",", unrecognizedFieldNames)));
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** shorthand way to call for the most common use-case, when you just want the
+    ** entities to be returned, and you just want to pass in a table name and filter.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static <T extends QRecordEntity> List<T> execute(String tableName, Class<T> entityClass, QQueryFilter filter) throws QException
+   {
+      QueryAction queryAction = new QueryAction();
+      QueryInput  queryInput  = new QueryInput();
+      queryInput.setTableName(tableName);
+      queryInput.setFilter(filter);
+      QueryOutput queryOutput = queryAction.execute(queryInput);
+      return (queryOutput.getRecordEntities(entityClass));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** shorthand way to call for the most common use-case, when you just want the
+    ** records to be returned, and you just want to pass in a table name and filter.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static List<QRecord> execute(String tableName, QQueryFilter filter) throws QException
+   {
+      QueryAction queryAction = new QueryAction();
+      QueryInput  queryInput  = new QueryInput();
+      queryInput.setTableName(tableName);
+      queryInput.setFilter(filter);
+      QueryOutput queryOutput = queryAction.execute(queryInput);
+      return (queryOutput.getRecords());
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -268,11 +416,13 @@ public class QueryAction
          records = postQueryRecordCustomizer.get().postQuery(queryInput, records);
       }
 
+      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.READ, QContext.getQInstance(), queryInput.getTable(), records, null);
+
       if(queryInput.getShouldTranslatePossibleValues())
       {
          if(qPossibleValueTranslator == null)
          {
-            qPossibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(queryInput.getInstance(), queryInput.getSession());
+            qPossibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(QContext.getQInstance(), QContext.getQSession());
          }
          qPossibleValueTranslator.translatePossibleValuesInRecords(queryInput.getTable(), records, queryInput.getQueryJoins(), queryInput.getFieldsToTranslatePossibleValues());
       }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/UpdateAction.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables;
 
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
@@ -251,7 +252,7 @@ public class UpdateAction
          behaviorsToOmit = Set.of(DynamicDefaultValueBehavior.MODIFY_DATE);
       }
 
-      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.UPDATE, updateInput.getInstance(), table, updateInput.getRecords(), behaviorsToOmit);
+      ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviors(ValueBehaviorApplier.Action.UPDATE, QContext.getQInstance(), table, updateInput.getRecords(), behaviorsToOmit);
       validatePrimaryKeysAreGiven(updateInput);
 
       if(oldRecordList.isPresent())
@@ -335,6 +336,9 @@ public class UpdateAction
       QTableMetaData table           = updateInput.getTable();
       QFieldMetaData primaryKeyField = table.getField(table.getPrimaryKeyField());
 
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // todo - evolve to use lock tree (e.g., from multi-locks) //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       List<RecordSecurityLock> onlyWriteLocks = RecordSecurityLockFilters.filterForOnlyWriteLocks(CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getRecordSecurityLocks()));
 
       for(List<QRecord> page : CollectionUtils.getPages(updateInput.getRecords(), 1000))
@@ -395,7 +399,7 @@ public class UpdateAction
                   QFieldType   fieldType = table.getField(lock.getFieldName()).getType();
                   Serializable lockValue = ValueUtils.getValueAsFieldType(fieldType, oldRecord.getValue(lock.getFieldName()));
 
-                  List<QErrorMessage> errors = ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper.validateRecordSecurityValue(table, lock, lockValue, fieldType, ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper.Action.UPDATE);
+                  List<QErrorMessage> errors = ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper.validateRecordSecurityValue(table, lock, lockValue, fieldType, ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper.Action.UPDATE, Collections.emptyMap());
                   if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(errors))
                   {
                      errors.forEach(e -> record.addError(e));

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/helpers/ActionTimeoutHelper.java

@@ -23,8 +23,10 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.helpers;
 
 
 import java.util.concurrent.Executors;
+import java.util.concurrent.ScheduledExecutorService;
 import java.util.concurrent.ScheduledFuture;
 import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -50,6 +52,9 @@ public class ActionTimeoutHelper
 
    private boolean didTimeout = false;
 
+   private static Integer                  CORE_THREADS             = 10;
+   private static ScheduledExecutorService scheduledExecutorService = Executors.newScheduledThreadPool(CORE_THREADS, new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(ActionTimeoutHelper.class));
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -75,7 +80,7 @@ public class ActionTimeoutHelper
          return;
       }
 
-      future = Executors.newSingleThreadScheduledExecutor().schedule(() ->
+      future = scheduledExecutorService.schedule(() ->
       {
          didTimeout = true;
          runnable.run();

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/helpers/QueryStatManager.java

@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.tables.QQQTable;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.tables.QQQTablesMetaDataProvider;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.collections.MapBuilder;
 import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
@@ -176,7 +177,7 @@ public class QueryStatManager
       active = true;
       queryStats = new ArrayList<>();
 
-      executorService = Executors.newSingleThreadScheduledExecutor();
+      executorService = Executors.newSingleThreadScheduledExecutor(new PrefixedDefaultThreadFactory(this));
       executorService.scheduleAtFixedRate(new QueryStatManagerInsertJob(), jobInitialDelay, jobPeriodSeconds, TimeUnit.SECONDS);
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/tables/helpers/ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper.java

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
       // actually check lock values //
       ////////////////////////////////
       Map<Serializable, RecordWithErrors> errorRecords = new HashMap<>();
-      evaluateRecordLocks(table, records, action, locksToCheck, errorRecords, new ArrayList<>());
+      evaluateRecordLocks(table, records, action, locksToCheck, errorRecords, new ArrayList<>(), madeUpPrimaryKeys);
 
       /////////////////////////////////
       // propagate errors to records //
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
     ** BUT - WRITE locks - in their case, we read the record no matter what, and in
     ** here we need to verify we have a key that allows us to WRITE the record.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private static void evaluateRecordLocks(QTableMetaData table, List<QRecord> records, Action action, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, Map<Serializable, RecordWithErrors> errorRecords, List<Integer> treePosition) throws QException
+   private static void evaluateRecordLocks(QTableMetaData table, List<QRecord> records, Action action, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, Map<Serializable, RecordWithErrors> errorRecords, List<Integer> treePosition, Map<Serializable, QRecord> madeUpPrimaryKeys) throws QException
    {
       if(recordSecurityLock instanceof MultiRecordSecurityLock multiRecordSecurityLock)
       {
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
          for(RecordSecurityLock childLock : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(multiRecordSecurityLock.getLocks()))
          {
             treePosition.add(i);
-            evaluateRecordLocks(table, records, action, childLock, errorRecords, treePosition);
+            evaluateRecordLocks(table, records, action, childLock, errorRecords, treePosition, madeUpPrimaryKeys);
             treePosition.remove(treePosition.size() - 1);
             i++;
          }
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
             }
 
             Serializable        recordSecurityValue = record.getValue(field.getName());
-            List<QErrorMessage> recordErrors        = validateRecordSecurityValue(table, recordSecurityLock, recordSecurityValue, field.getType(), action);
+            List<QErrorMessage> recordErrors        = validateRecordSecurityValue(table, recordSecurityLock, recordSecurityValue, field.getType(), action, madeUpPrimaryKeys);
             if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(recordErrors))
             {
                errorRecords.computeIfAbsent(record.getValue(primaryKeyField), (k) -> new RecordWithErrors(record)).addAll(recordErrors, treePosition);
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
 
                   for(QRecord inputRecord : inputRecords)
                   {
-                     List<QErrorMessage> recordErrors = validateRecordSecurityValue(table, recordSecurityLock, recordSecurityValue, field.getType(), action);
+                     List<QErrorMessage> recordErrors = validateRecordSecurityValue(table, recordSecurityLock, recordSecurityValue, field.getType(), action, madeUpPrimaryKeys);
                      if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(recordErrors))
                      {
                         errorRecords.computeIfAbsent(inputRecord.getValue(primaryKeyField), (k) -> new RecordWithErrors(inputRecord)).addAll(recordErrors, treePosition);
@@ -370,14 +370,14 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
    {
       String                     primaryKeyField   = table.getPrimaryKeyField();
       Map<Serializable, QRecord> madeUpPrimaryKeys = new HashMap<>();
-      Integer                    madeUpPrimaryKey  = -1;
+      Integer                    madeUpPrimaryKey  = Integer.MIN_VALUE / 2;
       for(QRecord record : records)
       {
          if(record.getValue(primaryKeyField) == null)
          {
             madeUpPrimaryKeys.put(madeUpPrimaryKey, record);
             record.setValue(primaryKeyField, madeUpPrimaryKey);
-            madeUpPrimaryKey--;
+            madeUpPrimaryKey++;
          }
       }
       return madeUpPrimaryKeys;
@@ -390,7 +390,6 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
     ** MultiRecordSecurityLock, with only the appropriate lock-scopes being included
     ** (e.g., read-locks for selects, write-locks for insert/update/delete).
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:Indentation")
    static MultiRecordSecurityLock getRecordSecurityLocks(QTableMetaData table, Action action)
    {
       List<RecordSecurityLock> allLocksOnTable = CollectionUtils.nonNullList(table.getRecordSecurityLocks());
@@ -445,9 +444,9 @@ public class ValidateRecordSecurityLockHelper
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public static List<QErrorMessage> validateRecordSecurityValue(QTableMetaData table, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, Serializable recordSecurityValue, QFieldType fieldType, Action action)
+   public static List<QErrorMessage> validateRecordSecurityValue(QTableMetaData table, RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, Serializable recordSecurityValue, QFieldType fieldType, Action action, Map<Serializable, QRecord> madeUpPrimaryKeys)
    {
-      if(recordSecurityValue == null)
+      if(recordSecurityValue == null || (madeUpPrimaryKeys != null && madeUpPrimaryKeys.containsKey(recordSecurityValue)))
       {
          /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          // handle null values - error if the NullValueBehavior is DENY //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/values/QPossibleValueTranslator.java

