# GETDATA #### Syntax **GETDATA**(*statement*) * *statement* - the statement which is sent to the database to retrieve the data - ***Value type**: text (optional)* #### Remarks * This function can only be executed by a widget which has a database connection assigned (a button, menu or a table widget), either directly in its Connection tab, or by a reference to another widget (see chapter [Connection property](https://docs.nedyx.com/version-1.66/nedyx/clearlines-functions/general-aspects/calculated-widget-properties/connection)). * If GETDATA is called without a parameter, the function returns the content of the database table which is defined in the Connection tab.

* If GETDATA is called with the parameter *statement*, the string defined by statement is sent to the database instead of the settings in the Connection tab.

* If GETDATA is called for a hierarchy or a hierarchy menu widget, it returns the data in a hierarchical structure:

The left selected widget is a hierarchy widget, the right widget a table widget. Depending on the widget type, the GETDATA function returns the content in a hierarchical structure.

For these widget types, the property "Number of levels" in the Connection tab specifies how many of the first columns define the hierarchy: