How to Set Up and Use Database Files in VDM

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Article Goal

Guide users through the process of importing delimited text files into VDM as Database Files, allowing them to be used like standard tables when building views.

What Are Database Files in VDM?

Database Files in VDM allow you to import external delimited text files (like CSVs or tab-separated files) and treat them as data tables within the VDM environment.

Why Use Database Files?

Using Database Files in VDM enables you to:

• Integrate local or exported flat-file data directly into your reporting workflows

• Use imported text files just like tables from SQL Server, Oracle, or other sources

• Create quick reports from data that doesn't live in a traditional database

⚠️ Important:
Database Files are not supported in WebReports because they rely on the local file system, which WebReports cannot access.

Steps for Setting Up a Database File in VDM

Step 1: Add a New Database File:

In the Tables/Fields section:

• Right-click on Database Files

• Select Add From Text File > Delimited

📁 This starts the import wizard for adding your external text file as a usable table.

Step 2: Select Your Text File

Choose the text file you want to import from your local system.

Step 3: Choose File Type (Single, Multi, or Directory)

• Single: Use this if you're importing one file

• Multi / Directory: Use these options if you're importing multiple files or a folder

💡 For most users, Single will be appropriate.

Step 4: Set “Fields Enclosed in Quotes”

If your file has values enclosed in double quotes, such as "New York", set Fields Enclosed in Quotes to True. If the file uses plain text values without quotes, leave it as False.

🔍 This setting helps VDM correctly parse fields containing commas or special characters inside quoted strings.

🧠 Example:
"123", "John Doe", "New York, NY" → This should be True

Step 5: Set the Delimiter

Specify the delimiter that separates values in your file:

• For comma: ,

• For tab: enter tab

• For pipe: |

✅ Correct delimiter selection is critical for accurate column detection.

Step 6: Set Headers to True (If Present)

If your file contains column headers, set this option to True.

📌 This allows VDM to automatically name columns and assign data types.

Step 7: Name the Table and Set Optional Fields

• Enter a table name that will appear in your Tables/Fields panel

• Optional: Set the following options to True if desired:

  • Import Date – Adds the file's import date as a field

  • File Name – Adds the original file name as a field

🧠 These options help with version control and auditing of imported data.

Step 8: Enable Refresh on View Search (Optional)

Turn on Refresh on View Search if you want the table to automatically update with the most recent file contents whenever a view is run.

🔄 Useful for dashboards and recurring reports using regularly updated files.

Step 9: Preview and Modify the Table

Click Preview to:

• Review the column names and data types

• Make any necessary adjustments (rename columns, change data types)

🛠️ Ensures accuracy here before finalizing the import.

Step 10: Test the Import

Click Test Import to validate the file and configuration:

• If successful, click Finish

• If failed, review and correct any data type mismatches or malformed rows

✅ Always test before saving to avoid broken views or hidden errors.

Step 11: Use the New Database File in a View

Once imported, the file will appear under Tables and Fields in the Database Files section.

📊 You can now drag it into a view like any other database table.

⚠️ Note: If MDS is enabled, you must select another database first before you can use Database Files.

Article Summary

This article explains how to import delimited text files into VDM as Database Files, allowing them to be used like tables within views. It walks through selecting the file, choosing the delimiter, previewing the data, and testing the import. Database Files are powerful tools for working with flat files, but are not compatible with WebReports due to file system limitations.