If the data for the report does not come from a database (either through a native Sybase database interface or through ODBC), specify External as the data source. You then specify the data columns and their types so InfoMaker can build the appropriate report to hold the data. These columns make up the result set. InfoMaker places the columns you specified in the result set in the report.
Using ODBC drivers instead of External
If you installed ODBC drivers when you installed InfoMaker,
you have an ODBC dBASE driver and an ODBC text driver on your computer.
If you configure ODBC data sources for the text file driver and the dBASE driver, you can access data that resides in a dBASE file or a tab-separated text file. To configure data sources, use the ODBC Administrator, a Windows utility that is accessible from within the Utilities folder in the Database painter.
Accessing data by means of the ODBC drivers is easier than using External as your data source, because External requires you to specify your data as a result set. In other words, to use External you have to know your data.
For information on ODBC drivers, see Connecting to Your Database.
To define the data using External:
Click External in the Choose Data Source dialog box in the wizard and click Next.
The Define Result Set dialog box displays for you to specify the first column in the result set.
Enter the name and type of the column.
Available datatypes are listed in the drop-down list.
Click Add to enter the name and type of any additional columns you want in the result set.
Click Next when you have added all the columns you want.
Now you must import the data values from the file into the report. This is similar to retrieving data from the database.
To import the data values from an external file:
Make sure the Preview view of the report is selected.
Select Rows>Import from the menu bar.
The Select Import File dialog box displays.
Select the type of files to list from the List Files of Type drop-down list (an XML, CSV, TXT, or DBF file).
Enter the name of the import file and click OK.
Alternatively, you can select the name from the file list. Use the Drives drop-down list and the Directories box as needed to display the list of files that includes the one you want.
