Hi,

Is it possible for Cook to connect to an external database?
If not, it would be nice to have a wizard that can do that.

same request!

I would like to be able to use views from a SQL Server

Hello to Naude & RobJuffermans,

At this stage no. This is not an existing function of Cook Self Service.

However, once you have downloaded your excellent shiny new components you are able to dig into the code and add additional data sources.

That being said, a big +1 from me for this awesome suggestion. I'm sure that it's on Admin's BIG list of things to do.

Edward.

This functionality would definitely make my life much easier, and I think would be a great addition to the functionality list. I am trying to create a component that would look for some data from an existing table and its so hard to recreate this without having the ability to connect to the database and simply get the data from those tables.

Was this functionality considered since 2010? I am sure it would make a lot of people happier to see this added to the feature list

Yes, of course, it is on the roadmap.

- External third table in Joomla component
- External table from an external database.

The question I am asking myself is how to test that in sandbox ?
Maybe these features will be avoided in sandbox, but how to do to keep a global integrity with joins ? That's a big deal !!

For sure external database tables will not permit joins. It is impossible to make an only one query on two different databases.

For the moment it is the only difficulty.

admin wrote: Yes, of course, it is on the roadmap.

- External third table in Joomla component
- External table from an external database.

The question I am asking myself is how to test that in sandbox ?
Maybe these features will be avoided in sandbox, but how to do to keep a global integrity with joins ? That's a big deal !!

For sure external database tables will not permit joins. It is impossible to make an only one query on two different databases.

For the moment it is the only difficulty.

Perhaps, as a suggestion, to allow for either third table OR External table might require defining the table in the project (same as defining a new table) (or maybe a 'schema' import?) and then in Sandbox (or before) allow partial import of data set, so allowing for actually test joins in Sandbox, and maybe emulating External table as well?

Kind of like bringing in or attaching part of your external data to the JCook Pro/Cook Self Service project. Hope that makes some sense?

Edward.

I think that's a great idea. Also, maybe you could allow us to install a 3rd party extension to the sandbox. This way it will actually be used. If we can manually enter the table name while creating a component, and then it could be tested in the sandbox after installing that component? This could also be useful for those who want to use any other Joomla table that comes with a basic installation. Like let's say gets contacts, get users, get categories, etc.

What I am trying to do, is not alter those tables from external tables, but rather view partial data from them. I am trying to collect partial data from 3 tables and view them all on one page, as a report. Then I can easily sort and view the data. I just wish it was possible...

Would be dangerous for cook itself isn't it ?
I don't see how you could test that kind of feature in sandbox.
Maybe the only way is to download the component everytime and reinstalling it.
Imho, this kind of thing is advanced features, used by advanced users, so you know it requires more than beginner skils and you know you will have to get the dirty work on your own.

AnnaTruss wrote: What I am trying to do, is not alter those tables from external tables, but rather view partial data from them. I am trying to collect partial data from 3 tables and view them all on one page, as a report. Then I can easily sort and view the data. I just wish it was possible...

I believe that's what modules are used for. And cook doesn't create modules, but they are easy to build on you own

I don't mind installing and reinstalling it on my own test site. All I need is a functionality to specify a table name and say "ok take this row from this table and display here". I will be able to do the rest. It could be specified as a non beginner functionality. But this would definitely save tons of time for people with needs like mine.

VeCrea wrote: I believe that's what modules are used for. And cook doesn't create modules, but they are easy to build on you own

I am not actually looking for a module. I need a component, that will display the data on the backend only. I don't even need it for the front end.

I am looking to bring together some data and show it all together, like a report. Otherwise it's really tough and time consuming to view it all separately on different pages, and try to cross-reference with one another.