Progress DataDirect Autonomous REST connections

Applies to version 11.1.7 and subsequent versions unless specifically overridden. The Progress DataDirect Autonomous REST connection queries JSON responses from API endpoints that are accessed via the HTTP protocol. The connection generates a configuration file that translates the endpoint's JSON content into database tables (schemas) in Cognos Analytics. You can create dashboards and reports that use this REST API endpoint data as their data source.

To create or edit a connection to a Progress DataDirect data server, go to Manage > Data server connections. Your connection can access either a single URL or multiple endpoint URLs.

For details about how to configure a connection and the supported options: See the Progress® DataDirect® Autonomous REST Connector for JDBC™ User's Guide for Partners.

The connection string that you enter must include either a 'Sample=REST_API_endpoint' or 'Config=configuration_file' name-value pair that specifies the endpoints to be queried. You may also need to specify an API key in your connection. If you do, ensure that the permissions to the data server connection apply only to the people who require access using this API key.

  • The Sample method allows you to easily obtain data from a single endpoint URL. However, if you are working with large amounts of data in a complex schema, this method can slow performance. The reason for this is that the driver must build the endpoint-to-schema mapping on its own.

    For more information, see Sample.

  • The Config method allows you to define the endpoint to schema mapping at configuration time and provides these advantages:

    • It greatly reduces the work performed by the driver at runtime, returning results more quickly.
    • It can issue multiple REST API endpoint requests in a single connection.
    • It tailors the REST API results for schema mapping. This allows for customized table names, column names, and data type mapping.

    For more information, see Config.

Before you begin: Read the topic Setting up the driver.