About ODBC
ODBC stands for "Open Database Connectivity". This is a standard that
provides applications with a common interface to data held in relational
databases. Any application that can act as an ODBC client can access data
held in any relational database that has a suitable ODBC driver.
ODBC accepts Structured Query Language (SQL) data requests from the client application and translates these into a form acceptable to the target database engine. This is sometimes hidden from the user because the client application has its own "query-by example" interface. The flow of data is two-way. SQL is both a data retrieval language and a data definition language. Using SQL, you can create data tables, indexes, inter-table relationships. You can define 'views' of the data. You can insert, delete and update data rows.
You first need to install ODBC support. However, you only need do this once and the world of database connectivity is yours. ODBC drivers are available for Access, Borland Paradox, Lotus Approach, dBase, Foxpro, Clipper, Sybase, SQL Server, Oracle, et al. ODBC drivers are also available for some applications that use databases, e.g., Corel Time Line. ODBC drivers are also available for some spreadsheet applications, and text (comma separated values).
The important point is that ODBC provides a common interface to the data. It doesn't matter that the data is in Access, Paradox, dBase et al. they are all ODBC data sources to WordPerfect and you can use the same tools to interact with them all.
Why use ODBC?
No-one in their right mind would use a word processor to manage a database, right?
The answer, normally, is "Yes", simply because of the work necessary to do this. I'm going
on record here as recommending that you use a proper DBMS to manage databases.
However, there are times when you have no choice, e.g. I've encountered clients who
refuse to purchase the required DBMS software.
Note that the above paragraph emphasises data management. Frequently, you need the data in a word processor (WordPerfect, in our case). At times, the best way to insert the data into a word processor document is by using ODBC.
My personal uses include parts indentification lists for servicing manuals, report production, et al. Some times, I required the data in more than one application and ODBC frequently provided the most elegant solution.
Index | About ODBC | Installing ODBC | Interacting with the data | SQL Syntax | Macros
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updated on 21 June 1997
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