How to Work with Processes > Working with the Remote Database Processes Group

Process Purpose

The Local File to DB process is used to import data (insert records) from a data file into a database table located in a specific Host server.

This data source must always be connected/linked to the operating system being used. See To create a Data Source in the PC.

When you add a process, you are required to define its settings. This occurs in the process's properties window which is displayed automatically after having added the Local File to DB process. The properties window includes two tabs - "General" and "Advanced".

If any subsequent edition is required, double-click the process to open its properties window and enter the necessary modifications.

General tab

Fill in the following options:

Host Name
Host Name	Select a Host profile from the drop-down list or click to create a new one. See How to Create a Host Profile or The <Default> Host Profile.
Data Source	Select the database for the import from the drop-down list or click to add one. See To Add a Data Source to MCL-Designer V4.
Insert into ‘table’ (DB Fields…) values (…)
Table Name	Select the table that will receive the imported records from the drop-down list.
Local File Name	Select the source data file that contains the records to import from the drop-down list. If needed, click to edit the data file. See Editing a Data File.
DB Field Name	Select the field(s) that will receive the imported records from the drop-down list.
Value/Variable	Select the data file value or click and select a variable with that value. You can insert records with up to 80 values at once. See Variable Definition.

Example

The selected import destination is the "Inventory" database, more specifically, the "Items" table (the "ItemNumber" and "ItemDescription" table fields).

The imported data ("<Product>" and "<Description>")come from the local file "<Inv>".

Use the editing icons to the right of the table to move the rows up and down and to delete or add more rows.

Go to the "Advanced" tab.

Advanced tab

If … Go to
ODBC Error	Select a target location from the drop-down list or the list, if an "ODBC Error" occurs. See Detail of a window below.
Com. Error	Select a target location from the drop-down list or the list, in case there is a communications error. See Detail of a window below.
SQL request name (Must be unique)
SQL User Name	Define a unique name for the SQL request. One is always suggested.

Detail of window:

"S:Menu" is a screen included in the same program as the process.

"R:Routine_1" is a routine included in the same program as the process.

If required, use the following recurring icons on the process window:

Used to setup a timeout. See To Define a Time Out.

Used to create a new data file. See Creating a Data File.

Used to edit a Data File. See Editing a Data File.

Used to test SQL Scripts. See To Test SQL Scripts

After filling in the required options, click to conclude or to abort the operation.

The added process is displayed in the corresponding "Actions" tab or "Process" window.

You can use relative paths to refer the file(s) you want to use in your project. See Working with Aliases.

Use the right click in MCL-Designer's input boxes to access certain features regarding the input box's option as well as general actions such as "Copy"; "Paste"; "Search".

Ex: If you right-click the "Variable" input box (included in a "Conversion's" properties window), you are provided with the "Search..."and "Variable Select" options.

If you right-click another input box, it will provide other possibilities.