Direct

Overview

Direct is the connector type for direct database access. In the repository seed data it is stored as DIRECT with ConnectorTypeID = 9, the description Direct access, OLE DB behavior disabled, and the Azure source type AzureSqlDatabase.

Function

Use the Direct connector type when a connector should reference an existing SQL database directly through server and database metadata instead of a generic connection string.

When DIRECT is selected in the Connector detail page, AnalyticsCreator hides the generic connection-string editor and the Template action. It shows the Direct-specific fields Server name, Database name, Server SQLCMD variable, and Database SQLCMD variable.

Saving a Direct connector requires a connector name, connector type, and database name. AnalyticsCreator validates the SQLCMD variable fields, stores the server and database values on the connector record, leaves the generic connection string empty, saves the selected Azure source type, and refreshes the navigation tree.

Access

Direct connector type configuration is opened through the common connector editor. The connector type itself is selected in the Connector type field.

How to access

Navigation tree

Data warehouse -> Connectors -> Add connector, or Data warehouse -> Connectors -> CONNECTOR -> Edit connector

Toolbar

Sources -> New connector -> Add, or Sources -> List -> Connectors

Diagram

Not direct. Edit a Direct connector from the Connectors list or connector node.

Visual element

Connector detail page, Connectors list, and Connectors navigation-tree node.

Screen overview

The Connector detail page contains the following visible fields and actions when the Direct connector type is selected.

ID Property Description
1You can use #ENCRYPTED_STRING# alias instead of plain-text passwords. You can add encrypted string using Options->Encrypted stringsHelp text shown at the top of the Connector page. For Direct, the generic connection-string editor is hidden after this connector type is selected.
2Connector nameConnector name. Saving requires a non-empty value.
3Connector typeSelect DIRECT.
4Azure source typeStores the Azure source type associated with the connector. The seeded Direct connector type uses AzureSqlDatabase.
5Do not store connection string in CFG.SSIS__ConfigurationsStores the connector's SSIS-configuration flag. The Direct connector keeps server and database settings in Direct-specific fields rather than in the generic connection-string box.
6Server nameOptional SQL Server name. The connection test prefixes the database reference with this server when the value is present.
7Database nameTarget database name. Saving a Direct connector requires this field.
8Server SQLCMD variableSQLCMD variable for the server name. AnalyticsCreator validates the variable text before saving.
9Database SQLCMD variableSQLCMD variable for the database name. AnalyticsCreator validates the variable text before saving.
10Test connectionRuns a simple query against the configured database reference, using the server name when present, and shows a success message when the query completes.
11SaveSaves the connector, refreshes the navigation tree, and reloads the saved connector page.
12CancelReturns to the previous page. If there are unsaved changes, AnalyticsCreator asks whether to save or cancel the navigation.

List behavior

  • The Connectors list filters by connector name, connector type id, connection string, locale, code page, or format.
  • The list grid shows ConnectorName, ConnectorType, and ConnectionString.
  • Double-clicking a connector opens it in the Connector detail page.
  • New opens a new Connector detail page. Delete removes the selected connector after confirmation.

Connector actions

  • The Connectors branch provides Refresh, List connectors, Add connector, Import connector from file, and Import connector from cloud.
  • A selected connector provides Set diagram filter, Add to diagram filter, Edit connector, Delete connector, DWH Wizard, Refresh used sources, Refresh all sources, Export connector to file, and Export connector to cloud.
  • The Direct connector type is displayed with the direct-link connector icon when connector nodes are rendered.

Related topics