Using External

If the data for the DataWindow object does not come from a database (either through a native SAP database interface or through a standard database interface), specify External as the data source. You then specify the data columns and their types so PowerBuilder can build the appropriate DataWindow object to hold the data. These columns make up the result set. PowerBuilder places the columns you specified in the result set in the DataWindow object.

To define the data using External:

  1. Click External in the Choose Data Source dialog box in the wizard and click Next.

    The Define Result Set dialog box displays for you to specify the first column in the result set.

  2. Enter the name and type of the column.

    Available datatypes are listed in the drop-down list. The number datatype is equivalent to the PowerBuilder double datatype.

  3. Click Add to enter the name and type of any additional columns you want in the result set.

  4. Click Next when you have added all the columns you want.

What you do next

In code, you need to tell PowerBuilder how to get data into the DataWindow object in your application. Typically, you import data at runtime using a method (such as ImportFile or ImportString) or do some data manipulation and use the SetItem method to populate the DataWindow.

For more about these methods, see DataWindow Reference.

You can also import data values from an external file into the DataWindow object or report.

To import the data values from an external file:

  1. Make sure the Preview view of the DataWindow object is selected.

  2. Select Rows > Import from the menu bar.

    The Select Import File dialog box displays.

  3. Select the type of files to list from the List Files of Type drop-down list (an XML, CSV, TXT, or DBF file).

  4. Enter the name of the import file and click OK.

    Alternatively, you can select the name from the file list. Use the Drives drop-down list and the Directories box as needed to display the list of files that includes the one you want.