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Databases

Datagrok has native support for relational databases (30+ databases supported), allowing to do the following:

  • Browse databases schemas, tables, and columns.
  • Create and edit queries visually.
  • Query databases using parameterized queries.
  • Use query as a dynamically refreshed data source for dashboards.
  • Share connections and queries with others.
  • Configure user privileges.
  • Create data pipelines.

Connecting to database

Adding connection

Add new database connection

To add a new connection, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Data > Databases.
  2. In the Database Manager, right-click the desired connector and select Add connection… to open the Add new connection dialog.
  3. Fill in the connection parameters.
  4. Click TEST to test the connection, then click OK to save it. If the connection fails, verify your connection details and that you added Datagrok's IP addresses to your allowlist.
note

Ensure your database is accessible from the Datagrok server, as the connection originates from there.

Some connection parameters have unique characteristics, and it's important to specify them correctly:

  • JDBC connection. For connections that support JDBC, you can use the Conn. string parameter to enter a custom JDBC connection string. Leave all other parameter fields empty. You still need to enter credentials.

  • Credentials. You have two ways to specify credentials:

    • Manually. When entered manually, Datagrok stores secrets in a secure privilege management system. To specify who can change the connection credentials, click the Gear icon and select from the Credential owner dropdown.

    • Use the Secrets Manager, such as the AWS Secrets Manager.

Upon successful connection, the database appears in the Database Manager under the respective data source. By expanding the database, you can view its saved queries. If connectors support it, you can also inspect the schemas, tables, and columns of relational databases.

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Like other objects in Datagrok, newly created connections are only visible to the user who created them. To let others access the connection, you must share it (right-click the connection and select Share... from the list of options).

Caching data

You can cache query results to improve query performance. To learn more, see Caching function results

Modifying connection

To modify a connection, right-click it and select Edit... from the list of options. To quickly create a connection similar to an existing one, right-click it and select Clone...

Database Manager

Database Manager provides a hierarchical browsing interface for schemas and database objects, such as queries, tables, and table columns (if supported by the providers). You can perform various operations like adding new connections and queries, previewing data, running queries, and managing objects using context actions that are accessible through right-clicking an object. If you don't see a certain action, it may be due to insufficient permissions. Contact your Datagrok administrator for assistance.

The Context Panel, which is located to the right of the Database Manager, helps you work with database objects. Whenever you click an object within the Database Manager, the Context Panel displays the object's properties and context actions. For example, when you click a table, the Context Panel lets you view the table's metadata, dynamically preview the table's contents, run queries, and access other relevant information and options. To learn more about the Context Panel, see Context Panel.

developers

Context Panel can be extended. You can add custom info panes and context actions.

DB Hierarchy Browser

Schema Browser

The Schema Browser helps you explore all tables and columns belonging to a connection. To open a Schema Browser, in the Database Manager right-click a connection and select Browse schema.

Similar to the Database Manager, clicking an object in the Schema Browser updates the Context Panel with object-specific properties and actions. To open the object's context menu, right-click it.

Schema browser

Viewing schema as dataframe

Another way to explore a database schema is through an interactive spreadsheet. To access this feature, in the Database Manager, right-click a connection and select Open schema as table.

Working with queries

Datagrok provides several tools for creating, exploring, and editing queries.

  • Editors:

    • Query Editor is the main interface for executing database queries. Using this tool, you can write and edit statements in SQL and other languages and use functions to add post-processing steps.
    • Aggregation Editor can be used for manipulating, summarizing, filtering, and pivoting table data.
  • Built-in queries for tables:

    • Get All: retrieves all table data. Use it with caution.
    • Get TOP 100: retrieves the first 100 rows.
    tip

    To retrieve specific columns, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while clicking the desired columns in the schema. Once selected, right-click the selection and run Get All or Get TOP 100 just for these columns.

  • Join tables: This tool lets you merge multiple tables within a database connection.

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The ability to query tables is connector-specific and may not be available for all.

When you successfully create a query, it appears in the Database Manager under the corresponding connection or table. From there, you can run it, share it with others, manage access, and perform other tasks.

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To see all queries belonging to a connection, right-click it and select Browse queries from the list of options.