@@ -32,13 +32,12 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Set;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.QBackendTransaction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QValueException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.insert.InsertInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
@@ -78,44 +77,6 @@ public class QPossibleValueTranslator
 
    private int maxSizePerPvsCache = 50_000;
 
-   private Map<String, QBackendTransaction> transactionsPerTable = new HashMap<>();
-
-   // todo not commit - remove instance & session - use Context
-
-
-   boolean useTransactionsAsConnectionPool = false;
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   private QBackendTransaction getTransaction(String tableName)
-   {
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // mmm, this does cut down on connections used -           //
-      // especially seems helpful in big exports.                //
-      // but, let's just start using connection pools instead... //
-      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      if(useTransactionsAsConnectionPool)
-      {
-         try
-         {
-            if(!transactionsPerTable.containsKey(tableName))
-            {
-               transactionsPerTable.put(tableName, QBackendTransaction.openFor(new InsertInput(tableName)));
-            }
-
-            return (transactionsPerTable.get(tableName));
-         }
-         catch(Exception e)
-         {
-            LOG.warn("Error opening transaction for table", logPair("tableName", tableName));
-         }
-      }
-
-      return null;
-   }
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -421,7 +382,6 @@ public class QPossibleValueTranslator
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   @SuppressWarnings("checkstyle:Indentation")
    private String doFormatPossibleValue(String formatString, List<String> valueFields, Object id, String label)
    {
       List<Object> values = new ArrayList<>();
@@ -601,7 +561,7 @@ public class QPossibleValueTranslator
             QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
             queryInput.setTableName(tableName);
             queryInput.setFilter(new QQueryFilter().withCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(idField, QCriteriaOperator.IN, page)));
-            queryInput.setTransaction(getTransaction(tableName));
+            queryInput.hasQueryHint(QueryHint.MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND);
 
             /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // when querying for possible values, we do want to generate their display values, which makes record labels, which are usually used as PVS labels //

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/values/QValueFormatter.java

@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ import java.time.LocalDateTime;
 import java.time.LocalTime;
 import java.time.ZonedDateTime;
 import java.time.format.DateTimeFormatter;
-import java.util.Collections;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
@@ -68,7 +67,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
     *******************************************************************************/
    public static String formatValue(QFieldMetaData field, Serializable value)
    {
-      return (formatValue(field.getDisplayFormat(), field.getName(), value));
+      return (formatValue(field.getDisplayFormat(), field.getType(), field.getName(), value));
    }
 
 
@@ -78,7 +77,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
     *******************************************************************************/
    public static String formatValue(String displayFormat, Serializable value)
    {
-      return (formatValue(displayFormat, "", value));
+      return (formatValue(displayFormat, null, "", value));
    }
 
 
@@ -87,7 +86,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
     ** For a display format string, an optional fieldName (only used for logging),
     ** and a value, apply the format.
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private static String formatValue(String displayFormat, String fieldName, Serializable value)
+   private static String formatValue(String displayFormat, QFieldType fieldType, String fieldName, Serializable value)
    {
       //////////////////////////////////
       // null values get null results //
@@ -107,6 +106,11 @@ public class QValueFormatter
             return formatBoolean(b);
          }
 
+         if(QFieldType.BOOLEAN.equals(fieldType))
+         {
+            return formatBoolean(ValueUtils.getValueAsBoolean(value));
+         }
+
          if(value instanceof LocalTime lt)
          {
             return formatLocalTime(lt);
@@ -404,6 +408,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
    }
 
 
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** For a single record, set its display values - where caller (meant to stay private)
     ** can specify if they've already done fieldBehaviors (to avoid re-doing).
@@ -462,7 +467,8 @@ public class QValueFormatter
    {
       for(QFieldMetaData field : table.getFields().values())
       {
-         if(field.getType().equals(QFieldType.BLOB))
+         Optional<FieldAdornment> fileDownloadAdornment = field.getAdornment(AdornmentType.FILE_DOWNLOAD);
+         if(fileDownloadAdornment.isPresent())
          {
             //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // file name comes from:                                                                                            //
@@ -472,20 +478,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
             // - tableLabel primaryKey fieldLabel                                                                               //
             // - and - if the FILE_DOWNLOAD adornment had a DEFAULT_EXTENSION, then it gets added (preceded by a dot)           //
             //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            Optional<FieldAdornment>  fileDownloadAdornment = field.getAdornment(AdornmentType.FILE_DOWNLOAD);
-            Map<String, Serializable> adornmentValues       = Collections.emptyMap();
-
-            if(fileDownloadAdornment.isPresent())
-            {
-               adornmentValues = fileDownloadAdornment.get().getValues();
-            }
-            else
-            {
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // don't change blobs unless they are file-downloads //
-               ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               continue;
-            }
+            Map<String, Serializable> adornmentValues = fileDownloadAdornment.get().getValues();
 
             String fileNameField    = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(adornmentValues.get(AdornmentType.FileDownloadValues.FILE_NAME_FIELD));
             String fileNameFormat   = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(adornmentValues.get(AdornmentType.FileDownloadValues.FILE_NAME_FORMAT));
@@ -536,7 +529,13 @@ public class QValueFormatter
                   }
                }
 
-               record.setValue(field.getName(), "/data/" + table.getName() + "/" + primaryKey + "/" + field.getName() + "/" + fileName);
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // if field type is blob, update its value //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////
+               if(QFieldType.BLOB.equals(field.getType()))
+               {
+                  record.setValue(field.getName(), "/data/" + table.getName() + "/" + primaryKey + "/" + field.getName() + "/" + fileName);
+               }
                record.setDisplayValue(field.getName(), fileName);
             }
          }
@@ -563,6 +562,7 @@ public class QValueFormatter
             /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // heavy fields that weren't fetched - they should have a backend-detail specifying their length (or null if null) //
             /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
             Map<String, Serializable> heavyFieldLengths = (Map<String, Serializable>) record.getBackendDetail(QRecord.BACKEND_DETAILS_TYPE_HEAVY_FIELD_LENGTHS);
             if(heavyFieldLengths != null)
             {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/values/SearchPossibleValueSourceAction.java

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.QCodeLoader;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.tables.QueryAction;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.context.QContext;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QCriteriaOperator;
@@ -69,14 +70,14 @@ public class SearchPossibleValueSourceAction
     *******************************************************************************/
    public SearchPossibleValueSourceOutput execute(SearchPossibleValueSourceInput input) throws QException
    {
-      QInstance            qInstance           = input.getInstance();
+      QInstance            qInstance           = QContext.getQInstance();
       QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource = qInstance.getPossibleValueSource(input.getPossibleValueSourceName());
       if(possibleValueSource == null)
       {
          throw new QException("Missing possible value source named [" + input.getPossibleValueSourceName() + "]");
       }
 
-      possibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(input.getInstance(), input.getSession());
+      possibleValueTranslator = new QPossibleValueTranslator(QContext.getQInstance(), QContext.getQSession());
       SearchPossibleValueSourceOutput output = null;
       if(possibleValueSource.getType().equals(QPossibleValueSourceType.ENUM))
       {
@@ -199,7 +200,7 @@ public class SearchPossibleValueSourceAction
       QueryInput queryInput = new QueryInput();
       queryInput.setTableName(possibleValueSource.getTableName());
 
-      QTableMetaData table = input.getInstance().getTable(possibleValueSource.getTableName());
+      QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(possibleValueSource.getTableName());
 
       QQueryFilter queryFilter = new QQueryFilter();
       queryFilter.setBooleanOperator(QQueryFilter.BooleanOperator.OR);
@@ -259,9 +260,6 @@ public class SearchPossibleValueSourceAction
          }
       }
 
-      // todo - skip & limit as params
-      queryFilter.setLimit(250);
-
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // if given a default filter, make it the 'top level' filter and the one we just created a subfilter //
       ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -271,6 +269,9 @@ public class SearchPossibleValueSourceAction
          queryFilter = input.getDefaultQueryFilter();
       }
 
+      // todo - skip & limit as params
+      queryFilter.setLimit(250);
+
       queryFilter.setOrderBys(possibleValueSource.getOrderByFields());
 
       queryInput.setFilter(queryFilter);
@@ -299,6 +300,7 @@ public class SearchPossibleValueSourceAction
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
+   @SuppressWarnings({ "rawtypes", "unchecked" })
    private SearchPossibleValueSourceOutput searchPossibleValueCustom(SearchPossibleValueSourceInput input, QPossibleValueSource possibleValueSource)
    {
       try

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/actions/values/ValueBehaviorApplier.java

@@ -22,12 +22,18 @@
 package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values;
 
 
+import java.io.Serializable;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Set;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QFilterCriteria;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldBehavior;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldDisplayBehavior;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.FieldFilterBehavior;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.tables.QTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
@@ -46,6 +52,7 @@ public class ValueBehaviorApplier
    {
       INSERT,
       UPDATE,
+      READ,
       FORMATTING
    }
 
