Source

Overview

A Source is a repository entity that describes an external source object available through a connector. Sources define where data comes from, how the object is identified, which source type is used, and which source columns are available for imports, exports, references, constraints, previews, and diagram relationships.

Function

Use the Source entity to maintain source metadata such as source schema, source name, connector, source type, friendly name, path, description, anonymization check statement, optional query text, and source-column definitions.

Source behavior depends on the selected connector and source type. CSV and file-based connectors expose file path and directory-processing fields. SAP connectors expose DeltaQ and ODP fields. Azure Blob sources expose blob and CSV parsing settings. OData sources expose OData type, resource path, and query options. SQL query sources expose a Query tab and can test the query before saving.

When a source is saved, AnalyticsCreator validates required values, prevents changing an existing source to a connector of another connector type, saves the source and source columns, refreshes the interface for new or renamed sources, and refreshes source metadata when the saved query changes.

Access

Sources can be opened from the Sources ribbon tab, from a connector's Sources node in the repository navigation tree, from the sources list, or by double-clicking a source object in the dataflow diagram.

How to access

Navigation tree

Data warehouse -> Connectors -> CONNECTOR -> Sources -> SOURCE

Toolbar

Sources -> List -> Sources

Diagram

SOURCE -> double-click

Visual element

Sources list, Source detail page, and source object in the dataflow diagram.

Screen overview

The Source detail page contains the following visible fields, tabs, and actions.

ID Property Description
1Source NameName of the source object. Saving requires a non-empty value.
2Source SchemaSource schema or source directory, depending on the connector type. For Azure Blob sources, this field is shown as Directory and is required.
3ConnectorConnector that owns the source. Saving requires a connector, and an existing source cannot be changed to a connector of another connector type.
4GroupOptional source group used to organize source nodes below a connector.
5TypeSource type. Seeded types include TABLE, VIEW, SAP_DELTAQ, QUERY, and SAP_ODP. The selectable values depend on the connector type.
6Friendly nameOptional business label for the source.
7Anonymization check statementOptional statement used with source anonymization and checks.
8DescriptionFree-text description for the source.
9PathFile path used by file-based source definitions. The browse button can fill the path and, when the source name is empty, use the selected file name as the source name.
10Process files in directoryEnables directory processing for file-based connectors. When enabled, Directory, File extension, and Include subdirectories become editable.
11Directory / File extension / Include subdirectoriesDirectory-processing settings for file-based sources.
12Blob typeAzure Blob source setting used when the connector type supports blob sources.
13OData TypeOData mode selection. Available values are Collection and Resource path.
14ResourcePath / QueryOptionsOData settings used when the source reads a resource path or passes query options.
15DefinitionSource-column grid. Columns include Column Name, OrderNr, Data Type, MaxLength, NumPrec, NumScale, Nullable, PK Ordinal Position, Anonymize, Friendly name, Display folder, Referenced column, References, Description, and connector-specific fields.
16QuerySQL query editor shown for QUERY source types. Saving a query source requires query text.
17CSV propertiesAzure Blob CSV settings: Column names first row, Code page, Text qualifier, and Column delimiter. The delimiter note supports {CR}, {LF}, and {t} notation.
18SAP DeltaQ / ODPSAP-specific panel for Extractor or Context, Mode, Auto sync., DeltaQ Type, Log.Destination, RFC Destination, ODP Semantic, Supports full, and Supports delta.
19Get CSV structureReads a CSV file and replaces the existing source columns after confirmation. It detects string, numeric, integer, and datetime columns and sets length, precision, scale, and text-qualified flags.
20Test queryFor QUERY source types, the same action tests the SQL query instead of parsing CSV structure.
21ConstraintsOpens source constraints for a saved source. Unsaved sources must be stored before constraints can be maintained.
22SaveValidates the source, saves source metadata and columns, refreshes the interface for new or renamed sources, and refreshes source metadata when query text changes.
23CancelReturns to the previous page. If there are unsaved changes, AnalyticsCreator asks whether to save or cancel the navigation.

List behavior

  • The sources list filters by description, connector name, source schema, and source name.
  • When the list is opened from a connector context, it is filtered to that connector.
  • The list grid shows Source Schema, Source Name, Connector, Type, Path, Friendly name, and Description.
  • Double-clicking a source row opens the selected source in the Source detail page.
  • Delete removes the selected source after confirmation.

Source actions

  • The Sources node below a connector provides List sources, Create new source, and Read source from connector.
  • For CSV connectors, Read source from connector opens the source definition page directly. Other connector types open the new-source assistant and can continue to the source definition page.
  • A selected source provides Locate in diagram, Set diagram filter, Add to diagram filter, Edit source, Delete source, Add import, Add export, and Refresh structure.
  • Below a source, the navigation tree exposes Columns, Constraints, and References.
  • Preview opens the CSV file for CSV sources or opens the preview dialog for other source types.

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