XML data source defined by http request

cpthirst

Hi,

I am evaluating BIRT for my company. Our current system uses simple http requests to java servlets. These servlets access databases and return required data in a standard xml format.

This xml is currently used with xsl:fo to retrieve required PDF/HTML output, we intent to use BIRT to replace the time-consuming xsl:fo stylesheets.

Is it possible to alter the datasource to be based on the xml data that is returned by the java as described above. E.g.

Current System:
http request with some params --> java
java --> db
db --> java
java --> xml & xsl:fo

Required new system:
http request with some params --> java
java --> db
db --> java
java --> xml
BIRT picks up returned xml and uses it as a data source.

In short, one report design has many possible datasets with one common xml structure

Thanks in advance

cpthirst

Virgil Dodson

Yes, BIRT has quite a bit of flexibility for scenarios like this. For example, you can switch out the XML source, by simply replacing the file, or by using the property binding tab of the XML dataset to dynamically build the XML location (like <a class='bbc_url' href='http://www.birt-exchange.com/devshare/designing-birt-reports/562-birt-swap-xml-data-source/#description'>BIRT: Swap XML Data Source - Designs & Code - BIRT Exchange</a>)