> #### How to specify the connection information for a database or other JDBC data source

> 1 | In Data Explorer, right-click Data Sources, then choose New Data Source.

> 2 | On New Data Source, supply the following information:

> 1 | Select JDBC Data Source from the list of data source types.

> 2 | In Data Source Name, type a name for the data source. The name must be unique in the current report. Figure 2‑2 shows a default data source name.

> Figure 2-2 | Creating a JDBC data source

> 3 | Choose Next.

> New JDBC Data Source Profile shows connection properties, as shown in Figure 2‑3.

> Figure 2-3 | Defining JDBC connection information

> 3 | Specify the connection information for the JDBC data source:

> 1 | In Driver Class, choose a driver class from the drop-down list. If you do not see the driver class that you want to use, add a driver as described later in this chapter.

> 2 | In Database URL, type the database URL, using the syntax that the driver requires. Typically, BIRT Report Designer displays the necessary syntax in Database URL. For a Sun JDBC/ODBC bridge, for example, the syntax is

> jdbc:odbc:<data source name>
> where <data source name> is the name of your data source. For example, the following URL identifies the sales database:
> jdbc:odbc:sales

> 3 | In User Name, type the user name to use when connecting to the JDBC data source. This field can be left blank if your data source does not require a user name.

> 4 | In Password, type the password to use when connecting to the JDBC data source. This field can be left blank if your data source does not require a password.

> 5 | In JNDI URL, type the full path to the connection pooling service, if applicable. The following path is an example:

> java:comp/env/jdbc/MyDataSource
> In the example, MyDataSource is the name of the JNDI database service.

> 4 | To ensure that the connection information is correct, choose Test Connection. If Test Connection returns an error, repeat the preceding steps to correct the error. Then, test the connection again.

> 5 | Choose Finish. The new JDBC data source appears under Data Sources in Data Explorer.

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