1. Import the files (or tables) from the external database into the analysis. During this import, the data can be:
   • stored in its current format. No conversion is required.
     Remark: If the database evolves, these evolutions can be taken into account. All you have to do is synchronize the analysis with the external database.
   • converted to HFSQL format.
2. Generate the analysis.
3. Handle the imported data files via the WLanguage functions. See Accessing the databases for more details.

• You also have the ability to convert the data found in a data file with WDConver. To perform this operation, the file description must have been imported into the analysis.
• The data model editor allows you to perform the following operations:
  • Import a data file from an external database into an analysis in HFSQL Classic format.
  • Import a data file in HFSQL Classic format into a new analysis in HFSQL Classic format.

Prerequisites for converting a data file (or table) from an external database to an HFSQL data file

Importing a data file into an analysis

1. In the data model editor, open the analysis where the import must be performed.
2. On the "Analysis" pane, in the "Creation" group, expand "Import" and select "Import file/table descriptions...". The data file import wizard starts.
3. Select the desired data source.
4. If you want to import an external database:
   • For data sources that use a Native Connector, a connection to the external database is automatically established and associated with the data files imported into the analysis. This connection will be used to handle the data files by programming.
   • Specify the parameters of the connection if necessary: data server, user and password, database, connection name, etc.
   • Specify the mode for accessing data. You can:
     • access the data in its current format directly. Only the description of tables is imported into the analysis. No conversion is required.
     • convert the data to the HFSQL Classic format.
   • Select the tables (files) to import.
5. If you want to import HFSQL Classic data files:
   • Select the data file (.FIC extension) in HFSQL Classic format that must be retrieved.
   • Specify the password of this data file if necessary.
6. Validate the import. The current analysis is automatically generated.
7. If the data must be converted to HFSQL Classic format:
   • Specify the creation directory of HFSQL Classic data files.
   • Save (if necessary) the description of the conversion (script). This operation creates a ".WDV" file in the specified directory. This script can be re-used by WDConver.
   • Validate the data conversion.