Accessing external databases through LS:DO

LS:DO has been in maintenance mode since R5. Developers are advised not to use it. Developers should use the Lotus® Connector LSX for (LCLSX) when accessing external data sources.

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

You can use the properties and methods in these classes to access an external database, run an SQL query, store the returned data in a result set, and then work with that result set. You can optionally send updated information back to the source database.

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 is especially useful for data access based on LotusScript® events in Notes®, such as clicking a button, exiting a field, or opening a document.

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.

For complete information on working with LS:DO, refer to the "Accessing external databases through LS:DO" section of the Notes® Domino® Application Development wiki located at http://www-10.lotus.com/ldd/ddwiki.nsf.

Refer specifically to the following topics:

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