Connecting to your XML data

Objective

To create an XML datasource by entering database connection information.

Procedure

1. Click the "Datasources" button

Click the Data Sources button on the AutoTag Manager ribbon. This will open theConnection Editor window.

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2. Select a Vendor

Select your data vendor here. For this example, we'll be using an XML file, which is listed as "XML (file or url)." Take a look at the other options to find your data vendor's name.

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3. Name It

Give your datasource a name in the name bar at the top of the window. This name can be used later on to identify your datasource both when adding data, or if you use the datasource in another template.

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4. Select an XML file

Select an XML file where your datasource will get data from. You may click "Browse" and browse for a local file, or enter a web address that points to a .xml file.

For this example, we'll use one of the sample file that comes with AutoTag. It's located in Documents > AutoTag > data. The filename is "SouthWind.xml"

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5. Test the Connection

Click "Test" to test the connection. This will verify that the information you have entered is correct.

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6. Click "Connect" to Add It

Your database will now be listed under “Active” in the connections tab. Click "OK" to finish. Any errors will appear at the bottom in red.

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7. Verify the Data is Accessible

After adding a datasource and closing out of the Connection Editor, the data bin will automatically open. Look at the information listed in the data bin to verify your data is there. In addition, the status icon on the “Data Sources” button will turn green if all your datasources are connected correctly!

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Quiz Yourself!

How do you add a datasource?
I don't add datasources in AutoTag, I have to do that from the command line where I generate the document
By clicking the "Datasources" button in the AutoTag Manager ribbon, then either using the Datasource editor, or the easy-to-use Wizard
I have to add the datasource using code in the document
I click the "Datasources" button in the AutoTag ribbon.

Congratulations!

You have completed this tutorial. We recommend taking a look at the Inserting a Tag tutorial next!

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