Creating a Data Source for Flat-File Databases and Text Files

Products

• Cleverpath Reporter
• EUREKA:Reporter
• EUREKA:Strategy

Issue/Introduction

Occasionally, one might need to access data in a flat-file database or text file. Creating a data source for one of these files takes a few more steps than creating a data source for other databases. 

 

 

Environment

Release:
Component: PORTAL

Resolution

1. Use the ODBC Administrator to add a data source for the database or files. Click Add to create your data source.

    

2. Select the IQ Text ODBC driver as the driver to use for the data source.

    

3. Once you select this driver, the Administrator opens the ODBC Text Driver Setup dialog box on the General tab. Fill out this dialog box. If you need help with the items on this tab, click the Help button for more details. There is a thorough explanation for each item.

    

   Click the Advanced tab to continue the setup. Doing so opens the Advanced Driver Setup dialog box. Fill out this dialog box. Again, the Help button will provide you with useful information about each item.

4. Defining the file and its data:

   1. Click Define. The ODBC Administrator opens a File/Open dialog box. Use it to select a file to define.

       

       

       

      Once you select a file, the ODBC Administrator opens the Define Table dialog box. Fill out table information for the file you are defining. In particular, enter a meaningful name for the table. This will become the folder name in the metadata file used in Report Designer.

       

       

      Click the Parse or Guess button - which button is available depends on other entries you have made. Use the Add, Modify and Remove buttons to add or correct field definitions.

   2. Click OK when you are done. The ODBC Administrator prompts for another file. Select one (and repeat steps b and c) or click Cancel if you have no more files. Close the Advanced Driver Setup dialog box and the Text Driver Setup dialog box by clicking OK for both.

You can now use your text data source in the Metadata Manager to create a metadata file (iqk) to be used in Report Designer.