You can programmatically access external databases from Domino using the LotusScript Data Object (LS:DO). LS:DO is a LotusScript extension library that provides classes for working with Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) in an object-oriented, event-driven programming environment. LS:DO supports the OBDC Version 2.0 standard on multiple platforms, including Windows, OS/2, AIX, and Solaris. The LS:DO is available on both the Notes client and the Domino server. It works in both single- and multi-thread environments.

LS:DO is a set of three LotusScript classes, which come equipped with a powerful set of properties and methods, as well as full SQL capabilities:

• ODBCConnection
• ODBCQuery
• ODBCResultSet

Working with LS:DO

With LS:DO, you can write a LotusScript program to perform the following actions:

• Look up or retrieve data stored in external databases
• Validate user-entered data enter against data store in external databases
• Review data retrieved from external databases
• Update data in external databases, either immediately or at scheduled intervals

LS:DO works best for these types of operations:

• Handling low volumes of data transfers

  You can use LS:DO for high volume transfers, but its performance could be significantly affected.

• Reading and writing data in the same program

  LS:DO implements several properties and methods for retrieving, updating, and storing data.

• Real-time data handling

  LS:DO real-time data access is the best choice for optimizing data entry (for example, looking up data or validating user entries) and providing data access to mobile Notes users.

• Setting up LS:DO
• Using LS:DO
• Tips and techniques

Glosario