Managing Connection Strings with Custom Attributes in Bold BI

Introduction

In Bold BI, managing multiple data sources efficiently is crucial for seamless dashboard performance. One effective method to handle connection strings for various data sources is by using custom attributes. This feature allows for centralized control of connection values, which can be easily updated as needed.

Utilizing Custom Attributes

Custom attributes in Bold BI serve as a storage mechanism for connection values that are shared across connectors. This approach simplifies the process of updating connection details, as it can be done in one place rather than modifying each data source individually.

Steps to Use Custom Attributes:

1. Navigate to the site details page in Bold BI.
2. Locate the custom attributes section.
3. Enter the connection values that you wish to use across different data sources.
4. Save the custom attributes.

For visual guidance, please refer to the images provided in the help documentation.

The custom attributes that have been created can be commonly used to create multiple data sources that need the same connection string.

Implementing Dynamic Connection Strings

Dynamic Connection String feature allows you to modify the connection string of data sources in dashboard view mode. This allows for more flexibility and the ability to include various types of connection details.

How to Implement:

Custom Attribute

1. The connection string can be stored in a custom attribute and then utilized in the dynamic connection string. For examples of connection string samples, please visit here

2. Click the dynamic connection strings in the data connector connector.

3. At the beginning of the dialogue, there is a radio button that allows you to select either the External API or Custom Attribute for the Dynamic Connection Configuration.
4. Select the Custom Attribute option for the Custom Attribute in Dynamic Connection Configuration.
5. Please enter the attribute name in the Custom Attribute section, which was created on the site.
6. At the bottom of the dialog, there is a pinned option to choose the Configuration Mode. In Configuration Mode, select the Both option and click Save.
   
   

External API

To use this external API, you need a REST API to return the connection string as a result.

Return Type
Type: ApiResponse class

public class ApiResponse
{
  public bool Status { get; set; }
  public string Message { get; set; }
  public object Data { get; set; }
}

The API should return the response as the above Class object.

For more details on the Dynamic Connection External API, please visit here

Additional References

• Configuring Custom Attributes in Bold BI
• Bold BI Dynamic Connection string
• Custom Attribute Support for Dynamic Connection String