Configuring MySQL using JDBC and NeoOffice 2.x

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While NeoOffice 2.0 and higher include the new “Base” database component, many people have existing MySQL databases they would like to use with NeoOffice to enter or manipulate data, including creating detailed forms and reports. This article contains information on installing, configuring, and using a MySQL database with NeoOffice 2.0 using a JDBC driver.

Contents

Installation Overview

  • Download Connector/J 3.1 or later from the MySQL website.
    • The included README gives much information.
    • The most important keypoints are:
      • the class name of the JDBCdriver: com.mysql.jdbc.Driver
      • the URL format: jdbc:mysql://host.domain/database_name
  • The jar file location:
    • for Neo: I had to put it in the <NeoOffice>/Contents/MacOS/classes folder to get it found. Didn't check with recent release if the previous classpath setting does work.
FYI. I just tried adding the MySQL jar file using the Security pane in the Tools->Options menu item Neo/J 1.1 Alpha 2. After adding the jar file in that pane and restarting Neo/J, I successfully connected to my MySQL database.
This works with Neo/J 1.1 final and newer. The former option is probably better for providing it to all users, whereas this is well suited for
There is also an attachment (.sxw) to OpenOffice.org Issue 13753 which contains screenshots and a different location for placing the Connector/J file.

Detailed Installation and Usage for NeoOffice 2.0 Beta and above

Installation

  1. If you haven't already, install NeoOffice 2.0 (I am using v2.0 Aqua Beta 2 Patch 3, released 2006-08-24) and MySQL (I am using 5.0.24-standard).
  2. Download Connector/J 3.1 from http://www.mysql.com and save it to the Desktop. (I downloaded v3.1.13, the tar.gz version).
  3. Extract the Connector/J jar from the tar.gz archive.
  4. Copy the .jar file to wherever you like (Perhaps ~/Library/MySQL/ for personal use, or /Library/MySQL/ for all users of the Mac).
  5. Launch NeoOffice.
  6. From the NeoOffice menu, choose Preferences….
  7. On the left is a tree of items. At the very top is "NeoOffice". Indented and underneath is a list of other items. Click on "Java".
  8. This changes the panel on the right. At the right of this panel there are three buttons; click the bottom one marked "Class Path…".
  9. This opens the "Class Path" window. Make sure that there are no other Connector/J versions installed (e.g., 3.0) or they will make life messy. To remove them, click the jar file to select, then click Remove. Repeat as necessary. (Note: not all items here are necessarily Connector/J archives, use some caution).
  10. Click the "Add Archive…" button.
  11. Browse to the directory where you installed the Connector/J 3.1 jar file (in step 4). Select the .jar file and click the "Open" button.
  12. Click the "OK" button.
  13. Exit NeoOffice.
  14. Restart NeoOffice.

You are now ready to use MySQL Databases with NeoOffice 2.0

Usage

  1. From the File menu, select New and then Database from the hierarchical menu; this opens the Database Wizard.
  2. In the right hand panel, select Connect to an existing databae and from the list below select "MySQL".
  3. Click Next >>>.
  4. Select Connect using JDBC (Java Database Connectivity) and click Next >>> again.
  5. Enter the name of your MySQL database in the Name of database field (e.g. test).
  6. In the Server URL field enter localhost
  7. The Port number should be left as the default 3306 unless you have modified your MySQL installation.
  8. The MySQL JDBC driver class: should also be left as the default com.mysql.jdbc.Driver.
  9. To check that the JDBC Driver is working click Test class; if all is well a dialogue should appear reporting that the driver was loaded correctly.
  10. Click Next >>>.
  11. Enter your MySQL User name in the field provided and select Password required if you have a password set for that user. N.B. If you do not select this option you will never be prompted for a password and all connections will fail if one was set.
  12. To check you have entered all the details correctly so far click Test connection.
  13. If you need to enter a password you will now be prompted to enter it, and optionally have it remembered until you quit NeoOffice.
  14. If all is well a dialogue will tell you so. If not go back to the previous screen and check the database name before returning to this screen and checking your username and password.
  15. If you don't want to register the database (so it doesn't appears in the ---) then select No, do not register the database
  16. Click Finish and choose a name and location to save the database.

You are now ready to create queries and forms that use your MySQL database.

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