Create Data Source Entity (DSE) in Appian community version

Question

Looking to create a DSE to existing Appian cloud database or any recordset in the Appian Community Version. Not able to find any instruction or guidance where I can accomplish this. Can I get some information or help on this?

Stefan Helzle · Answer

The Appian CE does not support this. community.appian.com/.../community-edition-guide

Keshav Dadhich · Answer

You're on the right track! Since the data comes from a REST service, the first step would be to use an Integration to fetch the JSON data. Then, you can either directly map this JSON data to a record structure or use a process model to transform it as needed. 
 Once you have the data in a record (with a structure that matches your JSON data), you can create a read-only grid to display the data in an Appian interface. The grid will automatically have an "Export to Excel" button, allowing users to download the data in an Excel file format. 
 Since you're working in the Community Version, this approach will work well as long as you don&rsquo;t need the "Export Data Store Entity to Excel Smart Service," which is available in the full version. If that&rsquo;s the case, the grid export method is a good, simple alternative to generate your POC.