@@ -97,4 +104,169 @@ public class ValueBehaviorApplier
       }
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** apply field behaviors (of FieldFilterBehavior type) to a QQueryFilter.
+    ** note that, we don't like to ever edit a QQueryFilter itself (e.g., as it might
+    ** have come from meta-data, or it might have some immutable structures in it).
+    ** So, if any changes are needed, they'll be returned in a clone.
+    ** So, either way, you should use this method like:
+    *
+    ** QQueryFilter myFilter = // wherever I got my filter from
+    ** myFilter = ValueBehaviorApplier.applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(QContext.getInstance, table, myFilter, null);
+    ** // e.g., always re-assign over top of your filter.
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QQueryFilter applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(QInstance instance, QTableMetaData table, QQueryFilter filter, Set<FieldBehavior<?>> behaviorsToOmit)
+   {
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for null or empty filter, return the input //
+      ////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(filter == null || !filter.hasAnyCriteria())
+      {
+         return (filter);
+      }
+
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // track if we need to make & return a clone.                    //
+      // which will be the case if we get back any different criteria, //
+      // or any different sub-filters, than what we originally had.    //
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      boolean needToUseClone = false;
+
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // make a new criteria list, and a new subFilter list - either null, if the source was null, or a new array list //
+      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      List<QFilterCriteria> newCriteriaList = filter.getCriteria() == null ? null : new ArrayList<>();
+      List<QQueryFilter>    newSubFilters   = filter.getSubFilters() == null ? null : new ArrayList<>();
+
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // for each criteria, if its field has any applicable behaviors, apply them //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      for(QFilterCriteria criteria : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(filter.getCriteria()))
+      {
+         QFieldMetaData field = table.getFields().get(criteria.getFieldName());
+         if(field == null && criteria.getFieldName() != null && criteria.getFieldName().contains("."))
+         {
+            String[] parts = criteria.getFieldName().split("\\.");
+            if(parts.length == 2)
+            {
+               QTableMetaData joinTable = instance.getTable(parts[0]);
+               if(joinTable != null)
+               {
+                  field = joinTable.getFields().get(parts[1]);
+               }
+            }
+         }
+
+         QFilterCriteria criteriaToUse = criteria;
+         if(field != null)
+         {
+            for(FieldBehavior<?> fieldBehavior : CollectionUtils.nonNullCollection(field.getBehaviors()))
+            {
+               boolean applyBehavior = true;
+               if(behaviorsToOmit != null && behaviorsToOmit.contains(fieldBehavior))
+               {
+                  applyBehavior = false;
+               }
+
+               if(applyBehavior && fieldBehavior instanceof FieldFilterBehavior<?> filterBehavior)
+               {
+                  //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // call to apply the behavior on the criteria - which will return a //
+                  // new criteria if any values are changed, else the input criteria  //
+                  //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  criteriaToUse = apply(criteriaToUse, instance, table, field, filterBehavior);
+
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // if the new criteria is not the same as the old criteria, mark that we need to make and return a clone. //
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  if(criteriaToUse != criteria)
+                  {
+                     needToUseClone = true;
+                  }
+               }
+            }
+         }
+
+         newCriteriaList.add(criteriaToUse);
+      }
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // similar to above - iterate over the subfilters, making a recursive call, and tracking if we //
+      // got back the same object (in which case, there are no changes, and we don't need to clone), //
+      // or a different object (in which case, we do need a clone, because there were changes).      //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      for(QQueryFilter subFilter : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(filter.getSubFilters()))
+      {
+         QQueryFilter newSubFilter = applyFieldBehaviorsToFilter(instance, table, subFilter, behaviorsToOmit);
+         if(newSubFilter != subFilter)
+         {
+            newSubFilters.add(newSubFilter);
+            needToUseClone = true;
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            newSubFilters.add(subFilter);
+         }
+      }
+
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // if we need to return a clone, then do so, replacing the lists with the ones we built in here //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(needToUseClone)
+      {
+         QQueryFilter cloneFilter = filter.clone();
+         cloneFilter.setCriteria(newCriteriaList);
+         cloneFilter.setSubFilters(newSubFilters);
+         return (cloneFilter);
+      }
+
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // else, if no clone needed (e.g., no changes), return the original filter //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      return (filter);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static QFilterCriteria apply(QFilterCriteria criteria, QInstance instance, QTableMetaData table, QFieldMetaData field, FieldFilterBehavior<?> filterBehavior)
+   {
+      if(criteria == null || CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(criteria.getValues()))
+      {
+         return (criteria);
+      }
+
+      List<Serializable> newValues  = new ArrayList<>();
+      boolean            changedAny = false;
+
+      for(Serializable value : criteria.getValues())
+      {
+         Serializable newValue = filterBehavior.applyToFilterCriteriaValue(value, instance, table, field);
+         if(!Objects.equals(value, newValue))
+         {
+            newValues.add(newValue);
+            changedAny = true;
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            newValues.add(value);
+         }
+      }
+
+      if(changedAny)
+      {
+         QFilterCriteria clone = criteria.clone();
+         clone.setValues(newValues);
+         return (clone);
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         return (criteria);
+      }
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/exceptions/QInstanceValidationException.java

@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@
 package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions;
 
 
-import java.util.Arrays;
 import java.util.List;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.CollectionUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 
 
@@ -55,12 +55,11 @@ public class QInstanceValidationException extends QException
     *******************************************************************************/
    public QInstanceValidationException(List<String> reasons)
    {
-      super(
-         (reasons != null && reasons.size() > 0)
-            ? "Instance validation failed for the following reasons:\n - " + StringUtils.join("\n - ", reasons)
-            : "Validation failed, but no reasons were provided");
+      super((CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(reasons))
+         ? "Instance validation failed for the following reasons:\n - " + StringUtils.join("\n - ", reasons) + "\n(" + reasons.size() + " Total reason" + StringUtils.plural(reasons) + ")"
+         : "Validation failed, but no reasons were provided");
 
-      if(reasons != null && reasons.size() > 0)
+      if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(reasons))
       {
          this.reasons = reasons;
       }
@@ -68,25 +67,6 @@ public class QInstanceValidationException extends QException
 
 
 
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Constructor of an array/varargs of reasons.  They feed into the core exception message.
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public QInstanceValidationException(String... reasons)
-   {
-      super(
-         (reasons != null && reasons.length > 0)
-            ? "Instance validation failed for the following reasons:  " + StringUtils.joinWithCommasAndAnd(Arrays.stream(reasons).toList())
-            : "Validation failed, but no reasons were provided");
-
-      if(reasons != null && reasons.length > 0)
-      {
-         this.reasons = Arrays.stream(reasons).toList();
-      }
-   }
-
-
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Constructor of message & cause - does not populate reasons!
     **

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/instances/QInstanceEnricher.java

@@ -123,6 +123,18 @@ public class QInstanceEnricher
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void enrich()
    {
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // at one point, we did apps later - but - it was possible to put tables in an app's   //
+      // sections, but not its children list (enrichApp fixes this by adding such tables to  //
+      // the children list) so then when enrichTable runs, it looks for fields that are      //
+      // possible-values pointed at tables,  for adding LINK adornments - and that could     //
+      // cause such links to be omitted, mysteriously!  so, do app enrichment before tables. //
+      /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      if(qInstance.getApps() != null)
+      {
+         qInstance.getApps().values().forEach(this::enrichApp);
+      }
+
       if(qInstance.getTables() != null)
       {
          qInstance.getTables().values().forEach(this::enrichTable);
@@ -139,11 +151,6 @@ public class QInstanceEnricher
          qInstance.getBackends().values().forEach(this::enrichBackend);
       }
 
-      if(qInstance.getApps() != null)
-      {
-         qInstance.getApps().values().forEach(this::enrichApp);
-      }
-
       if(qInstance.getReports() != null)
       {
          qInstance.getReports().values().forEach(this::enrichReport);
@@ -384,9 +391,9 @@ public class QInstanceEnricher
          process.setLabel(nameToLabel(process.getName()));
       }
 
-      if(process.getStepList() != null)
+      for(QStepMetaData step : CollectionUtils.nonNullMap(process.getAllSteps()).values())
       {
-         process.getStepList().forEach(this::enrichStep);
+         enrichStep(step);
       }
 
       for(QSupplementalProcessMetaData supplementalProcessMetaData : CollectionUtils.nonNullMap(process.getSupplementalMetaData()).values())

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/instances/QInstanceHelpContentManager.java

@@ -105,14 +105,21 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
          for(String part : key.split(";"))
          {
             String[] parts = part.split(":");
-            nameValuePairs.put(parts[0], parts[1]);
+            if(parts.length > 1)
+            {
+               nameValuePairs.put(parts[0], parts[1]);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               LOG.info("Discarding help content with key that does not contain name:value format", logPair("key", key), logPair("id", record.getValue("id")));
+            }
          }
 
          String tableName   = nameValuePairs.get("table");
          String processName = nameValuePairs.get("process");
          String fieldName   = nameValuePairs.get("field");
          String sectionName = nameValuePairs.get("section");
-         String stepName = nameValuePairs.get("step");
+         String stepName    = nameValuePairs.get("step");
          String widgetName  = nameValuePairs.get("widget");
          String slotName    = nameValuePairs.get("slot");
 
@@ -143,7 +150,7 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
          ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          if(StringUtils.hasContent(tableName))
          {
-            processHelpContentForTable(key, tableName, sectionName, fieldName, roles, helpContent);
+            processHelpContentForTable(key, tableName, sectionName, fieldName, slotName, roles, helpContent);
          }
          else if(StringUtils.hasContent(processName))
          {
@@ -153,6 +160,10 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
          {
             processHelpContentForWidget(key, widgetName, slotName, roles, helpContent);
          }
+         else if(nameValuePairs.containsKey("instanceLevel"))
+         {
+            processHelpContentForInstance(key, slotName, roles, helpContent);
+         }
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
@@ -165,7 +176,7 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private static void processHelpContentForTable(String key, String tableName, String sectionName, String fieldName, Set<HelpRole> roles, QHelpContent helpContent)
+   private static void processHelpContentForTable(String key, String tableName, String sectionName, String fieldName, String slotName, Set<HelpRole> roles, QHelpContent helpContent)
    {
       QTableMetaData table = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(tableName);
       if(table == null)
@@ -212,7 +223,21 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
       }
       else
       {
-         LOG.info("Unrecognized key format for table help content", logPair("key", key));
+         if(!StringUtils.hasContent(slotName))
+         {
+            LOG.info("Missing slot name in table-level help content", logPair("key", key));
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            if(helpContent != null)
+            {
+               table.withHelpContent(slotName, helpContent);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               table.removeHelpContent(slotName, roles);
+            }
+         }
       }
    }
 
@@ -307,6 +332,30 @@ public class QInstanceHelpContentManager
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private static void processHelpContentForInstance(String key, String slotName, Set<HelpRole> roles, QHelpContent helpContent)
+   {
+      if(!StringUtils.hasContent(slotName))
+      {
+         LOG.info("Missing slot name in instance-level help content", logPair("key", key));
+      }
+      else
+      {
+         if(helpContent != null)
+         {
+            QContext.getQInstance().withHelpContent(slotName, helpContent);
+         }
+         else
+         {
+            QContext.getQInstance().removeHelpContent(slotName, roles);
+         }
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** add a help content object to a list - replacing an entry in the list with the
     ** same roles if one is found.

