Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem

Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and couldn't connect to database.
waiting for your help.

[Rishi Solanki]

Bashir,

Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned
driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use
OFBiz and connect.
If so then we can look into it further.

Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying
with.

HTH!


Rishi Solanki
Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development
HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Direct: [phone]
http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
www.hotwax.co

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version 42.1.4
> in Jcenter, .
> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
> couldn't connect to database.
> waiting for your help.
>

[Boyden, Timothy]

I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.

I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.

The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.

That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.

Regards,

Tim Boyden



-----Original Message-----
From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem

Bashir,

Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
If so then we can look into it further.

Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.

HTH!


Rishi Solanki
Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Direct: [phone]
http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
www.hotwax.co

On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version
> 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
> couldn't connect to database.
> waiting for your help.
>

[Jacques Le Roux]

Thanks Tim,

Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.

I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.

I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.

We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.

Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.

This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect
this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...

Jacques


Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :

> I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
>
> I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
>
> The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
>
> That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Boyden
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
> To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Bashir,
>
> Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
> If so then we can look into it further.
>
> Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
>
> HTH!
>
>
> Rishi Solanki
> Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
> Direct: [phone]
> http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
> www.hotwax.co
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
>> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version
>> 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
>> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
>> couldn't connect to database.
>> waiting for your help.
>>

[Boyden, Timothy]

No problem, hopefully that came across as constructive criticism (as it was meant), and not as a rant.

Maybe one possibility is enlisting the help of the jpackage team (http://www.jpackage.org/). They have quite the library of Java applications that they have repackaged as yum, apt, and rpm installers.

Another possibilty would be reaching out to existing talent in other Apache projects, that currently write installers for their projects.

Even nicer would be a Docker image, as that is how most people get up to speed on a new application server these days, and would allow a quick path to creating a scalable/fault tolerant instance of OFBiz.

Wish I could help out more in this area, but installer package creation is not my forte.

Regards,

Tim Boyden


-----Original Message-----
From: Jacques Le Roux [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 11:39 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem

Thanks Tim,

Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.

I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.

I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.

We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.

Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.

This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...

Jacques


Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :

> I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
>
> I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
>
> The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
>
> That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Boyden
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
> To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Bashir,
>
> Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
> If so then we can look into it further.
>
> Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
>
> HTH!
>
>
> Rishi Solanki
> Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
> Direct: [phone]
> http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
> www.hotwax.co
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
>> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version
>> 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
>> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
>> couldn't connect to database.
>> waiting for your help.
>>

[marcopaul]

Going to second the option of Docker image - I’ve started playing with it but ran out of time lately.

A proper docker architecture for ofbiz would be split up as a reference docker compose file that launches:
- OFbiz Application/Tomcat container
- Database Container - my recommendation is to ditch Derby completely since deploying postgres as a container is trivial now and the only reason we have derby (as I understand it) is to simplify initial bring-up of the application. This can be switched out for a demo-data image that’s already ready to go or switched to a production image with almost no headaches.
- SOLR container
- Load/Balancer/Http proxy container

I’ve been toying with this but ran out of time with some other projects on fire, but want to get back to it as I’m convinced it’ll reduce developer on boarding effort by an order of magnitude and make it trivial to test and move deployments between production and development machines.

—P


On Dec 15, 2017, 13:02 -0500, Boyden, Timothy <[hidden email]>, wrote:

> No problem, hopefully that came across as constructive criticism (as it was meant), and not as a rant.
>
> Maybe one possibility is enlisting the help of the jpackage team (http://www.jpackage.org/). They have quite the library of Java applications that they have repackaged as yum, apt, and rpm installers.
>
> Another possibilty would be reaching out to existing talent in other Apache projects, that currently write installers for their projects.
>
> Even nicer would be a Docker image, as that is how most people get up to speed on a new application server these days, and would allow a quick path to creating a scalable/fault tolerant instance of OFBiz.
>
> Wish I could help out more in this area, but installer package creation is not my forte.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Boyden
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jacques Le Roux [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 11:39 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Thanks Tim,
>
> Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.
>
> I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.
>
> I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.
>
> We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.
>
> Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.
>
> This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...
>
> Jacques
>
>
> Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :
> > I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
> >
> > I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
> >
> > The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
> >
> > That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Tim Boyden
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
> > Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
> > To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]
> > Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
> >
> > Bashir,
> >
> > Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
> > If so then we can look into it further.
> >
> > Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
> >
> > HTH!
> >
> >
> > Rishi Solanki
> > Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
> > Direct: [phone]
> > http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
> > www.hotwax.co
> >
> > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
> > > postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version
> > > 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
> > > i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
> > > couldn't connect to database.
> > > waiting for your help.
> > >
>
>

