---
title: "Getting Started with Connecting Data Sources"
canonical: "https://wiki.yellowfinbi.com/space/yfcurrent/2204492/Getting%20Started%20with%20Connecting%20Data%20Sources"
format: markdown
---
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Yellowfin allows you to connect to a variety of data sources including databases, cloud apps, and CSVs. Some JDBC drivers ship with Yellowfin, while others can be added by manually installing their drivers through the Plugin Manager.

### Learning Outcomes

After completing this section, you will be able to:

- Add a Data Source Connection

### About Data Source Connections

In order to create Views, Reports, or any type of content with your data, you must establish a connection to your data source. The connection contains the details used to connect to source data, such as the server location and user credentials of your database.

### Add a Data Source

Navigate to the *Data Sources* section in the *Admin Console *to add your data source.

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. Open the *Administration* section and continue to the *Admin Console *page.  
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- Open the *Data Sources* section. A list of the available data sources is displayed.  
In this section, you’ll add a connection to your own data source. When you save the connection, it will be displayed here in the *Admin Console*.  
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- Click **Add**.  
**Note:** You can also get to this page by clicking the Create button and selecting “Data Source”.  
There are multiple options to choose from to create your connection.  
You can either select your data source from Database, Cube, CSV or upload a new connector.  
**Note:** If your Database Type is not in the list or is grayed out, you will need to [load it through the Plugin Manager](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/JDBC+Connections).
  For the purposes of this demonstration, we’ll continue with the “Database” option.  
**Additional Learning:** See more information on connecting using [XMLA OLAP](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/XMLA+Data+Source) and [CSV files](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/CSV+Data+Imports).

- Select the “Database” option.
- Enter basic parameters for your connection.  
The connection parameters expand based on the Database Type you select. Connection parameters can be obtained from your IT team or database administrator.  
**Additional Learning:** See more information on the [connection parameters](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/Understanding+Connection+Parameters).
  **Additional Learning:** See more [specific tutorials](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/JDBC+Connections) using different JDBC connections.  
Once you’ve entered the connection information, you have multiple options:  
“Advanced Connection Editor” takes you to the Data Source page in the Admin Console to edit advanced options available for your data source.  
“Test Connection” tests the connection parameters to ensure Yellowfin can connect to your data source.  
“Create View” saves your connection and takes you to the View Builder.  
“Save & Close” saves your connection and returns you to the *Admin Console*.  
“Cancel” returns you to the *Admin Console* without saving your connection.   
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- Click **Save & Close** to create your data source connection.  
You can now build a View with the connection you just created.   
To edit or view the data source connection, navigate to the [Admin Console](https://yellowfin.atlassian.net/wiki/display/yfcurrent/Getting+Started+with+Administration#GettingStartedwithAdministration-Roles,Users,Groups,Folders&SubFolders)* *and expand the *Data Sources* section.