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/instances/QInstanceValidationState.java

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2022.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Object used to record state of a QInstance having been validated.
+ **
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public enum QInstanceValidationState
+{
+   PENDING,
+   RUNNING,
+   COMPLETE
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/instances/QInstanceValidator.java

@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.customizers.TableCustomizers;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.dashboard.widgets.AbstractWidgetRenderer;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.metadata.JoinGraph;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.processes.BackendStep;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.customizers.ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.scripts.TestScriptActionInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.values.QCustomPossibleValueProvider;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QInstanceValidationException;
@@ -79,6 +80,8 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QStepMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QSupplementalProcessMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.QQueueMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.QQueueProviderMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.QueueType;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.queues.SQSQueueProviderMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportDataSource;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.reporting.QReportField;
@@ -109,6 +112,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.lambdas.UnsafeLambda;
 import org.quartz.CronExpression;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -138,19 +142,26 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void validate(QInstance qInstance) throws QInstanceValidationException
    {
-      if(qInstance.getHasBeenValidated())
+      if(qInstance.getHasBeenValidated() || qInstance.getValidationIsRunning())
       {
-         //////////////////////////////////////////
-         // don't re-validate if previously done //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // don't re-validate if previously complete or currently running (avoids recursive re-validation chaos!) //
+         ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
          return;
       }
 
+      ////////////////////////////////////
+      // mark validation as running now //
+      ////////////////////////////////////
+      QInstanceValidationKey validationKey = new QInstanceValidationKey();
+      qInstance.setValidationIsRunning(validationKey);
+
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       // the enricher will build a join graph (if there are any joins).  we'd like to only do that       //
       // once, during the enrichment/validation work, so, capture it, and store it back in the instance. //
       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
       JoinGraph joinGraph = null;
+      long      start     = System.currentTimeMillis();
       try
       {
          /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -191,6 +202,9 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
          validateUniqueTopLevelNames(qInstance);
 
          runPlugins(QInstance.class, qInstance, qInstance);
+
+         long end = System.currentTimeMillis();
+         LOG.info("Validation (and enrichment) performance", logPair("millis", (end - start)));
       }
       catch(Exception e)
       {
@@ -202,9 +216,22 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
          throw (new QInstanceValidationException(errors));
       }
 
-      QInstanceValidationKey validationKey = new QInstanceValidationKey();
-      qInstance.setHasBeenValidated(validationKey);
+      //////////////////////////////
+      // mark validation complete //
+      //////////////////////////////
       qInstance.setJoinGraph(validationKey, joinGraph);
+      qInstance.setHasBeenValidated(validationKey);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void revalidate(QInstance qInstance) throws QInstanceValidationException
+   {
+      qInstance.setHasBeenValidated(null);
+      validate(qInstance);
    }
 
 
@@ -415,11 +442,30 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
 
             if(queueProvider instanceof SQSQueueProviderMetaData sqsQueueProvider)
             {
+               if(queueProvider.getType() != null)
+               {
+                  assertCondition(queueProvider.getType().equals(QueueType.SQS), "Inconsistent Type/class given for queueProvider: " + name + " (SQSQueueProviderMetaData is not allowed for type " + queueProvider.getType() + ")");
+               }
+
                assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(sqsQueueProvider.getAccessKey()), "Missing accessKey for SQSQueueProvider: " + name);
                assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(sqsQueueProvider.getSecretKey()), "Missing secretKey for SQSQueueProvider: " + name);
                assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(sqsQueueProvider.getBaseURL()), "Missing baseURL for SQSQueueProvider: " + name);
                assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(sqsQueueProvider.getRegion()), "Missing region for SQSQueueProvider: " + name);
             }
+            else if(queueProvider.getClass().equals(QQueueProviderMetaData.class))
+            {
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               // this just means a subtype wasn't used, so, it should be allowed //
+               // (unless we had a case where a type required a subtype?)         //
+               /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            }
+            else
+            {
+               if(queueProvider.getType() != null)
+               {
+                  assertCondition(!queueProvider.getType().equals(QueueType.SQS), "Inconsistent Type/class given for queueProvider: " + name + " (" + queueProvider.getClass().getSimpleName() + " is not allowed for type " + queueProvider.getType() + ")");
+               }
+            }
 
             runPlugins(QQueueProviderMetaData.class, queueProvider, qInstance);
          });
@@ -430,7 +476,27 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
          qInstance.getQueues().forEach((name, queue) ->
          {
             assertCondition(Objects.equals(name, queue.getName()), "Inconsistent naming for queue: " + name + "/" + queue.getName() + ".");
-            assertCondition(qInstance.getQueueProvider(queue.getProviderName()) != null, "Unrecognized queue providerName for queue: " + name);
+
+            QQueueProviderMetaData queueProvider = qInstance.getQueueProvider(queue.getProviderName());
+            if(assertCondition(queueProvider != null, "Unrecognized queue providerName for queue: " + name))
+            {
+               if(queue instanceof SQSQueueMetaData)
+               {
+                  assertCondition(queueProvider.getType().equals(QueueType.SQS), "Inconsistent class given for queueMetaData: " + name + " (SQSQueueMetaData is not allowed for queue provider of type " + queueProvider.getType() + ")");
+               }
+               else if(queue.getClass().equals(QQueueMetaData.class))
+               {
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // this just means a subtype wasn't used, so, it should be        //
+                  // allowed (unless we had a case where a type required a subtype? //
+                  ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+               }
+               else
+               {
+                  assertCondition(!queueProvider.getType().equals(QueueType.SQS), "Inconsistent class given for queueProvider: " + name + " (" + queue.getClass().getSimpleName() + " is not allowed for type " + queueProvider.getType() + ")");
+               }
+            }
+
             assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(queue.getQueueName()), "Missing queueName for queue: " + name);
             if(assertCondition(StringUtils.hasContent(queue.getProcessName()), "Missing processName for queue: " + name))
             {
@@ -657,17 +723,20 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
             {
                if(assertCondition(CollectionUtils.nullSafeHasContents(exposedJoin.getJoinPath()), joinPrefix + "is missing a joinPath."))
                {
-                  joinConnectionsForTable = Objects.requireNonNullElseGet(joinConnectionsForTable, () -> joinGraph.getJoinConnections(table.getName()));
-
-                  boolean foundJoinConnection = false;
-                  for(JoinGraph.JoinConnectionList joinConnectionList : joinConnectionsForTable)
+                  if(joinGraph != null)
                   {
-                     if(joinConnectionList.matchesJoinPath(exposedJoin.getJoinPath()))
+                     joinConnectionsForTable = Objects.requireNonNullElseGet(joinConnectionsForTable, () -> joinGraph.getJoinConnections(table.getName()));
+
+                     boolean foundJoinConnection = false;
+                     for(JoinGraph.JoinConnectionList joinConnectionList : joinConnectionsForTable)
                      {
-                        foundJoinConnection = true;
+                        if(joinConnectionList.matchesJoinPath(exposedJoin.getJoinPath()))
+                        {
+                           foundJoinConnection = true;
+                        }
                      }
+                     assertCondition(foundJoinConnection, joinPrefix + "specified a joinPath [" + exposedJoin.getJoinPath() + "] which does not match a valid join connection in the instance.");
                   }
-                  assertCondition(foundJoinConnection, joinPrefix + "specified a joinPath [" + exposedJoin.getJoinPath() + "] which does not match a valid join connection in the instance.");
 
                   assertCondition(!usedJoinPaths.contains(exposedJoin.getJoinPath()), tablePrefix + "has more than one join with the joinPath: " + exposedJoin.getJoinPath());
                   usedJoinPaths.add(exposedJoin.getJoinPath());
@@ -854,7 +923,7 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   private <T extends FieldBehavior<T>> void validateTableField(QInstance qInstance, String tableName, String fieldName, QTableMetaData table, QFieldMetaData field)
+   private void validateTableField(QInstance qInstance, String tableName, String fieldName, QTableMetaData table, QFieldMetaData field)
    {
       assertCondition(Objects.equals(fieldName, field.getName()),
          "Inconsistent naming in table " + tableName + " for field " + fieldName + "/" + field.getName() + ".");
@@ -876,12 +945,13 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
          assertCondition(field.getMaxLength() != null, prefix + "specifies a ValueTooLongBehavior, but not a maxLength.");
       }
 
