Using Parameterized Data Paths to Load Different Data Sets in a Published Project
In some cases, a Visual Discovery AE project can be
dynamically switched to point to different data sources. This is
almost always used with standard published projects where the data
is loaded into the project, each session, from the original source text
file.
In another scenario, guided Ad hoc generated VISDISAE data sets
can be saved at runtime, to specific directories, based on the user
name and timestamp. Using this information, Visual Discovery AE
links can be created with parameters that define the path to find
the newly generated data set. It is also used to redirect users
to Visual Discovery projects with their customized data set.
Note:
- Each data set generated for a specific project
must be in the original format. All the fields used in the original
data set must also be found in any other data set used.
- While using Parameterized Data Paths, the data set is loaded
into its own space of memory. Therefore, if another user were to
load the same Parameterized Data Path, additional memory space is
required.
For more information on scalability, see the WebFOCUS Visual
Discovery Analyst Edition Implementation Guide.
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Procedure: How to Configure Visual Discovery AE Parameterized Data Paths
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In the directory where the original
source text file (for example, visdisae.txt) is located, create
a directory beginning with two ampersand (&) characters.
For example, in the visdisproj directory, create a folder
called &&COUNTRY.
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Copy the visdisae.txt file to the new &&COUNTRY folder.
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Open WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench AE and load
data from the visdisae.txt text file.
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Develop and publish the project.
For more information, see Designing a Project Using WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench AE and Publishing Visual Discovery AE Projects to a Larger (Web-Based) Audience.
Note: When
publishing the project, ensure that the Embed Data option is not
selected in the Publish Dashboard dialog box. This ensures that
data can be dynamically loaded from different data sets.
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Copy the generated link, which is to be modified later.
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Simulate ReportCaster bursting using FTP, or use ad hoc demand.
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Copy and paste the &&COUNTRY folder.
Rename this new folder instance as FRANCE. Remove all rows that
are not associated with FRANCE in the visdisae.txt file.
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Copy and paste the &&COUNTRY folder. Rename
this new folder instance as ENGLAND. Remove all rows that are not
associated with ENGLAND in the visdisae.txt file.
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Create a backup of the &&COUNTRY folder and then
delete this folder.
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Add Parameterized Data Path links to the WebFOCUS BI
Portal.
Update the generated link provided by WebFOCUS Visual Discovery Workbench
AE.
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Add the visParms query string parameter.
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Set the visParms query string parameter value
to the original && base folder (for example, COUNTRY).
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Add FRANCE or ENGLAND as the expected folder to the visParms query
string parameter value.
The following is the format of the query string parameter:
visParms=<Original_Base_Folder_Name>:<Actual_Folder_Name>
For example:
http://localhost/ADV/Projects/Demo/carvisdisae.aspx?visParms=COUNTRY:FRANCE
http://localhost/ADV/Projects/Demo/carvisdisae.aspx?visParms=COUNTRY:ENGLAND