User`s guide

• Direct access database files
• ODBC data sources
• OLE DB
• Business Views
• Crystal SQL Designer files
• Crystal Dictionary files
Each type of data must be accessed using a specific set of Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) and other
data access-related files. Once you understand the process the program uses to access each type of
data, you will have a better understanding of the report creation process and the elements used to
create powerful reports with your data.
Note:
When accessing any type of data, Crystal Reports relies on the database drivers to provide field names,
field types, and field lengths. This information is provided by either the database engine or the ODBC
database driver.
A.2 Direct access database files
Crystal Reports can access many of the most common PC database formats directly. In other words,
the program has the built-in capabilities needed to directly open database files and tables designed in
dBASE, FoxPro, Clipper, Pervasive, Paradox, and Microsoft Access, among others. This functionality
exists as soon as you install Crystal Reports. Once the program is installed on your system, you can
immediately begin creating reports based on these databases by selecting the appropriate file.
A.2.1 Advantages
Accessing the database directly is the fastest way to read the data. Crystal Reports only needs to talk
to a single data access layer that provides contact with the data. Report results can be obtained quickly
in almost any system environment.
In addition, data access is simple. Direct access database files are point-and-click data sources. You
need only select the required database files, and Crystal Reports will read all the stored data.
A.2.2 Disadvantages
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Accessing Data Sources