Query Excel Data in MySQL Workbench

MySQL Workbench allows users to administer MySQL environments and gain better visibility into databases. When paired with CData Connect (on-premise or Connect Server), you get live access to Excel data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for Excel in Connect and work with live Excel data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for Excel Data

CData Connect uses a straightforward, point-and-click interface to connect to data sources and generate APIs.

1. Login to Connect and click Connections.
2. Select "Excel" from Available Data Sources.
3. Enter the necessary authentication properties to connect to Excel.

   The ExcelFile, under the Authentication section, must be set to a valid Excel File.

4. Click Save Changes
5. Click Privileges -> Add and add the new user (or an existing user) with the appropriate permissions.

With the virtual database created, you are ready to connect to Excel from MySQL Workbench.

Query Excel from MySQL Workbench

The steps below outline connecting to the virtual Excel database in Connect from MySQL Workbench and issuing basic queries to work with live Excel data.

Connect to Excel through Connect

1. In MySQL Workbench, click to add a new MySQL connection.
2. Name the connection (CData Connect).
3. Set the Hostname, Port, and Username parameters to connect to the SQL Gateway.
4. Click Store in Vault to set and store the password.
5. Click Test Connection to ensure the connection is configured properly and click OK.

Query Excel Data

1. Open the connection you just created (CData Connect).
2. Click File -> New Query Tab.
3. Write a SQL query to retrieve Excel data, like SELECT * FROM exceldb.Sheet;

With access to live Excel data from MySQL Workbench, you can easily query and update Excel, just like you would a MySQL database. Request a demo of the CData Connect and start working with Excel just like a MySQL database today.