BASIS ODBC Driver

The BASIS ODBC Driver can be configured to operate with the UNIX and Windows NT versions of the Data Server. Before executing the procedures below, ensure that the Data Server is installed on the host server and that the BASIS ODBC Driver is installed on the individual Windows workstation(s).

Creating a Data Source

In the ODBC Administrator located in the Control Panel of the Windows workstation, do the following to create a data source:

  1. Define a data source name, which is simply an alias that is used to refer to the data source. Use a short, descriptive name, entering any extended comments in the optional Description field.

  2. Define the location of the data source configuration file (usually named CONFIG.TPM). This file can be located on a local workstation drive or on the host server and accessed via the Data Server, as shown in the following examples:

    Location

    Example

    Local

    C:\basis\project\config.tpm

    Remote (UNIX)

    /<hostserver_name,port=1100>/usr/bbx/project/config.TPM

    Remote (NT)

    /<hostserver_name,port=1100>c:\basis\dictionary\config.tpm

  3. In a text editor, create the CONFIG.TPM file. Define DATA and DICTIONARY entries that point to the appropriate directories and specify the Data Server according to the following guidelines:

    • Use the host server's name, not its IP address. Begin the statement with a forward slash, contain the host server name in brackets, and do not include any blank spaces.

    • The entries for DATA and DICTIONARY must be in upper case.

    • For CONFIG.TPM files that reside on the host server, do not include references to the Data Server.

    The following examples illustrate entries for both local and remote CONFIG.TPM files:

    Location

    Example

    Local (UNIX)

    DICTIONARY=/<hostserver_name,port=1100>/usr/bbx/project/BBDICT/

    DATA=/<hostserver_name,port=1100>/usr/bbx/project/data/

    Local (NT)

    DICTIONARY=/<hostserver_name,port=1100>c:\basis\bbdict\

    DATA=/<hostserver_name,port=1100>c:\basis\data\

    Remote (UNIX)

    DICTIONARY=/usr/bbx/project/BBDICT/

    DATA=/usr/bbx/project/data/

    Remote (NT)

    DICTIONARY=c:\basis\bbdict\

    DATA=c:\basis\data\

    (Refers to the local C drive upon which the Data Server is loaded, not the mapped drive to which workstations have access.)

  4. Save the CONFIG.TPM file in the directory identified in step 2.

  5. Create directories for the DATA and DICTIONARY entries in the directory identified in step 3.

Setting the ODBC Driver Login ID and Specifying Log Files

For UNIX and Windows NT host systems, set a login ID with adequate permissions to enable the workstation BASIS ODBC Driver to communicate with the Data Server, as follows:

  1. In the ODBC Administrator located in the Control Panel of the Windows workstation, select the data source, then click Configure or Setup.

  2. Click Advanced.

  3. Enter the appropriate UNIX login into the Network User ID box. A superuser login should never be specified, as it would be impossible for anyone logged in as superuser to access the Data Server.

  4. To specify a log file to assist in diagnosing ODBC-related problems, do one of the following:

    • To specify a log file for diagnosing data dictionary problems or SQL optimization strategy issues, display the Options dialog and select BASIS ODBC Log File.

    • To specify a log file that monitors all SQL function calls, display the Advanced Options dialog and select SQL Log File.

  5. The BASIS ODBC Driver can now be used from an ODBC-enabled third party application. Refer to the application's documentation for specific information concerning connecting to an ODBC or SQL data source.