Data Sources

Data sources are SQL statements that can be used to populate information in different ways across multiple forms. Data sources can save the form user time completing information you already have in your database, help ensure inaccurate information isn't entered, and can keep questions limited to specific choices. There are five types of data sources you can use:

· Options can use information in your database to populate drop-down, radio button, and checkbox lists. For example, you can populate a state drop-down list on your form with a state list from your EX database.

· Auto Completes provide a typeahead feature that lets form users start typing a field/question response and then pick from a list of options that automatically appear.

· Look Ups use a 'trigger' question which completes other fields on the form based on information the form user enters or selects. For example, if a faculty member enters their email address, the first and last name fields on the form can be automatically completed for them based on information you have in your database.

· Access Control Lists let you limit who can access your form. For example, you may create a homecoming voting form, but only allow upperclassman to vote.

· Waiver Codes can be used when a payment is associated with your form and your school allows the fee to be waived in certain circumstances.

You can use Jenzabar-provided JZB SQL statements or create your own so you can populate your forms with frequently used database information. Data sources are not limited to one form. You can reuse them as needed.

Prefix a value with ## in the SQL to hold the place for a value to be inserted at execution.

Trailing Spaces

Database columns frequently use CHAR data types, which pad values with trailing spaces. This can cause issues when comparing the user entry with what exists in the database. Extra spaces might prevent it from matching.

For example, database might have "NC" as a state and when the user enters "NC ," trailing spaces might be added.

How To

Create a Datasource

Set Up an Options Datasource

An auto complete suggests options the form user can select from as they enter their response.

SAMPLE SQL

1. Log in to the campus portal as an administrator and access EX FormFlow - Forms.

2. Click Manage Forms. The Manage Forms page appears.

3. From the Form Admin toolbar, click the Tools drop-down list, then select Data Sources. The Data Source page appears.

4. Click the Add icon to the right of the DataSource drop-down list. The previously inactive fields become active.

5. In the Name field, enter a name for the datasource you want to create.

6. From the Use Database drop-down, select the database you want to pull the data from. This could your EX database or another external database you are using with EX FormFlow - Forms.

7. In the DataSource Query field, enter your SQL query that will select and/or filter the information in your database that you want to make available in your form.

8. Click Save DataSource.

9. Click Manage Forms. The Manage Forms page appears.

10. Click on the form you are working with.

11. Click on the tab you want to work with.

12. Right-click on the textbox question you are associating the datasource with and select Properties. The Edit Item window appears.

13. Click the Options tab.

14. Select Dynamic Options.

15. From the Options Source drop-down, select the data source you created.

16. Click Save.

Set Up a Look Up

In order to limit the form to select users, a selection query must exist or be created to let the campus portal know who should have access to the form.

SAMPLE SQL

1. Log in to the campus portal as an administrator and access EX FormFlow - Forms.

2. Click Manage Forms. The Manage Forms page appears.

3. To create a selection query:

a. From the Form Admin toolbar, click the Tools drop-down list, then select Data Sources. The Data Source page appears.

b. Click the Add icon to the right of the DataSource drop-down list. The previously inactive fields become active.

c. In the Name field, enter a name for the filter you want to apply.

d. From the Use Database drop-down, select the database you want to pull the access list from. This could your EX database or another external database you are using with EX FormFlow - Forms.

e. Select the Is Access Control List check box.

f. In the DataSource Query field, enter your SQL query that will select the users you want to access the form. This could be by student classification, employee status, relation to student, etc. Sample query

g. Click Save DataSource.

h. Click Manage Forms. The Manage Forms page appears.

4. Click on the form you are working with.

5. Click Form Settings. The Form Information window appears.

6. Click the Access/Security tab.

7. From the Limit Access to drop-down, select the appropriate data source.

8. Click Save.

Data Sources

Trailing Spaces

How To

FAQs

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