[Boyden, Timothy]

Looks like there is already some working Docker images out on Docker Hub. None so far suite my current needs (OFBiz with Docker MS SQL 2017 on Linux). I think I may reach out to opensourceknight and see if he can extend his image to add the volume /framework/entity/lib/jdbc, so that any JDBC driver, for any DBMS, can be installed and configured.

I am currently running trunk from Git locally against a MS SQL 2017 on Linux Docker image. Works pretty sweet. Now just need OFBiz in a Docker image to link to the MS SQL instance, and it will be gangbusters.

-Tim

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Mandeltort [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 1:37 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: RE: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem

Going to second the option of Docker image - I’ve started playing with it but ran out of time lately.

A proper docker architecture for ofbiz would be split up as a reference docker compose file that launches:
- OFbiz Application/Tomcat container
- Database Container - my recommendation is to ditch Derby completely since deploying postgres as a container is trivial now and the only reason we have derby (as I understand it) is to simplify initial bring-up of the application. This can be switched out for a demo-data image that’s already ready to go or switched to a production image with almost no headaches.
- SOLR container
- Load/Balancer/Http proxy container

I’ve been toying with this but ran out of time with some other projects on fire, but want to get back to it as I’m convinced it’ll reduce developer on boarding effort by an order of magnitude and make it trivial to test and move deployments between production and development machines.

—P


On Dec 15, 2017, 13:02 -0500, Boyden, Timothy <[hidden email]>, wrote:

> No problem, hopefully that came across as constructive criticism (as it was meant), and not as a rant.
>
> Maybe one possibility is enlisting the help of the jpackage team (http://www.jpackage.org/). They have quite the library of Java applications that they have repackaged as yum, apt, and rpm installers.
>
> Another possibilty would be reaching out to existing talent in other Apache projects, that currently write installers for their projects.
>
> Even nicer would be a Docker image, as that is how most people get up to speed on a new application server these days, and would allow a quick path to creating a scalable/fault tolerant instance of OFBiz.
>
> Wish I could help out more in this area, but installer package creation is not my forte.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Boyden
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jacques Le Roux [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 11:39 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Thanks Tim,
>
> Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.
>
> I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.
>
> I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.
>
> We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.
>
> Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.
>
> This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...
>
> Jacques
>
>
> Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :
> > I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
> >
> > I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
> >
> > The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
> >
> > That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Tim Boyden
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
> > Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
> > To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]
> > Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
> >
> > Bashir,
> >
> > Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
> > If so then we can look into it further.
> >
> > Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
> >
> > HTH!
> >
> >
> > Rishi Solanki
> > Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
> > Direct: [phone]
> > http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
> > www.hotwax.co
> >
> > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
> > > postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver
> > > Version
> > > 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
> > > i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed
> > > and couldn't connect to database.
> > > waiting for your help.
> > >
>
>

[taher]

I have a docker image + docker-compose file which I've been using for
a while now. It hosts OFBiz + Postgres and it works great.

It's up to the community to decide if it is interested in moving from
the default derby to Postgres and to officially support Docker as the
default tool for deploying OFBiz.However, like everything in
technology, there is _always_ a tradeoff. So I list my thoughts below
in helping you make a choice:

Derby pros:
- It is simple and familiar to run the default database. Just
./gradlew loadAll and off you go.
- Cleaning up is equally simple. ./gradlew cleanAll would wipe out the database
- The source code is accessible (not containerized)
- The development workflow is known and simple
Derby cons:
- Users need to get acquainted with how to move to other databases
- Most of the testing is done against derby and not the other (more
critical) databases like postgres and mysql
- Slow (because of the embedded database)
- Cannot have multiple connections to the database (I had a few
problems in the past because of that)

Docker pros:
- Very simple to deploy with a single command: docker-compose up -d
- Also very simple to cleanup with docker-compose down -v
- The environment is consistent regardless of whether this is a
developing, staging or production environment
- Flexibility in networking and assigning / reassigning ports
- Postgres was much faster in data loading.

