top of page

CONFIGURING A DATABASE CONNECTION

If you want to import from or publish data to a SQL or ODBC-compliant data source, you’ll need to set up a Database connection for each source.

 

These options are available in the Data Chameleon Edition.

​

ODBC DRIVERS

For an ODBC connection you must set up a driver to enable your computer to access the source.

See the ODBC Driver Configuration tutorial for detailed info about setting up a ODBC driver for a Windows or Macintosh computer.​

The most important item here is the Server address - make sure that you enter the correct IP address for the server that’s running the database.

 

CREATING A DATABASE CONNECTION

Once you’ve set up your DSN and ODBC driver, or if you are going to connect to a MySql database, your next step is to create a Database Connection in CatBase.

  1. Go to the Admin main tab.

  2. Expand the Database Connections topic on the left.

  3. Click New Connection.


A New Connection record opens:

​

database connection setup

Enter a Connection Name.

 

CONNECTION TYPE

CatBase Data Chameleon Edition supports connections to any ODBC-compliant data source. However, since there are differences in the way we connect to some of these sources and also in the set of commands they support, it’s important that you select the appropriate Connection Type. The choices are:

  • Access (ODBC)

  • dBase (ODBC)

  • MySql

  • ODBC

  • Oracle (ODBC)

  • PostgreSql

  • Sql Server (ODBC)

  • Sybase (ODBC)

 

If you don’t see an option for your particular data source type, then just choose ODBC.

 

DATA SOURCE

This refers to the location of the database you want to connect to. It could be a web site, an IP address, or an ODBC DSN name. (A DSN is a Data Source Name -  see above). This tells CatBase where to go looking for your data source.

 

DATABASE NAME

The name of the database you want to connect to. This must be the actual name of the database, correctly spelled!

USER NAME

The user name that you have been given to connect to the database.

PASSWORD

The password you have been given to connect to the database. You do not have to enter the password; if you don’t, you will be asked to supply it when you try to log on to the database to download or publish data. If you are going to set up a Scheduled Event to automatically download or update data, you must enter the password.

PASSWORD REQUIRED

In almost all cases, a password will be required in order for you to connect to the specified database. In case it is not, you can un-check this option.

Check Connection

Once you have entered all the settings, you can check to make sure that you’ve got it right by clicking on the Check Connection Now button.

Save your new Database Connection.


You are now ready to import data from, or publish data to, the specified database.

 

IMPORTING DATA FROM A MYSQL OR ODBC DATA SOURCE

You can import data from your ODBC-connected database directly into CatBase. 

  1. Select the table that you want to import the data into.

  2. Create an Import Stylesheet

  3. Choose the appropriate connection type in the Format/Source popup menu.

  4. Select your database connection.

  5. Select the table in the remote database that you want to import data from.

  6. Map the fields in the remote database to your CatBase fields.

database import from MySql or ODBC

PUBLISHING DATA TO AN ODBC CONNECTION

Once you've set up a driver and a Database Connection, you can upload data from your CatBase database directly to your remote database. To do this:

  1. Select the table that you want to upload the data from.

  2. Create a Publishing Stylesheet

  3. In the Preferences tab of your Publishing Stylesheet, select the appropriate Default Publishing Destination.

  4. Select the table in the remote database that you want to upload the data to.

  5. Map the CatBase fields to the fields in the remote database.

​

Automating the process

​

Import and Publishing Projects

Sometimes your import or publishing projects require more than a simple data upload or download. You may need to import or publish data from several related tables, or to select a certain set of records to publish. You can set up an Import Project or a Publishing Project to create a one-click solution.

​

Scheduled Events

Do you need to run your project according to a set schedule - maybe every night, or once a week? Use the Event Scheduler to manage this!

 

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you need help setting up your Database Connection, please contact us!

bottom of page