Excel

Overview

Excel is the connector type for Microsoft Excel files. In the repository seed data it is stored as EXCEL with ConnectorTypeID = 4, the description Excel file, OLE DB behavior enabled, and the Azure source type FileServer.

Function

Use the Excel connector type when a connector should read from an Excel workbook through an OLE DB connection string.

When EXCEL is selected in the Connector detail page, AnalyticsCreator shows the standard connection-string editor, the Template action, and the Test connection action. The template inserts a Microsoft ACE OLE DB connection string with an Excel file path placeholder and Excel-specific extended properties.

Saving an Excel connector requires a connector name and connector type. If a connection string is present, AnalyticsCreator stores the Excel quoted identifier as a backtick, saves the connector, and refreshes the navigation tree.

Access

Excel 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 an Excel 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 Excel 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. The connection-string context menu can insert an encrypted-string alias.
2Connector nameConnector name. Saving requires a non-empty value.
3Connector typeSelect EXCEL.
4Azure source typeStores the Azure source type associated with the connector. The seeded Excel connector type uses FileServer.
5Do not store connection string in CFG.SSIS__ConfigurationsControls whether the connector connection string is excluded from SSIS configuration storage.
6Connection stringOLE DB connection string for the Excel workbook.
7TemplateInserts Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=[FULLPATH_TO_FILE];Extended Properties="Excel 12.0 Xml;HDR=YES;IMEX=1";.
8Test connectionDecrypts encrypted-string aliases if used, opens the connection through OLE DB, and shows a success message when the connection opens.
9SaveSaves the connector, stores the Excel quoted identifier as a backtick when a connection string is present, refreshes the navigation tree, and reloads the saved connector page.
10CancelReturns 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 Excel connector type is displayed with the Excel connector icon when connector nodes are rendered.

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