difference between creating a data source from project pane and report data pane in visual studio report designer

Question

Hello There,

I recently started learning SSRS; tried to create a data source in VS Report Designer tool. I have a concern here: what is the difference between creating a Data Source from project pane and from Report Data Pane in report designer tool?

While tried to create a data source from Report Data Pane, I found 2 options to select as follows:

Embedded Connection (which is clear to understand)
Use shared data reference -- I couldn't figure out about the purpose of this option? initially, I thought this option is for creating a shared data source, but, however, I as attempted to do so, realized this is something not I presumed to be.
Would anyone please help me understand my concerns?

Answer 1

Hi @ArunRaaman ，
The embedded data source created in the Data Pane is only applicable to the opened report. The shared data source created in the Data Pane is the same as the one created in the project pane, and it will appear in the project pane. The data source created in the project pane is used throughout the project (shared data source).

You can connect to data with either a shared or an embedded data source. A shared data source is defined independent of any report. You can use it in multiple reports on a report server or SharePoint site. An embedded data source is defined in a report . You can only use it in that report.

• Shared data sources are useful when you have data sources that you use often.
• An embedded data source, also known as a report-specific data source, is a data connection that's saved in the report definition. Embedded data source connection information can
  be used only by the report in which it's embedded.

The difference between embedded and shared data sources is in how they are created, stored, and managed.

For more information, please refer to: Compare shared and embedded data sources-Report Builder & Reporting Services (SSRS).

Best Regards,
Joy

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Answer 2

Use shared data reference -- I couldn't figure out about the purpose of this option?

Advantage of shared data source is if the source moves to a different (SQL) server you modify the data source once instead of touching every report.