BCS, can I connect a result of SQL query to external database in SharePoint list?

Question

Can I connect a result of SQL query to external database in SharePoint list?

As I understand - External Content types could map only one table for list, but I need to get some combined data from few tables, not single one. So I am trying to get result with "Content Source" in SPD, it allows queries as I understand.

By example I have external database with tables 'CountryRegion' and 'SomeTable', screenshots are below:

I make some logic in query and get result, by example

SELECT *
 FROM AdventureWorks2008.Person.CountryRegion R
 INNER JOIN
AdventureWorks2008.dbo.SomeTable T
 ON R.CountryRegionCode = T.CountryRegionCode 

I get this result:

Now I created "Content Source" in SharePoint Designer, it allowed me to make this select query:

But how can I map this result to SharePoint list?

Answer 1

I would also like to add that you can also accomplish this with SQL Table Views. So if you create a custom view within your SQL DB, you can connect to it in BCS using SP Designer as if it was a regular table. My understanding is that if the View is update-able as defined here, you will also be able to add Update controls to it. To add a view as an ECT please follow the steps here: http://prairiedeveloper.com/?p=395 However, instead of adding your operations to the table, you can now add the operations to the view instead (Step 3 in Map Parameters).

Just another suggestion to accomplish this.

Answer 2

You can use the stored procedures with BCS, so instead of a single table, you can gather information (Read only) from a result of a query. You need to create the stored procedure in SQL first, then connect to BCS through SHarePoint Designer, then you will be able to create a External Content Type based on that stored procedure.

Here is an article that explains it a bit better.