Query LinkedIn 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 LinkedIn data as if it were a MySQL database. This article shows how to create a virtual database for LinkedIn in Connect and work with live LinkedIn data in MySQL Workbench.

Create a Virtual MySQL Database for LinkedIn 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 "LinkedIn" from Available Data Sources.
3. Enter the necessary authentication properties to connect to LinkedIn. LinkedIn uses the OAuth 2 authentication standard. You will need to obtain the OAuthClientId and OAuthClientSecret by registering an app with LinkedIn. For more information refer to our authentication guide.
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 LinkedIn from MySQL Workbench.

Query LinkedIn from MySQL Workbench

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

Connect to LinkedIn 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 LinkedIn Data

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

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