Introduction
Pixel Perfect Reports is a powerful tool for creating reports. At the heart of Pixel Perfect Reports lies the concept of "data sources," which plays a crucial role in how reports fetch and display data. Whether you're new to Pixel Perfect Reports or a seasoned professional, understanding data sources is fundamental to designing effective reports. This blog post delves into the essentials of data sources in Pixel Perfect Reports.
What is a Data Source in Pixel Perfect Reports?
In Pixel Perfect Reports, a data source is a connection to a database where the reporting data resides. It defines the connection details and credentials required to access the data. Data sources are integral to Pixel Perfect Reports as they specify where and how to retrieve the data needed for reporting.
Data Sources in Pixel Perfect Reports
Shared Data Sources:
1. Shared data sources are defined at the Pixel Perfect Reports application level and can be used by multiple reports. This promotes reusability and consistency across reports.
2. Simplifies management and maintenance of connection details and ensures uniformity across reports.
Creating a Shared Data Source
1. In the Designer, click the Tools in the main menu, then click the Add Data Source menu to open the Reference Database dialog.
2. Following the instruction in the Reference Database dialog to add the datasource.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Errors: In the designer, click on the Tools main menu, then click on Maintain Data Source menu. Click the 'Test Connection' button to verify the connection string is correct.
Data Source Changes: In the designer, click on the Tools main menu, then click on Maintain Data Source menu. Click the 'Get the latest database Schema' button to update the changes.
Conclusion
Data sources in Pixel Perfect Reports are a fundamental component of report design and management. Managing them effectively is crucial for building reliable and efficient reports.