DataFlow in KNIME provides database connectivity using the JDBC framework. A relational database provides a JDBC driver and the driver is a .jar file. Most database providers allow you to download JDBC drivers from their website.

After downloading the JDBC driver .jar file, you must register the JDBC driver and create a JDBC connection. The following sections provide information to register the driver and create a connection.

Before using a JDBC driver to connect to a database, the driver must be registered with the KNIME platform. For instructions to register the driver, see Database Drivers.

A JDBC connection instance provides all the information required to use a JDBC driver to connect to a database. The information required to connect are the driver name, connection URL, user name, and password. The JDBC connection can be managed in the Actian preferences. The connection information is captured in a single place to allow reusing the connection in multiple workflows.

For more information about creating and managing JDBC connections, see Managing JDBC Connections.

After the above configurations are completed, the JDBC driver can be used by DataFlow in KNIME, and you can create a workflow using either the Database Reader or Database Writer node.

DataFlow in KNIME provides the Database Reader or Database Writer node to access a database instance. In a workflow, you can drag and drop either of these nodes in the editor.

To connect to the database, right-click on the node and select Configure. In the displayed configuration dialog, select the required database connection from the list.