-      Set<Class<FieldBehavior<T>>> usedFieldBehaviorTypes = new HashSet<>();
+      Set<Class<FieldBehavior<?>>> usedFieldBehaviorTypes = new HashSet<>();
       if(field.getBehaviors() != null)
       {
          for(FieldBehavior<?> fieldBehavior : field.getBehaviors())
          {
-            Class<FieldBehavior<T>> behaviorClass = (Class<FieldBehavior<T>>) fieldBehavior.getClass();
+            @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+            Class<FieldBehavior<?>> behaviorClass = (Class<FieldBehavior<?>>) fieldBehavior.getClass();
 
             errors.addAll(fieldBehavior.validateBehaviorConfiguration(table, field));
 
@@ -1468,7 +1538,7 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
                                  warn("Error loading expectedType for field [" + fieldMetaData.getName() + "] in process [" + processName + "]: " + e.getMessage());
                               }
 
-                              validateSimpleCodeReference("Process " + processName + " code reference: ", codeReference, expectedClass);
+                              validateSimpleCodeReference("Process " + processName + " code reference:", codeReference, expectedClass);
                            }
                         }
                      }
@@ -1476,6 +1546,14 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
                }
             }
 
+            if(process.getCancelStep() != null)
+            {
+               if(assertCondition(process.getCancelStep().getCode() != null, "Cancel step is missing a code reference, in process " + processName))
+               {
+                  validateSimpleCodeReference("Process " + processName + " cancel step code reference: ", process.getCancelStep().getCode(), BackendStep.class);
+               }
+            }
+
             ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // if the process has a schedule, make sure required schedule data populated //
             ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -1487,7 +1565,11 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
 
             if(process.getVariantBackend() != null)
             {
-               assertCondition(qInstance.getBackend(process.getVariantBackend()) != null, "Process " + processName + ", a variant backend was not found named " + process.getVariantBackend());
+               if(qInstance.getBackends() != null)
+               {
+                  assertCondition(qInstance.getBackend(process.getVariantBackend()) != null, "Process " + processName + ", a variant backend was not found named " + process.getVariantBackend());
+               }
+
                assertCondition(process.getVariantRunStrategy() != null, "A variant run strategy was not set for process " + processName + " (which does specify a variant backend)");
             }
             else
@@ -1579,9 +1661,12 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
 
                   String dataSourceErrorPrefix = "Report " + reportName + " data source " + dataSource.getName() + " ";
 
+                  boolean hasASource = false;
+
                   if(StringUtils.hasContent(dataSource.getSourceTable()))
                   {
-                     assertCondition(dataSource.getStaticDataSupplier() == null, dataSourceErrorPrefix + "has both a sourceTable and a staticDataSupplier (exactly 1 is required).");
+                     hasASource = true;
+                     assertCondition(dataSource.getStaticDataSupplier() == null, dataSourceErrorPrefix + "has both a sourceTable and a staticDataSupplier (not compatible together).");
                      if(assertCondition(qInstance.getTable(dataSource.getSourceTable()) != null, dataSourceErrorPrefix + "source table " + dataSource.getSourceTable() + " is not a table in this instance."))
                      {
                         if(dataSource.getQueryFilter() != null)
@@ -1590,14 +1675,21 @@ public class QInstanceValidator
                         }
                      }
                   }
-                  else if(dataSource.getStaticDataSupplier() != null)
+
+                  if(dataSource.getStaticDataSupplier() != null)
                   {
+                     assertCondition(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() == null, dataSourceErrorPrefix + "has both a staticDataSupplier and a customRecordSource (not compatible together).");
+                     hasASource = true;
                      validateSimpleCodeReference(dataSourceErrorPrefix, dataSource.getStaticDataSupplier(), Supplier.class);
                   }
-                  else
+
+                  if(dataSource.getCustomRecordSource() != null)
                   {
-                     errors.add(dataSourceErrorPrefix + "does not have a sourceTable or a staticDataSupplier (exactly 1 is required).");
+                     hasASource = true;
+                     validateSimpleCodeReference(dataSourceErrorPrefix, dataSource.getCustomRecordSource(), ReportCustomRecordSourceInterface.class);
                   }
+
+                  assertCondition(hasASource, dataSourceErrorPrefix + "does not have a sourceTable, customRecordSource, or a staticDataSupplier.");
                }
             }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/instances/SecretsManagerUtils.java

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances;
 
 import java.io.File;
 import java.io.IOException;
+import java.nio.charset.StandardCharsets;
 import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.Optional;
 import com.amazonaws.auth.AWSStaticCredentialsProvider;
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ public class SecretsManagerUtils
             dotEnv.renameTo(new File(".env.backup-" + System.currentTimeMillis()));
          }
 
-         FileUtils.writeStringToFile(dotEnv, fullEnv.toString());
+         FileUtils.writeStringToFile(dotEnv, fullEnv.toString(), StandardCharsets.UTF_8);
       }
       else
       {

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/logging/QLogger.java

@@ -280,6 +280,16 @@ public class QLogger
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void debug(LogPair... logPairs)
+   {
+      logger.warn(() -> makeJsonString(null, null, logPairs));
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -420,6 +430,16 @@ public class QLogger
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void warn(LogPair... logPairs)
+   {
+      logger.warn(() -> makeJsonString(null, null, logPairs));
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -480,6 +500,16 @@ public class QLogger
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void error(LogPair... logPairs)
+   {
+      logger.warn(() -> makeJsonString(null, null, logPairs));
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/MetaDataProducerInterface.java

@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model;
 
 
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.MetaDataProducerOutput;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.TopLevelMetaDataInterface;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.TopLevelMetaDataInterface;
  ** implement this interface.  or, same idea for a QRecordEntity that provides
  ** its own TableMetaData.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public interface MetaDataProducerInterface<T extends TopLevelMetaDataInterface>
+public interface MetaDataProducerInterface<T extends MetaDataProducerOutput>
 {
    int DEFAULT_SORT_ORDER = 500;
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/AbstractActionInput.java

@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QInstanceValidationException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.instances.QInstanceValidator;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.QInstance;
-import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.authentication.QAuthenticationMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.session.QSession;
 
 
@@ -93,22 +92,13 @@ public class AbstractActionInput
 
 
 
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    **
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   @JsonIgnore
-   public QAuthenticationMetaData getAuthenticationMetaData()
-   {
-      return (getInstance().getAuthentication());
-   }
-
-
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Getter for instance
     **
+    ** Deprecated.  Please use QContext.getInstance() instead
     *******************************************************************************/
    @JsonIgnore
+   @Deprecated
    public QInstance getInstance()
    {
       return (QContext.getQInstance());
@@ -119,8 +109,10 @@ public class AbstractActionInput
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Getter for session
     **
+    ** Deprecated.  Please use QContext.getSession() instead
     *******************************************************************************/
    @JsonIgnore
+   @Deprecated
    public QSession getSession()
    {
       return (QContext.getQSession());

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/audits/AuditDetailAccumulator.java

@@ -152,5 +152,8 @@ public class AuditDetailAccumulator implements Serializable
    }
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
    private record TableNameAndPrimaryKey(String tableName, Serializable primaryKey) {}
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/metadata/MetaDataOutput.java

@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.QFrontendProcessMe
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.QFrontendReportMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.QFrontendTableMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.frontend.QFrontendWidgetMetaData;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.help.QHelpContent;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -47,8 +48,9 @@ public class MetaDataOutput extends AbstractActionOutput
    private Map<String, QFrontendWidgetMetaData>  widgets;
    private Map<String, String>                   environmentValues;
 
-   private List<AppTreeNode> appTree;
-   private QBrandingMetaData branding;
+   private List<AppTreeNode>               appTree;
+   private QBrandingMetaData               branding;
+   private Map<String, List<QHelpContent>> helpContents;
 
 
 
@@ -226,4 +228,25 @@ public class MetaDataOutput extends AbstractActionOutput
       this.environmentValues = environmentValues;
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for helpContents
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setHelpContents(Map<String, List<QHelpContent>> helpContents)
+   {
+      this.helpContents = helpContents;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for helpContents
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public Map<String, List<QHelpContent>> getHelpContents()
+   {
+      return helpContents;
+   }
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/processes/ProcessState.java

@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import java.util.Optional;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.processes.QFrontendStepMetaData;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -41,6 +42,11 @@ public class ProcessState implements Serializable
    private List<String>              stepList     = new ArrayList<>();
    private Optional<String>          nextStepName = Optional.empty();
 
+   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // maybe, remove this altogether - just let the frontend compute & send if needed... but how does it know last version...? //
+   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   private List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList = null;
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -139,4 +145,36 @@ public class ProcessState implements Serializable
    {
       this.stepList = stepList;
    }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for updatedFrontendStepList
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public List<QFrontendStepMetaData> getUpdatedFrontendStepList()
+   {
+      return (this.updatedFrontendStepList);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for updatedFrontendStepList
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
+   {
+      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for updatedFrontendStepList
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public ProcessState withUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
+   {
+      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/processes/RunBackendStepOutput.java

@@ -49,8 +49,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serial
    private ProcessState processState;
    private Exception    exception; // todo - make optional
 
-   private String                      overrideLastStepName;
-   private List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList = null;
+   private String overrideLastStepName; // todo - does this need to go into state too??
 
    private List<AuditInput> auditInputList = new ArrayList<>();
 
@@ -416,7 +415,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serial
     *******************************************************************************/
    public List<QFrontendStepMetaData> getUpdatedFrontendStepList()
    {
-      return (this.updatedFrontendStepList);
+      return (this.processState.getUpdatedFrontendStepList());
    }
 
