Does Base affect the original database

[Inkblotch]

Hi, we have an sql server express that is in production.

I need to create some reports, and thought that Base might be a good, simple way to create such reports, but I am not familiar with Base in general, and I’m afraid of messing up the database.

When I create a create an odb file based on an existing sql server database, at the end, it asks if I want to register the database. What happens if I do and don’t?

If I just design queries and save it, would it write anything to the database? Or are they saved only inside the odb file?

Is there any options that I could set to make things read only to the sql database?

[Ratslinger]

Hello,

Base Report Builder is fairly limited in that there has little in the way of enhancements in many years. It can provide some basic reports without much problem but if you are looking for something more elaborate, then perhaps look at something like “Jasper Studio Community” which also has a report server.

Base is simply a front end to databases and does not do anything to your server unless you tell it to.

A look at the documentation make give you a better perspective → LibreOffice Base Handbook. See Chapter 6 - Reports.

[Ratslinger]

And to cover another point, the ability to read/write to a database is dependent upon the permissions given to the user signed in. This is a database function not a function of the front end (Base in this case).

[Inkblotch]

I see, so it is a good idea to use a read-only user in this case?

[Ratslinger]

That is entirely up to you. You simply asked to make things read only. The comment gave the response.

[ProLogic]

it asks if I want to register the database. What happens if I do and don’t?

EDIT:
As @Ratslinger correct me in the comment section (Thank you).

Registering the Base file is to allow
access to other modules within LO

It’s about verbose. In that case register does NOT mean to save something in the DB .

If I just design queries and save it,
would it write anything to the
database?

If your query don’t write inside the DB, like just read some table and data, Base will not write.

In all case, when working with “production DB” it’s always a very good idea to test everything locally or with a mini testing DB on YOUR computer before going “real life”, especially when you do not know the software yet and what is capable of (Base in this case). I would download a Free mini DB server on my computer and test Base locally before going live.

Hope this helped you

[Ratslinger]

Registering the Base file is to allow access to other modules within LO. Is has nothing to do with connection settings. If you do not register the Base file (I have numerous without) it still retains the connection settings.

[ProLogic]

Agree, I did over due/kill with explanations as s/he seems afraid and I forgot the essential. I’ll edIt with your explanation

[Inkblotch]

Thank you very much both ProLogic and Ratslinger. I admit I don’t have much experience with both the SQL server and LO Base. I agree it’s a good idea to test from a backup. Thanks again for the answers.