Setting up an XML data source

To set up an XML data source, you must use the Merant ODBC driver, Crxml15.dll. The driver supports access to the following XML file types:

Note:    This section provides a generic description of how to set up an XML data source. For examples of how to set up data sources for IE5 XML Data Islands and ADO 2.5 persisted XML, visit the Crystal Reports site at:

http://www.seagatesoftware.com/products/crystalreports

Note:    Content on the Crystal Reports web site is available only in English.

The Merant driver requires an XML file structure that can be read like a database. Within an XML file, the first element encountered is considered the "table." Child elements of the node are considered the "rows." Child elements of the row nodes are considered "columns." Child elements of columns are considered part of the columns themselves. In the driver setup, you can use a Table Hint and/or a Row Hint to identify XSL patterns to be used as table and row nodes.

Table Hint

A Table Hint specifies an XSL pattern that indicates a table or rowset. Table Hints should point to a single node; otherwise, the first node in a set of nodes is used as the table node.

Row Hint

A Row Hint specifies an XSL pattern that indicates nodes to be used as rows in the table. The Row Hint also specifies whether the table content is based on an XML element or attribute type.

Specifying Table and Row Hints

The Merant driver assumes that row nodes are the immediate children of the table node:

For examples of how to use hints, see Table and Row Hint examples.

To set up an XML data source
  1. From the Control Panel, double-click ODBC Data Sources.

    The ODBC Data Source Administrator dialog box appears.

    Note:    Crystal Reports installs version 3.510 of the ODBC Data Source Administrator. If you have a different version, steps in this procedure will vary slightly.

  2. Click Add to add a new ODBC data source.

    The Create New Data Source dialog box appears.

  3. Choose CR XML v3.6 from the list.
  4. Click Finish.

    The ODBC XML Driver Setup dialog box appears.

  5. On the General tab, enter a name and description for the XML data source.
  6. Search for your XML data source, or enter its URL or directory path directly.
  7. On the Advanced tab, enter a Table Hint and/or a Row Hint.

    For examples of how to use hints, see Table and Row Hint examples.

    For more information about other options on the Advanced and Options tabs, click the Help button on the ODBC XML Driver Setup dialog box.

  8. Click OK.

    You are returned to the ODBC Data Source Administrator. Your new XML data source is listed as a User Data Source.

  9. Click OK when finished.


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