Form Builder Data Sources

A data source is an element used in the Form Builder to retrieve information from database tables. This information can be retrieved through one of the following means: by specifying a database table that points to the data source, by specifying a query (SQL statement) or view, or by using a pre-defined rowsource.

Note: In certain situations, the data source type “query” does not provide an efficient means to specify the data source. For example, if you want to use complex SQL queries. In these cases, you can use rowsources, which enable you to build an array list based on parameters or to manipulate an SQL statement. Define the rowsources to display them in the list of data source types (in the Type field).

In this example, the data source points to a specific database table (EMPLOYEE). The data source has been named dsEmployee.

In this example, the data source points to a query. A script always accompanies the query. The script points to two database tables VOLUNTEER and GOOD_DEED. These tables contain the information along with the parameters specified in the query, that is extracted:

Important – Writing PL/SQL Code for Different Databases:

You should be familiar with what PL/SQL code the database you are using accepts and does not accept. For example, some PL/SQL code can be read by an Oracle database but not by a DB2 database. The code must be modified for the report to work as required. In this document, alternative code is supplied in the Process Steps for building sample reports. In some cases however, you must be familiar with PL/SQL for the database you are using before creating reports using the Form Builder.

You can have more than one data source within a report and each data source can only point to one database table, query, or view. If the data source is more complicated than a simple query, you can also use rowsources.