An automated method for creating only the necessary joins in a SQL query. The present invention comprises a Query Program (QP), a Query Generation Program (QGP), and a Clause Generation Program (CGP). The QP accepts the query fields, filters, and sort criteria from the user, generates the query, sends the query to the database, and displays the query results. The QGP creates the query clause strings and inserts the strings into the SQL template. The QGP generates the SELECT, (filter) WHERE, and ORDER BY clauses. The QGP analyzes each parameter in a parameter list to determine if the parameter is on the added aliases list. If the parameter is not on the added aliases list, the QGP runs the CGP for the parameter. The CGP generates the FROM, JOIN, and (join) WHERE clauses and adds the clauses to the appropriate clause strings.