Query Editor

Query Editor is the main interface for executing database queries. To open it, right-click a database connection or a table and select Add query (for connections) or New SQL Query... (for tables).

The Query Editor has two tabs:

This tab is where you write and edit queries. As you work on your query, you can preview the query output at any time by clicking the Run/Refresh button on the menu ribbon or by pressing the F5 key on the keyboard. The query result is displayed in the bottom part of the editor as an interactive dataframe. In the dataframe, you can view object details, perform actions on columns, and more.

When your query is complete, give it a name and click the Save button. If you don't want to save the query, close the editor without saving.

Create a database query

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You can also add the query results to the workspace for further analysis. To do so, click the Dropdown Arrow control in the bottom left corner of the Query tab and select Add results to workspace.

Aggregation Editor

Aggregation Editor is a visual tool for summarizing and pivoting table data. To open it, right-click a table in the Database Manager and select Aggregate data.

The Aggregation Editor has two tabs: Queries and Transformations. The Transformations tab works similarly to the Query Editor's tab and lets you add post-processing steps.

To aggregate data, use the Query tab. Here, you can choose which columns to include in your report and decide how to pivot and group them. You can show one or multiple aggregated values for rows, for example, average sales and headcount by country. Additionally, you can pivot rows into columns to show one or more aggregated values for each column. You can also perform both actions to produce a pivot table that shows an aggregated value for every intersection of rows and columns.

  • Group by: Use this field to specify columns to be used for grouping rows. To do so, click the Add (+) icon and select the desired column from the list. The chosen column then acts as a key, with its unique values serving as row identifiers. You can add multiple columns.

  • Pivot: Use this field to specify the rows that you want to show as columns. To do so, click the Add (+) icon and select the desired column from the list. You can pivot one or more columns.

  • Aggregate: Use this field to add aggregated values. First, click the Add (+) icon and select the column you want to aggregate. Datagrok automatically applies a default aggregating function based on the data type: average for numerical data and count for categorical data. To change the aggregating function, right-click the column, select Aggregation, and choose your preferred function from the list. Each column can only have one aggregating function, but you can add multiple columns or the same column with different aggregating functions.

    note

    If you add columns only to the Aggregation field without adding any columns to the Group by or Pivot fields, the resulting query returns a single row that shows the total aggregate values for each column added in the Aggregation field.

  • Filter: Use this field to filter the results using the pattern syntax. To do so, click the Add (+) icon, select the column to which you want to apply the filter, then set the condition (see parameter patterns for syntax).

Aggregation query

As you work on your query, you can preview the query output as an interactive dataframe. In the dataframe, you can view object details, perform actions on columns, and more. When your query is complete, give it a name and click the Save button. If you don't want to save the query, close the editor without saving.

Join tables

Use this tool to merge tables:

  1. Right-click a table and select Join tables. This action opens a dialog with a list of columns connected by keys.
  2. Select the checkboxes that correspond to the columns you want to include. Based on your selections, Datagrok automatically generates an SQL statement and a preview of the results. If desired, you can manually modify the SQL statement. The preview will update accordingly as you make changes.
  3. When finished, use the Dropdown Arrow control in the bottom left corner of the dialog to choose between the two options:
    • Save as query: This opens the Query Editor where you can further edit the query.
    • Add result to workspace: This opens the query output as a dataframe for detailed exloration.

Create a join query

Parameterized queries

In Datagrok, queries are functions. Like with JavaScript functions, you can add metadata to a Datagrok function at the function level or the parameter level. This metadata can include things like the function's name, connection details, caching options, and more. At the parameter level, you can specify metadata such as the parameter's name as it should appear in the user interface, its semantic type, input type, and so on. To define query parameters, use SQL/Sparql comments in the query header : -- for SQL, and # for Sparql. The syntax for defining query parameters is based on scripting, with additions specific to queries.

When you want a query to ask for input every time you run it, you can create a parameterized query. This type of query relies on one or more parameters, which are placeholders for input values. When you run a parameterized query, Datagrok autogenerates a parameter dialog, prompting you to enter the relevant parameter values. By doing so, you can use the same query to retrieve data that matches different criteria.

Query parameters

The syntax for defining query parameters is based on functions syntax with additions specific to queries.

