A data source (also described as an entity) is a repository object that represents a file in a directory or a table in a database. It is the object that contains (or links to) your actual data, with rows of data divided into attributes (which represent the table columns).
There are two kinds of data sources you can add to the Discovery Center. Each offers benefits depending on your data and the type of project you are working on:
- Profiled. A copy of your physical data, loaded into the repository. This type of fully-loaded data source offers a range of profiling metadata with which to work. When you use profiled data sources, the Discovery Center references a copy of your physical data. The original data file is not accessed or manipulated in any way. If your physical data changes, you must create a new profiled data source to represent the most current data.
- Dynamic. A link to a table or file that resides in an external data source. This type of data source does not represent data imported (or copied) into the repository, but rather data dynamically linked to the repository. When you use dynamic data sources, the Discovery Center references your physical data stored in a database, table, or file. The benefit of dynamic data sources is that you are working with data that you know is current for the activity you are performing because you can, at any time, refresh the data. For dynamic data source guidelines, see About Dynamic Data Sources.
For a comparison of data source functionality, see Comparing Profiled and Dynamic Data Source.
Click the links below to learn more about using data sources:
- Searching data sources using filters or from the Home page Find panel
- Viewing data source search results
- Adding data sources
- Exporting data source search results and data source metadata
- Viewing Data Rows
- Viewing and exporting attributes
- Viewing data source summaries and attribute details
- Viewing and editing properties
- Exporting business rule results for specific data sources
- Deleting Data Sources