Using the Web File Connector with a Bit of Video Game Value Analysis

[Michael_Tarallo]

In the this video edition of the Qlik Design Blog, I show you how I use the Web File connector to combine retro-video game pricing data (Sega Master System) with my own local video game collection. The Web File connector is available in all Qlik Sense products, including the free version of Qlik Sense Cloud (Basic). It is commonly known that the Web File connector is fairly simple to use, however I wanted to demonstrate its use in a fun and meaningful way as well as provide additional information that will help you understand how and when it can be used and what to look out for. Enjoy!

Sega Master System Value Analysis - Mike's Collection - Qlik Sense App

The video is 16 minutes long. I first show you how to simply use the Web File connector with a internet based source via HTTP:// (Current Master System Video Game Prices - GameValueNow.com) and then build a few Qlik Sense KPIs. Then I expand on possible issues you COULD run into with Web File, as well as an example using FTP://, then I conclude with a simple demonstration analyzing some of my video game value data. Analysis result: Purchasing a number of the cartridge titles separately from the cases and manuals and the combining to re-sell may prove profitable. Enjoy!

Regards,
Michael Tarallo (@mtarallo) | Twitter

Qlik Sense Cloud - Using Web File

Time Index:

• 0:00 - 8:30 - Intro and using the Web File connector

• 8:30 - 10:38 - Additional information to be aware of: https://youtu.be/HEcYYn1hrrk?t=8m30s

• 10:38 - 11:40 - Using FTP with inline credentials: https://youtu.be/HEcYYn1hrrk?t=10m41s

• 11:40 - 12:46 - REST connector information: https://youtu.be/HEcYYn1hrrk?t=11m40s

• 12:46 - End - Fun information / demo using finalized Video Game pricing analysis app: https://youtu.be/HEcYYn1hrrk?t=12m52s

NOTE: To increase resolution or size of the video, select the YouTube logo at the bottom right of the player. You will be brought directly to YouTube where you can increase the resolution and size of the player window. Look for the 'settings' gears icon in the lower right of the player once at YouTube.

Sample Qlik Sense app and data attached in case you wanted to play.
Web File Help document: Loading data from files ‒ Qlik Sense

Can't see the video?

Download the .mp4 and watch from your computer or mobile device.

sega_games.csv

QlikSenseWebFile.mp4

Mikes_Sega Master System Collection.qvf

[rskornia]

Love the possibilites of the web file connector, but still missing a feature to loop through different HTML files with nearly the same content.

For example: I pull soccer results from HTML sites, but for each playweek you will find the results on a different site with a slighlty different URL.

Off course I could turn on the legacy mode and do it the old school way using variables, but that's a price I don't want to pay due to security reasons.

But thanks for the nerdy example.

Best Regards

Rafael

[Michael_Tarallo]

Hi Rafael - thanks for your comment. Nerdy indeed and a lot of fun. Let me check with our products team to see what they say. I have asked for variables to be supported in lib:\\ connection statements - however I am note sure if all the connectors support variables in the URL etc - without switching to legacy mode. If I hear something soon, I'll reply back. If I forget to reply - follow-up with me. Thanks again.

[silvacarlos]

I love this, thank you Michael!

[boguslaw_gmitru]

Hi, I don't see this connector in current version of SaaS. Did you know if it still available? Or any idea of workaround?