Queries have a special connection parameter corresponding to the query connection name. It is optional, just like the rest of parameters.

Another addition is the list<T> parameter type. It denotes a list of objects of type T. Currently only strings are supported. You can add an input/output of type list<string>.

Add a parameter

  1. Right-click a query and select Edit. A Query View opens.

  2. In the Query tab, annotate parameters in the box provided using SQL/Sparql comments. Use -- for SQL and # for Sparql.

    Example:

    --input: string productName
    select * from products where productname = @productName
  3. Click Save.

Input parameters

To define input parameters for your SQL query, use the --input annotation followed by the parameter's data type, name, default value, and any additional options. You can also include a brief description of the parameter that will appear in the UI:

--input: <type> <name> = <initialValue> {<option>: <value>; ...} [<description>]

Supported parameter types include integer, double, boolean, string, DateTime, and list<T> (a list of parameter type T, currently supports the strings type only). Additional options are based on the parameter type, and may include choices, suggestions, and validators.

For example, this is an optional string parameter "shipCountry" with the initial value "France" (learn more about initial values and optional parameters):

--input: string shipCountry = "France" { nullable: true }
SELECT * FROM customers where shipCountry = @country

You can also use lists to pass multiple values for a single parameter. For example, you can use lists to retrieve data for a specific set of users or analyze sales data for a particular country. To use lists in queries, you can specify list<T> as the parameter's data type and wrap its use inside the SQL query into = ANY(p), or a similar operator with an alternative selection of the comparison type, such as >= ANY or < ANY. Here's an example:

--input: list<string> shipCountry = ['France', 'Italy', 'Germany']
SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE shipCountry = ANY(@shipCountry)

This query returns all records from the Orders table where the shipCountry column matches any of the values in the shipCountry list.

To help you use queries more quickly and accurately, use choices, suggestions, and validators. Choices allow users to select from a predefined list of values for a given parameter, suggestions provide users with auto-complete suggestions based on what they type in the input field, and query validators validate the query without executing it.

You can define choices using a comma-separated list of values, a name of another query, or by writing an actual SQL query. Here's an example of how to define choices for a ship country input parameter using all three methods:

--input: string shipCountry = "France" {choices: ['France', 'Italy', 'Germany']}
--input: string shipCountry = "France" {choices: Demo:northwind:countries}
--input: string shipCountry = "France" {choices: Query("SELECT DISTINCT shipCountry FROM Orders")}
tip

Parameter's choices, validators, and suggestions can depend on the value of another parameter. This is useful when creating queries with hierarchical choices, where each subsequent parameter depends on the previous one. To do this, specify the input parameter you want to reuse and its default value, if applicable. Then, define the choices query using the Query() function and reference the input parameter using the @ symbol.

Here's an example
--input: string state = "NY" {choices: Query("SELECT DISTINCT state FROM public.starbucks_us")}
--input: string city = "Albany" {choices: Query("SELECT DISTINCT city FROM public.starbucks_us WHERE state = @state")}
SELECT * FROM public.starbucks_us WHERE (city = @city)

Here, the state and city parameters are defined as strings with default values. The city parameter's choices query references the state parameter using @state. This ensures that the choices are filtered based on the value of state.

To define suggestions or validators, provide the name of the function that will be executed to generate suggestions or validators as the user types a value.

A special query input type is a filter pattern that allows you to enter free-text conditions like "this week" for dates, or ">50" for numbers.

Output parameters

Output parameters define how the query output is presented. By default, a query's result is returned as a dataframe. You can specify a different data type in the output parameter. The following types are supported: int, float, string, bool, map. Here's an example from the Chembl package, where the query returns a string of the semantic type Molecule:

--output: string smiles {semType: Molecule}

Running queries

To run a query, locate the query in the Database Manager and double-click it. For parameterized queries, Datagrok automatically generates a parameter dialog that prompts you to enter values for the input parameters. The input parameters are then substituted for inputs from the UI controls, allowing you to create complex queries with dynamic choices that are easy to use and maintain.

