Creating data queries

Data queries are more complex than simple data input methods. As already mentioned, they do involve indexes. For you to get an easy start with data queries, you will now rebuild the SNMP-based data query for network interfaces.

Building the XML data file

Building a script or SNMP query always starts with an XML file providing the relationship between input, output, and the index. Look at the interface_book.xml file that comes with this book for an example of such a XML file.

Note

The interface_book.xml file: This XML file contains the complete data file for the interface SNMP query. The following section provides an overview of the different parts of this XML file. Although the file contains multiple input and output fields, as a minimum these XML files can contain one input and one output field. Have a look at the file first and then read the next few headings to better understand the different parts of the file.

XML header

The XML header sets some generic information for...