Docker cons:
- You need to learn to install docker & docker compose (not too simple)
- The development workflow is complex (user access rights on managed
vs unmanaged volumes, deployment, integration with gradle).
- Need to go through a learning curve for Docker (I would argue that
there is a substantial learning curve)
- You have locked users to a certain deployment option instead of
giving them choice. Docker is not the only solution out there
(although it is most common).

So there you go, the choice is yours and I hope this comparison might
be helpful.

On Sat, Dec 16, 2017 at 6:24 PM, Boyden, Timothy
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> Looks like there is already some working Docker images out on Docker Hub. None so far suite my current needs (OFBiz with Docker MS SQL 2017 on Linux). I think I may reach out to opensourceknight and see if he can extend his image to add the volume /framework/entity/lib/jdbc, so that any JDBC driver, for any DBMS, can be installed and configured.
>
> I am currently running trunk from Git locally against a MS SQL 2017 on Linux Docker image. Works pretty sweet. Now just need OFBiz in a Docker image to link to the MS SQL instance, and it will be gangbusters.
>
> -Tim
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Mandeltort [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 1:37 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: RE: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Going to second the option of Docker image - I’ve started playing with it but ran out of time lately.
>
> A proper docker architecture for ofbiz would be split up as a reference docker compose file that launches:
> - OFbiz Application/Tomcat container
> - Database Container - my recommendation is to ditch Derby completely since deploying postgres as a container is trivial now and the only reason we have derby (as I understand it) is to simplify initial bring-up of the application. This can be switched out for a demo-data image that’s already ready to go or switched to a production image with almost no headaches.
> - SOLR container
> - Load/Balancer/Http proxy container
>
> I’ve been toying with this but ran out of time with some other projects on fire, but want to get back to it as I’m convinced it’ll reduce developer on boarding effort by an order of magnitude and make it trivial to test and move deployments between production and development machines.
>
> —P
>
>
> On Dec 15, 2017, 13:02 -0500, Boyden, Timothy <[hidden email]>, wrote:
>> No problem, hopefully that came across as constructive criticism (as it was meant), and not as a rant.
>>
>> Maybe one possibility is enlisting the help of the jpackage team (http://www.jpackage.org/). They have quite the library of Java applications that they have repackaged as yum, apt, and rpm installers.
>>
>> Another possibilty would be reaching out to existing talent in other Apache projects, that currently write installers for their projects.
>>
>> Even nicer would be a Docker image, as that is how most people get up to speed on a new application server these days, and would allow a quick path to creating a scalable/fault tolerant instance of OFBiz.
>>
>> Wish I could help out more in this area, but installer package creation is not my forte.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Tim Boyden
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Jacques Le Roux [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 11:39 AM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>>
>> Thanks Tim,
>>
>> Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.
>>
>> I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.
>>
>> I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.
>>
>> We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.
>>
>> Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.
>>
>> This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...
>>
>> Jacques
>>
>>
>> Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :
>> > I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
>> >
>> > I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
>> >
>> > The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
>> >
>> > That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
>> >
>> > Regards,
>> >
>> > Tim Boyden
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> > Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
>> > To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]
>> > Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>> >
>> > Bashir,
>> >
>> > Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
>> > If so then we can look into it further.
>> >
>> > Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
>> >
>> > HTH!
>> >
>> >
>> > Rishi Solanki
>> > Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
>> > Direct: [phone]
>> > http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
>> > www.hotwax.co
>> >
>> > On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
>> >
>> > > Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
>> > > postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver
>> > > Version
>> > > 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
>> > > i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed
>> > > and couldn't connect to database.
>> > > waiting for your help.
>> > >
>>
>>

[David Child]

Just adding my support to the quest to simplify and/or clearly document postgresql integration - from personal experience I completely agree with Timothy’s mail below too!   It is really unclear how postgres should be integrated.

