Build Visualizations of Google Translate Data in Birst
Birst is a cloud business intelligence (BI) tool and analytics platform that helps organizations quickly understand and optimize complex processes. When paired with the CData API Driver for JDBC, you can connect to live Google Translate data through the Birst Cloud Agent and build real-time visualizations. In this article, we walk you through, step-by-step, how to connect to Google Translate using the Cloud Agent and create dynamic reports in Birst.
With powerful data processing capabilities, the CData JDBC driver offers unmatched performance for live Google Translate data operations in Birst. When you issue complex SQL queries from Birst to Google Translate, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Google Translate and utilizes the embedded SQL Engine to process unsupported operations client-side (often SQL functions and JOIN operations). With built-in dynamic metadata querying, the JDBC driver enables you to visualize and analyze Google Translate data using native Birst data types.
Configure a JDBC Connection to Google Translate Data in Birst
Before creating the Birst project, you will need to install the Birst Cloud Agent (in order to work with the installed JDBC Driver). Also, copy the JAR file for the JDBC Driver (and the LIC file, if it exists) to the /drivers/ directory in the installation location for the Cloud Agent.
With the driver and Cloud Agent installed, you are ready to begin.
- Create a new project in Birst.
- Name the connection (e.g. CDataAPI).
- Choose Live Access.
- Select an agent.
- Set Database Type to Other.
- Set SQL Type to MSSQL
- Set the Connection string.
Authentication
Google Cloud Translation API requires OAuth 2.0 authentication to ensure secure access to translation services, datasets, glossaries, and adaptive MT resources. This authentication method allows you to securely connect to your Google Cloud project and manage translation resources with proper authorization.
OAuth 2.0 Setup and Configuration
Step 1: Create Google Cloud Project and Enable API
To set up OAuth authentication:
- Visit the Google Cloud Console
- Create a new project or select an existing project
- Note down your Project ID (required for all API calls)
- Navigate to "APIs & Services" > "Library"
- Search for and enable the "Cloud Translation API"
- Go to "APIs & Services" > "Credentials"
- Click "Create Credentials" and select "OAuth Client ID"
- Configure the OAuth consent screen if prompted
- Select "Desktop application" or "Web application" as appropriate
- Set the authorized redirect URI (CallbackURL)
- Copy the Client ID and Client Secret for use in your connection
Required Connection Properties
- AuthScheme: Set this to OAuth (required)
- OAuthClientId: Client ID from Google Cloud Console (required)
- OAuthClientSecret: Client secret from Google Cloud Console (required)
- CallbackURL: Redirect URI specified in your OAuth application (required)
- InitiateOAuth: Set to GETANDREFRESH for automatic token management (recommended)
- ProjectId: Your Google Cloud project ID or project number (required for queries)
Required OAuth Scopes
The Google Cloud Translation API Profile requires the following OAuth scope:
- https://www.googleapis.com/auth/cloud-translation - Full access to Cloud Translation API resources including translation, datasets, glossaries, and adaptive MT
Built-in Connection String Designer
For assistance in constructing the JDBC URL, use the connection string designer built into the Google Translate JDBC Driver. Either double-click the JAR file or execute the jar file from the command-line.
java -jar cdata.jdbc.api.jar
Fill in the connection properties and copy the connection string to the clipboard.
When you configure the JDBC URL, you may also want to set the Max Rows connection property. This will limit the number of rows returned, which is especially helpful for improving performance when designing reports and visualizations.
Below is a typical JDBC connection string for Google Translate:
jdbc:api:Profile=C:\profiles\GoogleTranslate.apip;AuthScheme=OAuth;InitiateOAuth=GETANDREFRESH;OAuthClientId=your_client_id;OAuthClientSecret=your_client_secret;CallbackUrl=your_callback_url;
- Set the Driver Name: cdata.jdbc.api.APIDriver and click Save.
NOTE: Since authentication to Google Translate is managed from the connection string, you can leave Security Credentials blank.
Configure Google Translate Data Objects
Now that the connection is configured, we are ready to configure the schema for the dataset, choosing the tables, views, and columns we wish to visualize.
- Select the Schema (e.g. API).
- Click on Tables and/or Views to connect to those entities and click Apply.
- Select the Tables and Columns you want to access and click Done.
With the objects configured, you can perform any data preparation and discover any relationships in your data using the Pronto Prepare and Relate tools.
Build a Visualization
After you prepare your data and define relationships between the connected objects, you are ready to build your visualization.
- Select the Visualizer tool from the menu.
- Select Measures & Categories from your objects
- Select and configure the appropriate visualization for the Measure(s) you selected.
Using the CData API Driver for JDBC with the Cloud Agent and Birst, you can easily create robust visualizations and reports on Google Translate data. Download a free, 30-day trial and start building Birst visualizations today.