Oracle Adapter
The Oracle Adapter is used to import (insert), export (select) and amend (update) data in tables on an Oracle database server. This Adapter can be used on the READ (export) side as well as on the WRITE (import) side and will cope with all Oracle databases from version 8 upwards.
General tab
Connection and authentication
Connection mode: This option allows you to choose either "Oracle TNS Names" or "Direct connection" here. If you select TNS Names, the database name you enter below must be defined in the tnsnames.ora file.
Database or TNS: This tells FlowHeater which Oracle database it should connect to.
Schema: By default the Oracle Adapter selects the schema for the user specified for login to the database. If this field is specified, then only the database objects that comply with this schema are shown for the tables/views. If instead you want all Oracle database objects to be offered, you just need to empty the contents of this field.
Authentication: You can either select to use Windows (trusted connection) or Oracle here. This confirms how you want FlowHeater to login to the Oracle database.
trusted connection means FlowHeater logs on to the Oracle database using the currently logged in Windows user.
Oracle means FlowHeater logs on to the database using a specific Oracle user name and password.
User / Password: If you selected ""Oracle" for Authentication above, you must enter here the Oracle database user name and the associated password. Important: The password is only stored for future use if you check the "Save Password" option here. All passwords stored are saved in an encrypted form in the Definition file.
Server / Port: If you selected "Direct connection" for Connection mode above, you must enter the server (DNS or IP) and the TCP/IP port number here. FlowHeater then attempts to connect to the Oracle listener or database using these settings.
Common
Insert data: When this option is checked, SQL Insert statements are generated.
Ignore existing records: During an import and when this option is checked, records that already exist in the table are ignored.
Empty the table before importing: When this is checked you tell the Oracle Adapter to empty the contents of the table prior to running the import, effectively deleting all existing rows.
Update data: When this option is checked, SQL Update statements are generated. Note: If both the Insert and Update options are checked, the Oracle Adapter checks whether an SQL Update or Insert should be generated in each instance, by reference to the PrimaryKey. Tip: If you are certain there is only data to insert then avoid checking the Update option, as this will make the process significantly faster.
No updates or inserts to data, only generate an SQL script: When this option is checked, it signals the Oracle Adapter to make no inline changes to the database, but instead to store an SQL script with Insert and/or Update statements. This is useful for testing during development and for subsequent application to the database. If this option is checked you should also check the option below and enter the filename that the SQL statements are to be stored in.
Generate SQL script: This option instructs the Oracle Adapter to store the change statements (Insert, Update) as an SQL script file with the specified name and path.
Fields / Data types tab
SQL: data available varies according to the side of the Adapter in use:
On the READ side: here you can choose from Tables and Views.
On the WRITE side: only Tables are available.
On the READ side you also have the possibility to enter complex SQL statements in the text field. Table joins must be defined by hand. In the second combo box the tables and views are listed that are available in the specified Oracle database.
Fields: When you click the Load Schema button, information is retrieved from the database schema (field names, field sizes, data types, primary key, etc.) for the SQL statement above. The information about the fields is then loaded into the field list to the left of this button.
Note: The fields in the field list can be ordered in any sequence required. Fields that are not required can either be temporarily disabled here (tick removed) or simply deleted.
Field properties: How the properties of Primary Key and Auto Increment for the currently highlighted field are to be interpreted are adjusted. This information is only required on the WRITE side. No changes are needed here generally, since the correct information is usually obtained directly from the schema.
A PrimaryKey field is used in an Update to identify record that possibly exists.
Auto Increment fields are neither assigned nor amended in Insert/Update statements.
Warning: If you make changes here it can result in more than one record being updated with an Update!
Adapter settings in the Format tab
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