 
@@ -426,18 +425,7 @@ public class RunBackendStepOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serial
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void setUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
    {
-      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
-   }
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Fluent setter for updatedFrontendStepList
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public RunBackendStepOutput withUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
-   {
-      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
-      return (this);
+      this.processState.setUpdatedFrontendStepList(updatedFrontendStepList);
    }
 
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/processes/RunProcessOutput.java

@@ -46,8 +46,6 @@ public class RunProcessOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serializab
    private String              processUUID;
    private Optional<Exception> exception = Optional.empty();
 
-   private List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList = null;
-
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -334,32 +332,21 @@ public class RunProcessOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serializab
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Getter for updatedFrontendStepList
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public List<QFrontendStepMetaData> getUpdatedFrontendStepList()
-   {
-      return (this.updatedFrontendStepList);
-   }
-
-
-
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Setter for updatedFrontendStepList
+    **
     *******************************************************************************/
    public void setUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
    {
-      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
+      this.processState.setUpdatedFrontendStepList(updatedFrontendStepList);
    }
 
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Fluent setter for updatedFrontendStepList
+    **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public RunProcessOutput withUpdatedFrontendStepList(List<QFrontendStepMetaData> updatedFrontendStepList)
+   public List<QFrontendStepMetaData> getUpdatedFrontendStepList()
    {
-      this.updatedFrontendStepList = updatedFrontendStepList;
-      return (this);
+      return this.processState.getUpdatedFrontendStepList();
    }
 
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/QueryHint.java

@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Information about the query that an application (or qqq service) may know and
+ ** want to tell the backend, that can help influence how the backend processes
+ ** query.
+ **
+ ** For example, a query with potentially a large result set, for MySQL backend,
+ ** we may want to configure the result set to stream results rather than do its
+ ** default in-memory thing.  See RDBMSQueryAction for usage.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public enum QueryHint
+{
+   POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS,
+   MAY_USE_READ_ONLY_BACKEND
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/aggregate/AggregateInput.java

@@ -23,8 +23,10 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.aggregate;
 
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.EnumSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 
@@ -44,6 +46,8 @@ public class AggregateInput extends AbstractTableActionInput
 
    private List<QueryJoin> queryJoins = null;
 
+   private EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -55,6 +59,30 @@ public class AggregateInput extends AbstractTableActionInput
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Constructor
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public AggregateInput(String tableName)
+   {
+      this();
+      setTableName(tableName);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public AggregateInput withTableName(String tableName)
+   {
+      super.withTableName(tableName);
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Getter for filter
     **
@@ -302,4 +330,78 @@ public class AggregateInput extends AbstractTableActionInput
       return (this);
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public EnumSet<QueryHint> getQueryHints()
+   {
+      return (this.queryHints);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public AggregateInput withQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public AggregateInput withQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+      }
+      this.queryHints.add(queryHint);
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public AggregateInput withoutQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints != null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints.remove(queryHint);
+      }
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** null-safely check if query hints map contains the specified hint
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean hasQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         return (false);
+      }
+
+      return (queryHints.contains(queryHint));
+   }
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/count/CountInput.java

@@ -23,8 +23,10 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.count;
 
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.EnumSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QQueryFilter;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 
@@ -42,6 +44,8 @@ public class CountInput extends AbstractTableActionInput
    private List<QueryJoin> queryJoins           = null;
    private Boolean         includeDistinctCount = false;
 
+   private EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -207,4 +211,78 @@ public class CountInput extends AbstractTableActionInput
       return (this);
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public EnumSet<QueryHint> getQueryHints()
+   {
+      return (this.queryHints);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public CountInput withQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public CountInput withQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+      }
+      this.queryHints.add(queryHint);
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public CountInput withoutQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints != null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints.remove(queryHint);
+      }
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** null-safely check if query hints map contains the specified hint
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean hasQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         return (false);
+      }
+
+      return (queryHints.contains(queryHint));
+   }
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/get/GetInput.java

@@ -25,10 +25,12 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.get;
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Collection;
+import java.util.EnumSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.QBackendTransaction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryOrGetInputInterface;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.QueryJoin;
 
@@ -60,6 +62,8 @@ public class GetInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetInpu
    private boolean            includeAssociations       = false;
    private Collection<String> associationNamesToInclude = null;
 
+   private EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
@@ -462,4 +466,79 @@ public class GetInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetInpu
       return (this);
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public EnumSet<QueryHint> getQueryHints()
+   {
+      return (this.queryHints);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public GetInput withQueryHints(EnumSet<QueryHint> queryHints)
+   {
+      this.queryHints = queryHints;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public GetInput withQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints = EnumSet.noneOf(QueryHint.class);
+      }
+      this.queryHints.add(queryHint);
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for queryHints
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public GetInput withoutQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints != null)
+      {
+         this.queryHints.remove(queryHint);
+      }
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** null-safely check if query hints map contains the specified hint
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean hasQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         return (false);
+      }
+
+      return (queryHints.contains(queryHint));
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.java

@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query;
+
+
+/***************************************************************************
+ ** Possible behaviors for doing interpretValues on a filter, and a criteria
+ ** has a variable value (either as a string-that-looks-like-a-variable,
+ ** as in ${input.foreignId} for a PVS filter, or a FilterVariableExpression),
+ ** and a value for that variable isn't available.
+ **
+ ** Used in conjunction with FilterUseCase and its implementations, e.g.,
+ ** PossibleValueSearchFilterUseCase.
+ ***************************************************************************/
+public enum CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior
+{
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // this was the original behavior, before we added this enum.  but, //
+   // it doesn't ever seem entirely valid, and isn't currently used.   //
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   INTERPRET_AS_NULL_VALUE,
+
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // make the criteria behave as though it's not in the filter at all.    //
+   // effectively by changing its operator to TRUE, so it always matches.  //
+   // original intended use is for possible-values on  query screens,      //
+   // where a foreign-id isn't present, so we want to show all PV options. //
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   REMOVE_FROM_FILTER,
+
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // make the criteria such that it makes no rows ever match.                         //
+   // e.g., changes it to a FALSE.  I suppose, within an OR, that might                //
+   // not be powerful enough...  but, it solves the immediate use-case in              //
+   // front of us, which is forms, where a PV field should show no values              //
+   // until a foreign key field has a value.                                           //
+   // Note that this use-case used to have the same end-effect by such                 //
+   // variables being interpreted as nulls - but this approach feels more intentional. //
+   //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   MAKE_NO_MATCHES,
+
+   ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // throw an exception if a value isn't available.  This is the overall default,          //
+   // and originally was what we did for FilterVariableExpressions, e.g., for saved reports //
+   ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   THROW_EXCEPTION
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/FilterUseCase.java

@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+/*
+ * QQQ - Low-code Application Framework for Engineers.
+ * Copyright (C) 2021-2024.  Kingsrook, LLC
+ * 651 N Broad St Ste 205 # 6917 | Middletown DE 19709 | United States
+ * contact@kingsrook.com
+ * https://github.com/Kingsrook/
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as
+ * published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the
+ * License, or (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
+ * along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query;
+
+
+/*******************************************************************************
+ ** Interface where we can associate behaviors with various use cases for
+ ** QQueryFilters - the original being, how to handle (in the interpretValues
+ ** method) how to handle missing input values.
+ **
+ ** Includes a default implementation, with a default behavior - which is to
+ ** throw an exception upon missing criteria variable values.
+ *******************************************************************************/
+public interface FilterUseCase
+{
+   FilterUseCase DEFAULT = new DefaultFilterUseCase();
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior();
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   class DefaultFilterUseCase implements FilterUseCase
+   {
+
+      /***************************************************************************
+       **
+       ***************************************************************************/
+      @Override
+      public CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior()
+      {
+         return CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior.THROW_EXCEPTION;
+      }
+   }
+}

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/JoinsContext.java

@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ public class JoinsContext
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    // we will get a TON of more output if this gets turned up, so be cautious //
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-   private Level logLevel = Level.OFF;
+   private Level logLevel          = Level.OFF;
    private Level logLevelForFilter = Level.OFF;
 
 
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ public class JoinsContext
             {
                securityFieldTableAlias = matchedQueryJoin.getJoinTableOrItsAlias();
             }
-            tmpTable = instance.getTable(securityFieldTableAlias);
+            tmpTable = instance.getTable(aliasToTableNameMap.getOrDefault(securityFieldTableAlias, securityFieldTableAlias));
 
             ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
             // set the baseTableOrAlias for the next iteration to be this join's joinTableOrAlias //
@@ -404,6 +404,12 @@ public class JoinsContext
                chainIsInner = false;
             }
 
+            if(hasAllAccessKey(recordSecurityLock))
+            {
+               queryJoin.withType(QueryJoin.Type.LEFT);
+               chainIsInner = false;
+            }
+
             addQueryJoin(queryJoin, "forRecordSecurityLock (non-flipped)", "- ");
             addedQueryJoins.add(queryJoin);
             tmpTable = instance.getTable(join.getRightTable());
@@ -423,6 +429,12 @@ public class JoinsContext
                chainIsInner = false;
             }
 
