Build Data Flows from Hacker News to SQL Server using SSIS

Using SQL Server as a backup for critical business data provides an essential safety net against loss. Backing up data to SQL Server enables business users to more easily connect that data with features like reporting, analytics, and more.

This example demonstrates how to use the CData SSIS Tasks for Hacker News inside of a SQL Server SSIS workflow to transfer Hacker News data into a Microsoft SQL Server database.

Add the Components

To get started, add a new Hacker News source and SQL Server ADO.NET destination to a new data flow task.

Create a New Connection Manager

Follow the steps below to save Hacker News connection properties in a connection manager.

1. In the Connection Manager window, right-click and then click New Connection. The Add SSIS Connection Manager dialog is displayed.
2. In the Connection Manager type menu, select API. The CData Hacker News Connection Manager is displayed.
3. Configure connection properties.

   Connecting to HackerNews

   The HackerNews API (powered by Firebase) is a public API that requires no authentication. You can connect and query data immediately without any credentials.

   After setting the following connection properties, you are ready to connect:

   • AuthScheme: Set this to None.

   Example connection string:

   Profile=C:\profiles\HackerNews.apip;AuthScheme=None
   

   

Configure the Hacker News Source

Follow the steps below to specify the query to be used to extract Hacker News data.

1. Double-click the Hacker News source to open the source component editor.
2. In the Connection Manager menu, select the connection manager previously created.
3. Specify the query to use for the data extraction. For example:

   SELECT ,  FROM TopStories WHERE  = ''
   

   
4. Close the Hacker News Source control and connect it to the ADO.NET Destination.

Configure the SQL Server Destination

Follow the steps below to specify the SQL server table to load the Hacker News data into.

1. Open the ADO.NET Destination and add a New Connection. Enter your server and database information here.
2. In the Data access mode menu, select "table or view".
3. In the Table Or View menu, select the table or view to populate.
4. Configure any properties you wish to on the Mappings screen.

Run the Project

You can now run the project. After the SSIS Task has finished executing, your database will be populated with Hacker News data.