Repository¶

The repository is not an actual data source but a collection of saved connections.

Adding a connection to the repository can be done using the ‘New report wizard’ or ‘Database expert’. In both cases, the name to be used for the connection can be entered.

The use of a repository helps a report developer who is not familiar with the database to understand which tables should be used for what kind of reports. For example, the user might not know that the tables salesp, customer, and orderhea (DataFlex order entry example) can and should be used for 'order type' reports. With a repository entry named accordingly, the user will be assisted as all three tables are opened and links between the tables are created.

Repository connections can be maintained via the ‘Repository Explorer’ from the ‘View’ menu. Using the explorer, the repository name can be renamed, an entry can be deleted, and the properties of all the connections stored in the repository can be viewed.

Repository information is stored in the dr.db file. Distribution of this file to a license holder of a DataFlex Reports Standard Edition is possible.