+            if(hasAllAccessKey(recordSecurityLock))
+            {
+               queryJoin.withType(QueryJoin.Type.LEFT);
+               chainIsInner = false;
+            }
+
             addQueryJoin(queryJoin, "forRecordSecurityLock (flipped)", "- ");
             addedQueryJoins.add(queryJoin);
             tmpTable = instance.getTable(join.getLeftTable());
@@ -456,44 +468,53 @@ public class JoinsContext
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private boolean hasAllAccessKey(RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock)
+   {
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      // check if the key type has an all-access key, and if so, if it's set to true for the current user/session //
+      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+      QSecurityKeyType securityKeyType = instance.getSecurityKeyType(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType());
+      if(StringUtils.hasContent(securityKeyType.getAllAccessKeyName()))
+      {
+         QSession session = QContext.getQSession();
+         if(session.hasSecurityKeyValue(securityKeyType.getAllAccessKeyName(), true, QFieldType.BOOLEAN))
+         {
+            return (true);
+         }
+      }
+
+      return (false);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    private void addSubFilterForRecordSecurityLock(RecordSecurityLock recordSecurityLock, QTableMetaData table, String tableNameOrAlias, boolean isOuter, QueryJoin sourceQueryJoin)
    {
-      QSession session = QContext.getQSession();
-
-      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      // check if the key type has an all-access key, and if so, if it's set to true for the current user/session //
-      //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-      QSecurityKeyType securityKeyType = instance.getSecurityKeyType(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType());
-      boolean haveAllAccessKey = false;
-      if(StringUtils.hasContent(securityKeyType.getAllAccessKeyName()))
+      boolean haveAllAccessKey = hasAllAccessKey(recordSecurityLock);
+      if(haveAllAccessKey)
       {
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         // if we have all-access on this key, then we don't need a criterion for it (as long as we're in an AND filter) //
-         //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-         if(session.hasSecurityKeyValue(securityKeyType.getAllAccessKeyName(), true, QFieldType.BOOLEAN))
+         if(sourceQueryJoin != null)
          {
-            haveAllAccessKey = true;
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            // in case the queryJoin object is re-used between queries, and its security criteria need to be different (!!), reset it //
+            // this can be exposed in tests - maybe not entirely expected in real-world, but seems safe enough                        //
+            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+            sourceQueryJoin.withSecurityCriteria(new ArrayList<>());
+         }
 
-            if(sourceQueryJoin != null)
-            {
-               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               // in case the queryJoin object is re-used between queries, and its security criteria need to be different (!!), reset it //
-               // this can be exposed in tests - maybe not entirely expected in real-world, but seems safe enough                        //
-               ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-               sourceQueryJoin.withSecurityCriteria(new ArrayList<>());
-            }
-
-            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            // if we're in an AND filter, then we don't need a criteria for this lock, so return. //
-            ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
-            boolean inAnAndFilter = securityFilterCursor.getBooleanOperator() == QQueryFilter.BooleanOperator.AND;
-            if(inAnAndFilter)
-            {
-               return;
-            }
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         // if we're in an AND filter, then we don't need a criteria for this lock, so return. //
+         ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+         boolean inAnAndFilter = securityFilterCursor.getBooleanOperator() == QQueryFilter.BooleanOperator.AND;
+         if(inAnAndFilter)
+         {
+            return;
          }
       }
 
@@ -545,7 +566,7 @@ public class JoinsContext
       }
       else
       {
-         List<Serializable> securityKeyValues = session.getSecurityKeyValues(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType(), type);
+         List<Serializable> securityKeyValues = QContext.getQSession().getSecurityKeyValues(recordSecurityLock.getSecurityKeyType(), type);
          if(CollectionUtils.nullSafeIsEmpty(securityKeyValues))
          {
             ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -1118,7 +1139,7 @@ public class JoinsContext
          if(useExposedJoins)
          {
             QTableMetaData mainTable = QContext.getQInstance().getTable(mainTableName);
-            for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : mainTable.getExposedJoins())
+            for(ExposedJoin exposedJoin : CollectionUtils.nonNullList(mainTable.getExposedJoins()))
             {
                if(exposedJoin.getJoinTable().equals(joinTableName))
                {
@@ -1159,6 +1180,7 @@ public class JoinsContext
    }
 
 
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/QQueryFilter.java

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query;
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Arrays;
+import java.util.Collection;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.Map;
@@ -237,6 +238,28 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** fluent method to add a new criteria
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public QQueryFilter withCriteria(String fieldName, QCriteriaOperator operator, Collection<? extends Serializable> values)
+   {
+      addCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(fieldName, operator, values));
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** fluent method to add a new criteria
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public QQueryFilter withCriteria(String fieldName, QCriteriaOperator operator, Serializable... values)
+   {
+      addCriteria(new QFilterCriteria(fieldName, operator, values));
+      return (this);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -505,8 +528,27 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
     ** Note - it may be very important that you call this method on a clone of a
     ** QQueryFilter - e.g., if it's one that defined in metaData, and that we don't
     ** want to be (permanently) changed!!
-    *******************************************************************************/
+    **
+    ** This overload does not take in a FilterUseCase - it uses FilterUseCase.DEFAULT
+    ******************************************************************************/
    public void interpretValues(Map<String, Serializable> inputValues) throws QException
+   {
+      interpretValues(inputValues, FilterUseCase.DEFAULT);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Replace any criteria values that look like ${input.XXX} with the value of XXX
+    ** from the supplied inputValues map - where the handling of missing values
+    ** is specified in the inputted FilterUseCase parameter
+    **
+    ** Note - it may be very important that you call this method on a clone of a
+    ** QQueryFilter - e.g., if it's one that defined in metaData, and that we don't
+    ** want to be (permanently) changed!!
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void interpretValues(Map<String, Serializable> inputValues, FilterUseCase useCase) throws QException
    {
       List<Exception> caughtExceptions = new ArrayList<>();
 
@@ -522,6 +564,9 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
             {
                try
                {
+                  Serializable interpretedValue = value;
+                  Exception    caughtException  = null;
+
                   if(value instanceof AbstractFilterExpression<?>)
                   {
                      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -530,17 +575,54 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
                      ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
                      if(value instanceof FilterVariableExpression filterVariableExpression)
                      {
-                        newValues.add(filterVariableExpression.evaluateInputValues(inputValues));
-                     }
-                     else
-                     {
-                        newValues.add(value);
+                        try
+                        {
+                           interpretedValue = filterVariableExpression.evaluateInputValues(inputValues);
+                        }
+                        catch(Exception e)
+                        {
+                           caughtException = e;
+                           interpretedValue = InputNotFound.instance;
+                        }
+                     }
+                  }
+                  else
+                  {
+                     /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     // for non-expressions, cast the value to a string, and see if it can be resolved a variable.          //
+                     // there are 3 possible cases here:                                                                    //
+                     // 1: it doesn't look like a variable, so it just comes back as a string version of whatever went in.  //
+                     // 2: it was resolved from a variable to a value, e.g., ${input.someVar} => someValue                  //
+                     // 3: it looked like a variable, but no value for that variable was present in the interpreter's value //
+                     // map - so we'll get back the InputNotFound.instance.                                                 //
+                     /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                     String valueAsString = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(value);
+                     interpretedValue = variableInterpreter.interpretForObject(valueAsString, InputNotFound.instance);
+                  }
+
+                  //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  // if interpreting a value returned the not-found value, or an empty string,                                            //
+                  // then decide how to handle the missing value, based on the use-case input                                             //
+                  // Note: questionable, using "" here, but that's what reality is passing a lot for cases we want to treat as missing... //
+                  //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                  if(interpretedValue == InputNotFound.instance || "".equals(interpretedValue))
+                  {
+                     CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior missingInputValueBehavior = getMissingInputValueBehavior(useCase);
+
+                     switch(missingInputValueBehavior)
+                     {
+                        case REMOVE_FROM_FILTER -> criterion.setOperator(QCriteriaOperator.TRUE);
+                        case MAKE_NO_MATCHES -> criterion.setOperator(QCriteriaOperator.FALSE);
+                        case INTERPRET_AS_NULL_VALUE -> newValues.add(null);
+
+                        /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                        // handle case in the default: THROW_EXCEPTION //
+                        /////////////////////////////////////////////////
+                        default -> throw (Objects.requireNonNullElseGet(caughtException, () -> new QUserFacingException("Missing value for criteria on field: " + criterion.getFieldName())));
                      }
                   }
                   else
                   {
-                     String       valueAsString    = ValueUtils.getValueAsString(value);
-                     Serializable interpretedValue = variableInterpreter.interpretForObject(valueAsString);
                      newValues.add(interpretedValue);
                   }
                }
@@ -563,6 +645,44 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
 
 
 
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** Note:  in the original build of this, it felt like we *might* want to be
+    ** able to specify these behaviors at the individual criteria level, where
+    ** the implementation would be to add to QFilterCriteria:
+    ** - Map<FilterUseCase, CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior> missingInputValueBehaviors;
+    ** - CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getMissingInputValueBehaviorForUseCase(FilterUseCase useCase) {}
+    *
+    ** (and maybe do that in a sub-class of QFilterCriteria, so it isn't always
+    ** there?  idk...) and then here we'd call:
+    ** - CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior missingInputValueBehavior = criterion.getMissingInputValueBehaviorForUseCase(useCase);
+    *
+    ** But, we don't actually have that use-case at hand now, so - let's keep it
+    ** just at the level we need for now.
+    **
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior getMissingInputValueBehavior(FilterUseCase useCase)
+   {
+      if(useCase == null)
+      {
+         useCase = FilterUseCase.DEFAULT;
+      }
+
+      CriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior missingInputValueBehavior = useCase.getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior();
+      if(missingInputValueBehavior == null)
+      {
+         missingInputValueBehavior = useCase.getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior();
+      }
+
+      if(missingInputValueBehavior == null)
+      {
+         missingInputValueBehavior = FilterUseCase.DEFAULT.getDefaultCriteriaMissingInputValueBehavior();
+      }
+
+      return (missingInputValueBehavior);
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** Getter for skip
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -655,4 +775,28 @@ public class QQueryFilter implements Serializable, Cloneable
    {
       return Objects.hash(criteria, orderBys, booleanOperator, subFilters, skip, limit);
    }
+
+
+
+   /***************************************************************************
+    ** "Token" object to be used as the defaultIfLooksLikeVariableButNotFound
+    ** parameter to variableInterpreter.interpretForObject, so we can be
+    ** very clear that we got this default back (e.g., instead of a null,
+    ** which could maybe mean something else?)
+    ***************************************************************************/
+   private static final class InputNotFound implements Serializable
+   {
+      private static InputNotFound instance = new InputNotFound();
+
+
+
+      /*******************************************************************************
+       ** private singleton constructor
+       *******************************************************************************/
+      private InputNotFound()
+      {
+
+      }
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/QueryInput.java

