Accessing external databases through LS:DO

Developers are advised not to use LS:DO. Developers should use the 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:

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.

Review these sections for more information about working with LS:DO: