Access The L Line The Express Line to Learning 2007 L Line L © Wiley Publishing All Rights Reserved.

Connecting with ODBC 14 * Discovering Open Database Connectivity * Making the SQL Server connection via ODBC * Connecting to a MySQL database * Connecting to file-based databases Stations Along the Way

Open Database Connectivity  Acronym is ODBC  Connects Access to foreign databases by using drivers  Treats foreign databases as though local to Access  Helps Access 2007 act as an SQL client for other relational databases

Pros and Cons of Access as an SQL Client ProsCons InexpensiveBut not free User experience baseInstallation and space requirements Accessible, affordable training Training necessary for advanced features Ubiquitous usageExclusivity to Windows Form and report capabilities Limited SQL support Intuitive interfaceAlternative clients readily available

Making the Connection to SQL Server  Upsize from Access: SQL Server is enterprise-level  Migrate easily: The Upsizing Wizard appears in Access Database Tools  Create a link: Access connects to SQL Server databases  Retain features: Access forms and reports still work  Build prototypes: Test in Access before committing to SQL Server

Creating the DSN Data Source Name (DSN): Information to connect a database client to a database server DSN ComponentExample Unique nameUID=sa Hostname or IP address SERVER= TCP / IP port numberPORT=0 DriverDRIVER=SQL SERVER Database nameDATABASE=Books Table nameTABLE=dbo.Titles

Exploring MySQL through ODBC  Considered the world’s most popular open-source database  Source code available from its creator  Connect through a MySQL Server on the network using a valid user name and password  Obtain more information about MySQL at

MySQL and SQL Server Similarities  Enterprise-level database solutions  Commercially supported  Compliant with SQL standards  Client/server style databases  Greatly concerned with security and data integrity  Multiple versions of product available

Exploring SQLite through ODBC  File-based RDBMS (like Access); not an enterprise capable client/server product  Open-source, free product with source code available  Command line interface or third-party graphical interface tools  Connect to SQLite databases through file share or on a local computer  Obtain more information about SQLite at

Connecting Access to MySQL or SQLite  Download and install an appropriate ODBC driver  Create the DSN  Select the tables to connect with

Discussion Topics What is ODBC? Why do you use ODBC? What’s a DSN?