@@ -31,12 +31,16 @@ import java.util.Set;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.QBackendTransaction;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.actions.reporting.RecordPipe;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.AbstractTableActionInput;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryHint;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.QueryOrGetInputInterface;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
  ** Input data for the Query action
  **
+ ** Todo - maybe make a class between AbstractTableActionInput and {QueryInput,
+ ** CountInput, and AggregateInput}, with common attributes for all of these
+ ** "read" operations (like, queryHints,
  *******************************************************************************/
 public class QueryInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetInputInterface, Cloneable
 {
@@ -62,6 +66,14 @@ public class QueryInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetIn
    private List<QueryJoin> queryJoins     = null;
    private boolean         selectDistinct = false;
 
+   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   // if this set is null, then the default (all fields) should be included   //
+   // if it's an empty set, that should throw an error                        //
+   // or if there are any fields in it that aren't valid fields on the table, //
+   // or in a selected queryJoin.                                             //
+   /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+   private Set<String> fieldNamesToInclude;
+
    ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
    // if you say you want to includeAssociations, you can limit which ones by passing them in associationNamesToInclude. //
    // if you leave it null, you get all associations defined on the table.  if you pass it as empty, you get none.       //
@@ -74,22 +86,6 @@ public class QueryInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetIn
 
 
 
-   /*******************************************************************************
-    ** Information about the query that an application (or qqq service) may know and
-    ** want to tell the backend, that can help influence how the backend processes
-    ** query.
-    **
-    ** For example, a query with potentially a large result set, for MySQL backend,
-    ** we may want to configure the result set to stream results rather than do its
-    ** default in-memory thing.  See RDBMSQueryAction for usage.
-    *******************************************************************************/
-   public enum QueryHint
-   {
-      POTENTIALLY_LARGE_NUMBER_OF_RESULTS
-   }
-
-
-
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
@@ -683,4 +679,50 @@ public class QueryInput extends AbstractTableActionInput implements QueryOrGetIn
       return (this);
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** null-safely check if query hints map contains the specified hint
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public boolean hasQueryHint(QueryHint queryHint)
+   {
+      if(this.queryHints == null)
+      {
+         return (false);
+      }
+
+      return (queryHints.contains(queryHint));
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Getter for fieldNamesToInclude
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public Set<String> getFieldNamesToInclude()
+   {
+      return (this.fieldNamesToInclude);
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for fieldNamesToInclude
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public void setFieldNamesToInclude(Set<String> fieldNamesToInclude)
+   {
+      this.fieldNamesToInclude = fieldNamesToInclude;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Fluent setter for fieldNamesToInclude
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public QueryInput withFieldNamesToInclude(Set<String> fieldNamesToInclude)
+   {
+      this.fieldNamesToInclude = fieldNamesToInclude;
+      return (this);
+   }
+
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/QueryJoin.java

@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.StringUtils;
  ** JoinsContext is constructed before executing a query, and not meant to be set
  ** by users.
  *******************************************************************************/
-public class QueryJoin
+public class QueryJoin implements Cloneable
 {
    private String        baseTableOrAlias;
    private String        joinTable;
@@ -69,6 +69,40 @@ public class QueryJoin
 
 
 
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   @Override
+   public QueryJoin clone()
+   {
+      try
+      {
+         QueryJoin clone = (QueryJoin) super.clone();
+
+         if(joinMetaData != null)
+         {
+            clone.joinMetaData = joinMetaData.clone();
+         }
+
+         if(securityCriteria != null)
+         {
+            clone.securityCriteria = new ArrayList<>();
+            for(QFilterCriteria securityCriterion : securityCriteria)
+            {
+               clone.securityCriteria.add(securityCriterion.clone());
+            }
+         }
+
+         return clone;
+      }
+      catch(CloneNotSupportedException e)
+      {
+         throw new AssertionError();
+      }
+   }
+
+
+
    /*******************************************************************************
     ** define the types of joins - INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, or FULL.
     *******************************************************************************/

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/QueryOutput.java

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ public class QueryOutput extends AbstractActionOutput implements Serializable
       }
       else
       {
-         storage = new QueryOutputList();
+         storage = new QueryOutputList(queryInput);
       }
    }
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/QueryOutputList.java

@@ -24,7 +24,10 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.QLogger;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
+import org.apache.logging.log4j.Level;
+import static com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.logging.LogUtils.logPair;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -33,15 +36,50 @@ import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.data.QRecord;
  *******************************************************************************/
 class QueryOutputList implements QueryOutputStorageInterface
 {
-   private List<QRecord> records = new ArrayList<>();
+   private static final QLogger LOG = QLogger.getLogger(QueryOutputList.class);
+
+   private final String        tableName;
+   private       List<QRecord> records = new ArrayList<>();
+
+   private static int LOG_SIZE_INFO_OVER  = 50_000;
+   private static int LOG_SIZE_WARN_OVER  = 100_000;
+   private static int LOG_SIZE_ERROR_OVER = 250_000;
 
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public QueryOutputList()
+   public QueryOutputList(QueryInput queryInput)
    {
+      tableName = queryInput.getTableName();
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   private void logSize(int sizeBefore, int sizeAfter)
+   {
+      Level level = null;
+      if(sizeBefore < LOG_SIZE_ERROR_OVER && sizeAfter >= LOG_SIZE_ERROR_OVER)
+      {
+         level = Level.ERROR;
+      }
+      else if(sizeBefore < LOG_SIZE_WARN_OVER && sizeAfter >= LOG_SIZE_WARN_OVER)
+      {
+         level = Level.WARN;
+      }
+      else if(sizeBefore < LOG_SIZE_INFO_OVER && sizeAfter >= LOG_SIZE_INFO_OVER)
+      {
+         level = Level.INFO;
+      }
+
+      if(level != null)
+      {
+         LOG.log(level, "Large number of records in QueryOutputList", new Throwable(), logPair("noRecords", sizeAfter), logPair("tableName", tableName));
+      }
    }
 
 
@@ -52,7 +90,9 @@ class QueryOutputList implements QueryOutputStorageInterface
    @Override
    public void addRecord(QRecord record)
    {
+      int sizeBefore = this.records.size();
       records.add(record);
+      logSize(sizeBefore, this.records.size());
    }
 
 
@@ -63,7 +103,9 @@ class QueryOutputList implements QueryOutputStorageInterface
    @Override
    public void addRecords(List<QRecord> records)
    {
+      int sizeBefore = this.records.size();
       this.records.addAll(records);
+      logSize(sizeBefore, this.records.size());
    }
 
 
@@ -77,4 +119,36 @@ class QueryOutputList implements QueryOutputStorageInterface
       return (records);
    }
 
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for LOG_SIZE_INFO_OVER
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static void setLogSizeInfoOver(int logSizeInfoOver)
+   {
+      QueryOutputList.LOG_SIZE_INFO_OVER = logSizeInfoOver;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for LOG_SIZE_WARN_OVER
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static void setLogSizeWarnOver(int logSizeWarnOver)
+   {
+      QueryOutputList.LOG_SIZE_WARN_OVER = logSizeWarnOver;
+   }
+
+
+
+   /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Setter for LOG_SIZE_ERROR_OVER
+    **
+    *******************************************************************************/
+   public static void setLogSizeErrorOver(int logSizeErrorOver)
+   {
+      QueryOutputList.LOG_SIZE_ERROR_OVER = logSizeErrorOver;
+   }
 }

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/expressions/AbstractFilterExpression.java

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ package com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.actions.tables.query.expressions;
 import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.Map;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 
 
 /*******************************************************************************
@@ -35,16 +36,19 @@ public abstract class AbstractFilterExpression<T extends Serializable> implement
    /*******************************************************************************
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
-   public abstract T evaluate() throws QException;
+   public abstract T evaluate(QFieldMetaData field) throws QException;
 
 
 
    /*******************************************************************************
+    ** Evaluate the expression, given a map of input values.
     **
+    ** By default, this will defer to the evaluate(void) method - but, a subclass
+    ** (e.g., FilterVariableExpression) may react differently.
     *******************************************************************************/
    public T evaluateInputValues(Map<String, Serializable> inputValues) throws QException
    {
-      return (T) this;
+      return evaluate(null);
    }
 
 

qqq-backend-core/src/main/java/com/kingsrook/qqq/backend/core/model/actions/tables/query/expressions/FilterVariableExpression.java

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import java.io.Serializable;
 import java.util.Map;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QException;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.exceptions.QUserFacingException;
+import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.model.metadata.fields.QFieldMetaData;
 import com.kingsrook.qqq.backend.core.utils.ValueUtils;
 
 
@@ -45,7 +46,7 @@ public class FilterVariableExpression extends AbstractFilterExpression<Serializa
     **
     *******************************************************************************/
    @Override
-   public Serializable evaluate() throws QException
+   public Serializable evaluate(QFieldMetaData field) throws QException
    {
       throw (new QUserFacingException("Missing variable value."));
    }