Connect Amazon Redshift

The Amazon Redshift source reads tables and views from one Redshift database into the Lake. Use this page to fill in each field of the Redshift form. The steps shared by every SQL engine are on Connect a SQL database.

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Prerequisites

• The endpoint of the cluster or workgroup and the name of the database to read.
• A database user with read access to the schemas and tables you want to load.
• The endpoint accepts connections from DataMind on its port, usually 5439. Check the network rules that guard the endpoint.
• Create/Edit Lake Objects in DataMind. See Who can do what in the Lake.

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Add the source

1. Open Lake and click Add datasource, or open the New menu in the toolbar above the tree.
2. Choose Amazon Redshift in the picker.
3. Fill in the General, Connection and Datetime steps as described below.
4. Click Add.

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Connection settings

General step

Name (Mandatory)

• The name the source carries in the Lake.
• At least 3 characters. The field reads Enter name until you type.

Code (Mandatory)

• A short code, at least 2 characters, made of letters and numbers only.
• It becomes the prefix of the table names the source forms. It fills in from Name while you type; edit it to set your own.
• Name and Code cannot be changed after the source is created.

Folder (Optional)

• The Lake folder the source is filed under. Leave it empty to keep the source at the top level.

Connection step: Address

Paste connection string (Optional)

• Click Paste connection string, paste the JDBC URL of the endpoint, and click Fill.
• Example: jdbc:redshift://<endpoint>:5439/dev.
• The string fills Host, Port and Database. A password inside it is never read.

Host (Mandatory)

• The endpoint host name, without the port or the database.

Port (Mandatory)

• The port of the endpoint.
• Default: 5439. A whole number from 1 to 65535.

Database (Mandatory)

• The database to read from. The Lake shows this database and the schemas inside it.

Connection step: Authentication

Username (Mandatory)

• The database user the source signs in with.

Password (Mandatory)

• The password of that user.
• After you save, the field reads Stored password with Replace beside it. The password is never shown again.

Connection step: Security

SSL/TLS (Optional)

• Encrypts the connection between DataMind and the endpoint.
• Default: on.

Datetime step

Timezone (Optional)

• The IANA timezone the database writes its datetime values in, for example Europe/Berlin.
• Leave it empty when the database runs in the same timezone as the platform.

Datetime values (Optional)

• Keep as written (wall clock) (default) stores each value exactly as the database shows it.
• The other option converts each value from the source timezone into platform time on load.

Timezones and datetime values explains both settings in full.

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Test and save

1. On the Connection step, click Test connection. The button reads Testing… while it runs.
2. Connection test passed means DataMind reached the endpoint and signed in. A passing test can also show Detected source timezone: with the database's timezone setting. Connection test failed shows the server's message with a copy button.
3. On Datetime, check the summary: Name, Server, Database, Username and Security.
4. Click Add. Then import its tables.

The test is optional and never saves the source. To edit or duplicate the source later, see Connect a SQL database.

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Questions, answered

Where do I find the host, port and database?

In the endpoint shown for your cluster or workgroup in the AWS console. Paste the JDBC URL into Paste connection string and click Fill, and the form splits it into Host, Port and Database.

Why is SSL/TLS on by default?

Redshift endpoints accept encrypted connections, so the form starts with SSL/TLS on. Turn it off only if your endpoint does not accept encrypted connections.

The test cannot reach the endpoint. What do I check?

Check that the endpoint is reachable from outside its network and that the rules guarding it allow connections on the port you entered. Then check Host and Port against the endpoint and test again.

Can I read several databases with one source?

No. A Redshift source reads the database in Database and the schemas inside it. Add a second source for another database.

Can I send data back to Redshift?

No. Amazon Redshift is a source only and is not offered as a Writeback destination. The destinations are listed on Add and manage destinations.