InfoPath Dev

Hi,

I am looking for help in the best way of autopopulating a form.  Here is the issue.  My form will receive data from a SQL database, a user will type in a unique identifier, once typed in I want to autopopulate the form with bio information which is stored on the SQL database.  Once I have an idea where to start I can start developing my form.  I appreciate any advice and examples.

Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

You have primarily two ways of interacting with SQL data in your InfoPath form.  Using SQL as the backend for your data and/or interaction with a database has alot of advantages.

 1. InfoPath has some built-in database functionality

  You can query and submit to one group of related tables in one database.  The limitations are you must create the form from scratch as a database type form.  The query and data fields are built for you but then you can add additional fields.  Another limitation is that you only get one primary data connection with which you can query and submit, so it has limited flexibility.

2. Use Web Services

  You have lots of flexibility and no limitations to the number of query and submit web services.  This is the standard best practice, however you have to be able to create web services. Or you can download a package of prebuilt web services contained in one install.  Qdabra Database Accelerator Suite Version 2.0 - Developer

With this download you have active directory services, database enumeration (query another table), and you can submit your form directly into SQL and therefore secure and control access.  there are lots of tutorials in the files area to get started.

You can also contact me if you would like a demo.