Here's an example of a parameterized query with several input parameters and options:

--input: int employeeId = 5
--input: string shipVia = "=3" {pattern: int}
--input: double freight = 10.0
--input: string shipCountry = "France" {choices: Query("SELECT DISTINCT shipCountry FROM Orders")}
--input: string shipCity = "starts with r" {pattern: string}
--input: bool freightLess1000 = true
--input: datetime requiredDate = "1/1/1995"
--input: string orderDate = "after 1/1/1995" {pattern: datetime}
SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE (employeeId = @employeeId)
AND (freight >= @freight)
AND @shipVia(shipVia)
AND ((freight < 1000) OR NOT @freightLess1000)
AND (shipCountry = @shipCountry)
AND @shipCity(shipCity)
AND @orderDate(orderDate)
AND (requiredDate >= @requiredDate)
developers

To run a query programmatically, see this code snippet. Learn how to expose the parameter dialog to end-users as an application.

After running a query, you typically get back a dataframe. You can perform various operations on this dataframe, such as data cleansing, transformation, and more. All of these actions get recorded as macros, and will be replayed when the query is re-executed. Once you have the data set up to your satisfaction, you can add viewers and create a visualization.

To view the queries you've created or those shared with you, you can use the Queries Gallery (Data > Queries). This gallery provides a convenient interface to quickly access and manage queries. You can search queries by their name or tag and use the Context Panel to view information and actions for the selected query.

Creating dynamic dashboards for query results

You can create and publish dashboards that query data from a database and then present it in a visual layout. For parameterized queries, these dashboards can be dynamic, allowing dashboard users to change the query parameters right inside the dashboard to refine search criteria and interact with data in real-time.

To save the query output as a dynamic dashboard, do the following:

  1. Run a query to open a dataframe and create a desired view of the query output.
  2. On the Sidebar, click Projects > Upload.
  3. In the Upload project dialog, enter a name and description (optional) in the fields provided.
  4. Select how to store data:
    • Save the data as a static snapshot.
    • Store the data as a generation script by toggling the Data sync control. The query re-executes each time the project is opened. To learn more about dynamic data updates in projects, see Dynamic data.
  5. Click OK to upload the project.
  6. Share the project with others.

Dynamic dashboards

Sharing query results

You have two options to share query results in Datagrok:

  • Share its URL
  • Share it as a project.

Each query output has a unique URL, which has all the information needed to recreate the query, including its parameters. This is especially useful for parameterized queries, where you can embed the query output on external websites with specific parameters applied. After you have executed a query, copy the URL from the address bar and share it with others. When this URL is accessed, a query gets re-executed, so the query output always displays the latest data. When the users open the report, they can still change the query parameters in the Toolbox on the left.

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To access the query results from the link provided, users must have the necessary permissions to execute this query.

If you want to persist a specific layout, create a dynamic dashboard, or assign access permissions to specific groups or users, you can share query results as a project. First, you need to upload the project. Then, locate the desired project in Data > Projects and right-click it to share. Users will get an email notification with the access link. To learn more about access privileges, see Access control.

Access control

In Datagrok, certain objects called entities have a set of operations that can be applied to them. These entities are connections, queries, tables, and table columns, all of which can be shared, assigned permissions, annotated, and more.

When you create an entity such as a connection or a query, it's private and visible to you only. To make it accessible to others, you can share it.

To share:

  1. Right-click the connection or a query you want to share and select Share....

  2. In the Share dialog, enter a user or a group that needs access and set corresponding permissions. These privileges can be given to users or to groups. For more information on the access privilege model, see Privileges.

  3. Optional. Add a description in the provided text field. If you don't want to notify the recipients, clear the Send notification checkbox. :::note

    If you enter the name of a user or a group, they are notified through the Datagrok interface. To share an object with a user who doesn't have a Datagrok account, enter their email address. They will receive an email notification containing a link to the shared object and the entered description. After they sign up for a Datagrok account, they will be able to access the shared object.

    :::

  4. Click OK to share.

Share a database connection

If you can't share a connection or a query, you may have insufficient permissions. Contact your Datagrok administrator for assistance.

tip

Use the Context Pane on the right to inspect and quickly adjust access permissions to your databases, manage queries, view history and activity details, send comments to those you're sharing with, and more.

important

Datagrok query belongs to the database connection for which it's created. It means you can't share a query without sharing a connection. Deleting a connection also deletes a query.

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