I am new to Ofbiz and am hoping to contribute development and documentation (as well as using it for my business), but I stumbled at the first hurdle with Postgres integration (I’m not interested in using Derby so haven’t even tried using the default install).  Now my aim is to figure out what I was doing wrong, document a process that works, then contribute this as documentation for the project.  Unfortunately my day job got in the way so I put things on hold and have been waiting for the Xmas break to settle down and have another crack.

Thanks to Timothy for the links included - I don’t think I’ve seen these.  I will have a look through in the next few days and hope to get it installed using the linked docs to help me integrate with Postgres.  Another part of the issue for me personally is trying to learn Gradle too (though I’ve been thinking of doing it for a while now) and pulling it together using the correct documentation.  The problem I’m having is, as Jacques pointed out, that there is too much documentation scattered around.

Regarding documentation more generally, it would be preferable to have a single definitive set of documentation that is directly referenced from the home page instead of the current situation where the links open confluence in a new tab.  Maybe have the essential documentation on the web site itself (e.g. installer, administrator, and user documentation).  Then use the confluence site as an additional reference for things like troubleshooting, specific cases (e.g. alternative databases), developer docs, API, Q&A,  etc.

If people are committed to keeping all documentation on confluence (and there is no particular reason why not) just make sure the links on the home page at least correspond to the top level menu items in confluence.  For example currently the four documentation links on the home page are as follows:

“User Documentation”  goes to “Documentation” in Confluence,
“Technical Documentation” goes to “Documentation>Technical Documentation” (i.e. a submenu of user documentation),
“Wiki” goes to the top level page of confluence (i.e. the home page containing the previous two menus as sub-menu and sub-sub-menu)
and "API Reference” is Javadoc as expected (although hosted on ci.apache.org <http://ci.apache.org/> so different from the previous documentation links).

In addition there are other links on the confluence page that are not shown on the OfBiz home page so it is not clear where they fit in to the structure.

In summary, it is probably more helpful for the new user/administrator coming to OfBiz for the first time, to actually have *less* documentation by default.  Then if they really want to, give them access to the rest of the documentation (on the wiki) if they can’t find their answer in the main docs.

As with Timothy - I hope my comments are taken as a constructive effort to improve a user’s first experience with OfBiz.  I really would like this to be a useful tool for myself and others to manage their businesses…

Cheers,

Dave

 

