Source

Overview

Source in the dataflow diagram represents an input object supplied by a connector. It shows where external data enters the model and how that data can feed imports, exports, transformations, references, and downstream warehouse objects.

Function

A source object appears as a selectable label on the dataflow diagram. Users can focus it in the navigation tree, use it as a diagram filter, preview its data, refresh its structure, open its reference diagram, or start related import and export work from the same context.

Double-clicking a source opens the source editor. The editor maintains the source name, schema, connector, group, type, friendly name, description, path, query, directory options, and column definition. File-based sources also expose CSV and directory settings, while query-based sources use the Query tab.

Refresh actions compare the source definition with the connected data provider and can update columns, keys, descriptions, imported-table metadata, and source references. This keeps the diagram and the source editor aligned with the external structure used by the model.

Access

Sources can be listed from the Sources toolbar tab, managed from the Sources branch in the navigation tree, and opened directly from a visible source label on the dataflow diagram. The diagram canvas also supports adding a new data source from the Add menu.

How to access

Sources -> connector -> Sources -> source

Toolbar

Sources -> Sources

Diagram

Source label context menu, source label double-click, or diagram canvas Add -> Data source

Visual element

Source object on the dataflow diagram and the source editor

Screen overview

ID Property Description
1Source objectRepresents connector-provided input data on the dataflow diagram.
2Source labelShows the source name or friendly name in the diagram canvas.
3Locate in treeSelects the same source in the navigation tree from the diagram context menu.
4Set filterRebuilds the diagram around the selected source object.
5Add to filterAdds the source to the current diagram filter without replacing the existing focus.
6Store filterSaves the current filtered diagram view for later reuse.
7Remove filterClears the active diagram filter and returns to the broader diagram view.
8Add -> Data sourceStarts source creation from the diagram canvas or object context menu.
9Add importStarts import creation using the selected source as the input context.
10Add exportStarts export creation using the selected source context.
11Refresh sourceRefreshes the selected source from its connector metadata.
12Preview dataOpens a read-only preview of the selected source data.
13Show reference diagramDisplays active, inactive, or all relationships for the selected source.
14Object groupsOpens group membership for the selected source object.
15Double-click sourceOpens the source editor for the selected diagram object.
16Locate in diagramOpens or focuses the dataflow diagram from a source node in the navigation tree.
17Set diagram filterFilters the diagram from the navigation-tree source context menu.
18Add to diagram filterAdds the navigation-tree source to the current diagram filter.
19Edit sourceOpens the source editor from the source context menu.
20Refresh structureCompares the source structure with the provider and opens the editor when changes are detected.
21List sourcesOpens the source list for the selected connector or for all sources.
22Create new sourceCreates a manually maintained source under the selected connector.
23Read source from connectorStarts a guided flow for reading available source definitions from a connector.
24Source NameDefines the technical source name shown in lists, editors, and diagram labels.
25Source SchemaDefines the source schema, namespace, or directory context.
26ConnectorShows which connector owns or provides the source.
27GroupAssigns the source to an optional group used for organization and filtering.
28TypeIdentifies whether the source is table-based, query-based, file-based, or connector-specific.
29Friendly nameStores the business-friendly name used in user-facing views.
30DescriptionDocuments the purpose of the source for other model users.
31PathStores the file or provider path when the source type requires one.
32Process files in directoryEnables directory processing for file-based sources.
33Directory, File extension, Include subdirectoriesControls which files are read when a file-based source processes a directory.
34DefinitionContains the source column definition grid.
35QueryStores custom query text for query-based sources.
36Column NameNames each column available from the source.
37Data TypeDefines the data type used for a source column.
38PK Ordinal PositionMarks the source column position used for key handling.
39Referenced columnLinks a source column to a referenced column when a relationship is maintained.
40Get CSV structureReads a CSV file and fills the column grid from the detected structure.
41ConstraintsOpens source constraint maintenance after the source has been saved.
42SaveSaves the source definition and refreshes the editor when needed.
43CancelLeaves the source editor without applying unsaved changes.

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