> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.asktable.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting Data

> Learn how to add a data source in AskTable, which supports 30+ database and file types.

AskTable supports 30+ database and file types, covering mainstream relational databases, big data engines, and file imports.

## 1. Open the data source list

In the left main navigation, click **More**, then click **Data Sources** in the data workspace sidebar to open the data source list. The list has a search box to filter by name and an **Add Data** button in the top right.

Click **Add Data** to start the creation flow.

## 2. Select a data type

The first step of the creation flow is selecting a data type. AskTable supports 30+ data sources across three categories — **File**, **Database**, and **Big Data**. The full list:

**Files**
Excel (`.xlsx` / `.xls`), CSV, Feishu Bitable, Workbook (a built-in writable dataset, Beta)

**Relational databases**
MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, TiDB, OceanBase, PolarDB (MySQL / PostgreSQL), Greenplum

**Chinese domestic databases**
Dameng (DM), KingbaseES, GBase (8a / 8c), XuGu, YashanDB, MogDB, Huawei GaussDB, Tencent TDSQL (MySQL / PostgreSQL)

**Data warehouses & big data**
ClickHouse, StarRocks, Apache Doris, SelectDB, Apache Hive, Alibaba Cloud MaxCompute, Hologres, Databend, Alibaba Cloud AnalyticDB (MySQL / PostgreSQL), GaussDB(DWS), [Google BigQuery](/en/concepts/data/bigquery)

<Note>
  **Version compatibility**: AskTable connects to each engine through SQL dialect adaptation and is broadly compatible across common versions — no specific version required. Tested versions include MySQL 8, PostgreSQL 16, Oracle 11g, SQL Server 2022, plus StarRocks, Apache Doris, SelectDB, Databend, and AnalyticDB for MySQL. Dameng requires the Enterprise edition.
</Note>

## 3. Configure the connection

After choosing a database type, fill in the connection details:

| Field                   | Description                                                                                                                                           |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Data name**           | Optional. Leave blank to auto-generate.                                                                                                               |
| **Host**                | Database server address                                                                                                                               |
| **Port**                | Pre-filled with the engine's default; adjust as needed                                                                                                |
| **Username / Password** | Database credentials                                                                                                                                  |
| **Database**            | The database name to connect to. Some engines (such as MySQL) accept multiple databases separated by commas; for Oracle, enter the Service Name here. |

<Note>
  Fields vary slightly by engine — for example, Oracle uses a Service Name, and Databend requires a warehouse. Google BigQuery uses a Service Account key instead of a host and port — see [Connecting Google BigQuery](/en/concepts/data/bigquery). The form adjusts automatically based on the selected engine.
</Note>

After filling in the details, click **Add Now**. AskTable tests the connection automatically. On success, you proceed to table selection.

## 4. Add data tables

Once connected, AskTable lists the tables and views in the database. Select the tables you want to import and click **Confirm Selection**, or click **Skip** to choose them later from the data overview page.

This step also offers a **Sync Value Index** option, which builds an index over field values to improve value-level retrieval accuracy. Building takes time, so enable it only when the dataset is small or retrieval precision matters; you can also trigger it manually after creation.

## File upload

If you choose an **Excel / CSV** file type, the second step becomes a file upload page:

1. Enter a data name (optional)
2. Drag and drop or click to upload `.xlsx` / `.xls` / `.csv` files. Multiple files are supported (up to 10; Excel files up to 10 MB each, CSV up to 20 MB).
3. Click **Add Now** to finish

After uploading, you return to the data source list.

## Next steps

To learn more about managing and using this data, refer to:

* [Managing Data](/en/concepts/data/manage) — view and manage connected data sources
* [Table and Field Notes](/en/concepts/data/annotations) — add business descriptions to improve AI accuracy