How to work with Dynamics NAV Data in Apache Spark using SQL

Apache Spark is a fast and general engine for large-scale data processing. When paired with the CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV, Spark can work with live Dynamics NAV data. This article describes how to connect to and query Dynamics NAV data from a Spark shell.

The CData JDBC Driver offers unmatched performance for interacting with live Dynamics NAV data due to optimized data processing built into the driver. When you issue complex SQL queries to Dynamics NAV, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Dynamics NAV and utilizes the embedded SQL engine to process unsupported operations (often SQL functions and JOIN operations) client-side. With built-in dynamic metadata querying, you can work with and analyze Dynamics NAV data using native data types.

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV

Download the CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV installer, unzip the package, and run the JAR file to install the driver.

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Dynamics NAV Data

1. Open a terminal and start the Spark shell with the CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV JAR file as the jars parameter:

   $ spark-shell --jars /CData/CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV/lib/cdata.jdbc.dynamicsnav.jar
   

2. With the shell running, you can connect to Dynamics NAV with a JDBC URL and use the SQL Context load() function to read a table.

   Before you can connect, OData Services will need to be enabled on the server. Once OData Services are enabled, you will be able to query any Services that are published on the server.

   The User and Password properties, under the Authentication section, must be set to valid Dynamics NAV user credentials. In addition, specify a URL to a valid Dynamics NAV server organization root and a ServerInstance. If there is not a Service Default Company for the server, set the Company as well.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

   For assistance in constructing the JDBC URL, use the connection string designer built into the Dynamics NAV JDBC Driver. Either double-click the JAR file or execute the jar file from the command-line.

   java -jar cdata.jdbc.dynamicsnav.jar
   

   Fill in the connection properties and copy the connection string to the clipboard.

   👁 Using the built-in connection string designer to generate a JDBC URL (Salesforce is shown.)
   

   Configure the connection to Dynamics NAV, using the connection string generated above.

   scala> val dynamicsnav_df = spark.sqlContext.read.format("jdbc").option("url", "jdbc:dynamicsnav:http://myserver:7048;User=myserver\Administrator;Password=admin;ServerInstance=DYNAMICSNAV71;").option("dbtable","Customer").option("driver","cdata.jdbc.dynamicsnav.DynamicsNAVDriver").load()
   

3. Once you connect and the data is loaded you will see the table schema displayed.

4. Register the Dynamics NAV data as a temporary table:

   scala> dynamicsnav_df.registerTable("customer")

5. Perform custom SQL queries against the Data using commands like the one below:

   scala> dynamicsnav_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT Name, Prices_Including_VAT FROM Customer WHERE Name = Bob").collect.foreach(println)

   You will see the results displayed in the console, similar to the following:

   👁 Data in Apache Spark (Salesforce is shown)
   

Using the CData JDBC Driver for Dynamics NAV in Apache Spark, you are able to perform fast and complex analytics on Dynamics NAV data, combining the power and utility of Spark with your data. Download a free, 30 day trial of any of the hundreds of CData JDBC Drivers and get started today.