How to Easily Query Linear Data in OpenOffice Base

Apache OpenOffice Base is a versatile, free database tool that makes connecting and managing data easy. With CData ODBC Driver for Linear, you can seamlessly integrate and query live Linear data, bringing real-time insights directly into OpenOffice.

This guide simplifies the setup, showing you how to connect Linear to OpenOffice Base so you can easily generate reports, analyze trends, and make informed decisions right within your familiar workspace.

Overview

Here is an overview of the steps:

1. CONFIGURE: Configure the DSN for Linear data in the CData ODBC Driver for Linear, using the required connection properties.
2. CONNECT: Set up the ODBC connection in OpenOffice Base using the configured DSN.
3. IMPORT: Once connected, review the available metadata and tables.
4. CREATE: Create a report based on the queried Linear data data.

Configure the Linear DSN Using the CData ODBC Driver for Linear

To start, configure the DSN (Data Source Name) for Linear data in your system using the CData ODBC Driver for Linear. Download and install a 30-day free trial with all the features from here.

Once installed, launch the ODBC Data Source Administrator:

• On Windows: Search for ODBC Data Source Administrator in the Start menu and open the application.
• On Mac: Open Applications, go to Utilities, and select ODBC Manager.
• On Linux: Use the command line to launch ODBC Data Source Administrator or use unixODBC if installed.

Once launched, double-click on the CData Linear data Source and enter the required values to establish a connection:

You can authenticate to Linear with a personal API key or with OAuth 2.0. The API key is the simplest option for connecting with your own Linear account.

Authenticating with an API Key

Set the following connection properties:

• AuthScheme: Set this to APIKey.
• APIKey: A Linear personal API key.

To create a personal API key, log in to Linear, open Settings > Security & access > Personal API keys, select New API key, and create it. Copy the key immediately, because Linear shows it only once.

Authenticating with OAuth

OAuth requires a custom OAuth application registered in Linear (Settings > API > OAuth applications), which provides the OAuthClientId and OAuthClientSecret. Two flows are supported:

• Authorization code: Set AuthScheme to OAuth, InitiateOAuth to GETANDREFRESH, and provide OAuthClientId, OAuthClientSecret, and the CallbackURL defined in your application (e.g., http://localhost:33333). The driver opens Linear in your browser so you can grant access.
• Client credentials: Set AuthScheme to OAuthClient and provide OAuthClientId and OAuthClientSecret. This authenticates the application itself, with no browser interaction, and suits machine-to-machine integrations.

By default, the driver requests the read,write scopes. The driver refreshes the access token automatically when it expires.

Setup an ODBC Connection in OpenOffice Base

Once you've set up the DSN, it's time to connect to it in OpenOffice Base and start querying data:

• Launch OpenOffice Base and select Database from the home screen.

• In the Database Wizard, choose ODBC from the 'Connect to an existing database' option and click Next.

• Click Browse to locate and select the DSN you created, then click OK.

• Enter the username associated with the DSN, click Test Connection to verify, and then click Next.

• Finally, click Finish to save the new database file to your desired directory. This will connect OpenOffice Base to your live Linear data data, ready for querying and analysis.

Your connection is now established — ready to query and analyze data seamlessly within OpenOffice Base.

Review the Metadata and Tables

After the database file is created and the connection is established, the table list will automatically display all available Linear data objects.

• Review the Linear data Object List: In the left pane, click on Tables to view the Linear data objects now available within OpenOffice Base.
• View Object Data: Click on any object to view its contents. The Linear data data will display directly within OpenOffice Base, allowing you to review records and fields with ease.

That's it! You have now successfully established a connection to Linear data in OpenOffice Base, with data readily available for analysis and reporting.

Create a Report

Now, let's generate a report based on your Linear data data.

• Open your database and go to the Reports tab, then select Create Report Using Wizard.

• In the Report Wizard, choose the Linear data table from the Table or Query section. Select the columns from Available Fields that you want to include in your report and move them to the Fields in Report section using the arrows.

• After configuring the fields, click Finish to generate your report.

• Analyze, adjust, save, and publish the report as needed.

Your report is now created, drawing live data directly from Linear data, and ready for analysis.

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