> On 15 Dec 2017, at 18:02, Boyden, Timothy <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> No problem, hopefully that came across as constructive criticism (as it was meant), and not as a rant.
>
> Maybe one possibility is enlisting the help of the jpackage team (http://www.jpackage.org/). They have quite the library of Java applications that they have repackaged as yum, apt, and rpm installers.
>
> Another possibilty would be reaching out to existing talent in other Apache projects, that currently write installers for their projects.
>
> Even nicer would be a Docker image, as that is how most people get up to speed on a new application server these days, and would allow a quick path to creating a scalable/fault tolerant instance of OFBiz.
>
> Wish I could help out more in this area, but installer package creation is not my forte.
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Boyden
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jacques Le Roux [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 11:39 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>
> Thanks Tim,
>
> Such feedback is valuable for us in order to tune and maintain our documentation.
>
> I completely agree, and most of us do, that having a plethoric documentation is not a good thing.
>
> I also see that's it's harder to maintain a well structured and up to date documentation than to add bricks here and there.
>
> We want to make an effort in this direction in 2018, I hope we will get something better.
>
> Help is appreciated, notably about installers, because active committers already have a lot to do with the rest.
>
> This said I totally agree and understand your point of view about installation. It could be indeed that we are missing attention because we neglect this aspect. Actually it's not hard to imagine, just a bit of empathy is enough...
>
> Jacques
>
>
> Le 15/12/2017 à 14:22, Boyden, Timothy a écrit :
>> I have to agree, the documentation for setting up OFBiz with an external database is about as clear as mud. For one there are multiple Wiki documents that describe different methods to accomplish the task, rather than one officially accepted method. For example, I tried to follow the Linux (CentOS) version of this Wiki page (https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Setup+OFBiz+version+16.11.02+with+PostgreSQL+on+Windows) and the compile command did not properly download and load the driver. However, I had success following the older approach of manually adding the JDBC driver jar file to ${ofbiz install dir}/framework/entity/lib/jdbc as described in this Wiki page ( https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/OFBIZ/Apache+OFBiz+Technical+Production+Setup+Guide#ApacheOFBizTechnicalProductionSetupGuide-DatabaseSetup). Of course, the jar file keeps getting wiped out if you run the cleanAll command. That took a few install attempts to realize, as I fought with DB permission issues.
>>
>> I think more attention in the startup documentation needs to address this issue, rather than a passing comment, that it can (and is even recommended) that the software be setup with an external DBMS.
>>
>> The worst thing you can have, when trying to appeal to ERP solution evaluators, is a software solution that is frustrating to install. A Demo site that doesn't work is the first red flag, but I give that a pass, as we really need to see the software with our own data, in order to fully evaluate it.
>>
>> That is why I am recommending that Yum, Apt, Windows, etc... installers be made available with appropriate install options for clean install and demo install. The software should be installable from software repositories, just like any other modern Linux or Windows application. I have been implementing ERP systems for over 10 years now, and if I didn't like a challenge, would have given up on OFBiz after the first failed install attempt, following the published startup instructions. The last thing an ERP system implementer needs on a go-live weekend, is issues installing the software in the live environment. They already have a huge task ahead of them, getting the business's data loaded in the system.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Tim Boyden
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Rishi Solanki [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Friday, December 15, 2017 7:05 AM
>> To: ofbizuser <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: Ofbiz to postgresSql connection problem
>>
>> Bashir,
>>
>> Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use OFBiz and connect.
>> If so then we can look into it further.
>>
>> Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying with.
>>
>> HTH!
>>
>>
>> Rishi Solanki
>> Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.
>> Direct: [phone]
>> http://www.hotwaxsystems.com
>> www.hotwax.co
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] < [hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to
>>> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version
>>> 42.1.4 in Jcenter, .
>>> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and
>>> couldn't connect to database.
>>> waiting for your help.
>>>
>
>

Hi Solanki,
Thanks the problem is solved and the connection is done successfully.

On 2017-12-15 21:05, Rishi Solanki <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Bashir,>
>
> Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned>
> driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use>
> OFBiz and connect.>
> If so then we can look into it further.>
>
> Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying>
> with.>
>
> HTH!>
>
>
> Rishi Solanki>
> Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development>
> HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.>
> Direct: [phone]>
> http://www.hotwaxsystems.com>
> www.hotwax.co>
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] <>
> [hidden email]> wrote:>
>
> > Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to>
> > postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version 42.1.4>
> > in Jcenter, .>
> > i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and>
> > couldn't connect to database.>
> > waiting for your help.>
> >>
>

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

[Michael Brohl-3]

Hi Bashir,

it would be great if you can share how your problem was solved. It might
help other who have similar issues in the future.

Thanks,

Michael



Am 22.12.17 um 17:31 schrieb bashir karimi:

> Hi Solanki,
> Thanks the problem is solved and the connection is done successfully.
>
> On 2017-12-15 21:05, Rishi Solanki <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> Bashir,>
>>
>> Are you able to connect postgres version mentioned with specific mentioned>
>> driver in pure java class .... please note that here I'm asking to not use>
>> OFBiz and connect.>
>> If so then we can look into it further.>
>>
>> Also please share the OFBiz version and other driver version you are trying>
>> with.>
>>
>> HTH!>
>>
>>
>> Rishi Solanki>
>> Sr Manager, Enterprise Software Development>
>> HotWax Systems Pvt. Ltd.>
>> Direct: [phone]>
>> http://www.hotwaxsystems.com>
>> www.hotwax.co>
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 5:42 AM, [hidden email] <>
>> [hidden email]> wrote:>
>>
>>> Hi Im new to ofbiz and i have some problem in connecting ofbiz to>
>>> postgresql version 10, i couldnt find the latest JDBC driver Version 42.1.4>
>>> in Jcenter, .>
>>> i tried other driver from the Jcenter the connection was failed and>
>>> couldn't connect to database.>
>>> waiting for your help.>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>
>