The Data Source Wizard supports several data source types for maximum flexibility. Each data source type is defined on where or how you store data. This table helps you decide which data source type is best for you.
| Explore Considerations | Choose Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CSV Files | SQL Queries | Database Table Data Sources | |
| Summary |
A file with data that is separated by commas or some other specified delimiter character. You can save an Excel spreadsheet as a CSV file and use this file to stage a database table in the Pentaho Repository. If the data in the CSV file changes, you have to upload the updated file through the Data Source Wizard again. CSV files can be uploaded directly to the Pentaho Repository without a data connection. This option creates a multidimensional model for Analyzer only and a relational model for Interactive Reports, Dashboard Designer, and Analyzer. |
An SQL query written against a relational database defines the data you want to use in Interactive Reports or Analyzer. You can customize how columns are presented to users who are building queries against the new data source; for example, you define column names and select options that indicate how data is aggregated (sum, min., max., etc.), and more. This option creates a multidimensional model for Analyzer only and a relational model for Interactive Reports, Dashboard reports, and Analyzer. |
Database Table data sources allow you to create relational database tables containing the data you want to use in Interactive Reports or Analyzer. This data source type supports a broad range of use cases including relational reporting directly against an operational data store (ODS) or creating a data source for multidimensional analysis against a star schema. |
| Expertise | Knowledge of basic database structures. | Knowledge of basic database structures and SQL. | Knowledge of relational and/or multidimensional database structures. |
| Time | Approximately 10 minutes | Approximately 20 minutes | Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Best Practices | This data source makes it easier to evaluate or create development prototypes. | This data source type works well when you are evaluating or creating development prototypes. | To use Database Table data sources for evaluating or creating development prototypes, limit the data in the tables to sample data that is representative of your production data. |