There are three distinct approaches available to Pathagoras which provide access to external data. Each is discussed more fully in separate sections of this publication, but are summarized here:

   A. Use the external data source to create an Instant Database record.

Perhaps your client/customer/patient filled out an on-line form. Perhaps your staff input the personal information for a new client/customer/patient into your billing or contact management system. You want to use as much of this information as you can. Most external databases can create a comma separated value file that is fully compatible (indeed identical) to the data used by Pathagoras 'Instant Database' system.

The style of an IDB record is as follows:

“[variable1]”,“[variable2]”,“[variable3]”,“[variabl41]”,“[variable5]”, . . . .
“value of variable 1”,“value of variable 2”,“value of variable 3”,“value of variable 4”,“value of variable 5”, . . . .

     etc., up to 60 variables.

So if you create a record using the tools of your proprietary database to output a record that mimics the above, you have an Instant Database record. Store it in the same location as your other IDB records and Pathagoras can process it as if you had created it from scratch.

   B. Link to external source via MultiChoice *Lists*

Let's say you want quick access to a long list of 'stuff'. For example, you want to present to the end-user a list of every model of widget your company sells, along with their prices; or a list of the clerks of the various courts in which you practice; a list of local physicians, etc. You anticipate replacing a variable in your document with one of the items from the  list.

Pathagoras provides an easy way to insert a [*list*] variable in your document. Although plain text, this 'starred variable' will link to list all of the values contained in an external database. This is a really cool tool.

   C. Link a Mask to data source.

Similar to A. above in that you ask your external database to create a CSV file, but instead of the CSV file containing a single record, this CSV file contains all of your records. During your Instant Database session, you point to the CSV file. Pathagoras reads all of the records and allows you to select the one you want. The data is poured into a previously prepared 'mask', and you are ready to roll.

   C. A direct link to a data source.

Let's say that you just don't want to use Pathagoras' Instant Database. as your primary database tool. Your existing external database has all or most of the data you need to personalize your documents. You want to be able to pull that data into your assembled documents using merge fields. Not a problem. We can do that too.

Note: Pathagoras can directly link to any data source that Word can directly link to. By the same token, if Word cannot directly link to a particular data source, then neither can Pathagoras. In this latter situations, "indirect" link opportunities are available. For example, the external database can almost certainly export a 'single-record' file that can be used by Instant Database a la A. above. But perhaps even more to the need, you can like create a new (and perhaps more compact) database from the original. This is called a 'Derivative Database.'  Derivative Databases are more fully discussed at this link.