# Connecting to Databases and Cloud Data Sources
For this tutorial, we will walk through the process of **connecting to a PostgreSQL database**.
#### 1. Click "settings"
Access the settings menu.
#### 2. Click "Datasources"
Navigate to the Datasources section.
#### 3. Click "ADD DATASOURCE"
#### 4. Select the database or cloud datasource you like to connect
#### 5. We'll be using Postgres for this tutorial.
Choose the Postgres option.
#### 6. You can select "Live" or "Cached" mode.
When connecting to a **PostgreSQL database**, you can choose between **Live** and **Cached** modes, depending on your data retrieval needs.
### **Mode Options**
1. **Live Mode**
* Queries are executed directly on the database **during runtime**.
* Ensures real-time data access with the latest updates.
* May have **slightly higher latency** depending on the database performance.
2. **Cached Mode**
* Data is **copied and stored** in the platform’s data warehouse.
* Improves performance by reducing database queries.
* Ideal for **historical data analysis** and reducing database load.
#### 7. Enter Database Credentials
Access the field for entering the datasource name.
#### 8. Critical: White list IP and provide read-only access.
When connecting your database to **Infinity**, it is **critical** to whitelist the required IP address and provide **read-only access** to ensure a secure connection.
### **Why Whitelist an IP?**
* Ensures that **Infinity** can securely access your database.
* Prevents unauthorized access by restricting database connections to a specific IP.
* Improves security while allowing the platform to retrieve data for analytics.
### **Steps to Whitelist the Required IP**
1. **Identify the IP to Whitelist**
* The platform will display the required IP address (e.g., **34.71.126.215** in this example).
* Copy the IP address provided in the notification.
2. **Whitelist the IP in Your Database**
* Log into your **database management system** (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, or cloud provider like AWS RDS, Google Cloud, or Azure).
* Navigate to **Security Settings** or **Network Access** settings.
* Add the provided IP to the **Allowed IP List** or **Firewall Rules**.
3. **Grant Read-Only Access**
* Create a **read-only database user** or adjust permissions for an existing user.
* Ensure the user **can read data** but **cannot modify** or delete records.
#### 9. Proceed to the next step.
Move on to the next step.
#### 10. Add/Edit data descriptions for each table
When connecting a database, it is essential to provide **clear and meaningful descriptions** for each table to improve AI-driven insights and analytics.
### **Steps to Add or Edit Data Descriptions**
1. **Review Tables in Your Dataset**
* After establishing the connection, you will see a list of tables.
* Tables marked as **"uncompleted"** require descriptions to be added.
2. **Select a Table**
* Click on a table (e.g., **customer, manufacturer, mobilephone**) to open its details.
* A description field will be available for each table.
3. **Enter or Edit Descriptions**
* Provide a **clear and concise** summary of what the table contains.
* Example: Instead of `"customers"`, use `"Contains customer demographic details, contact information, and purchase history."`
4. **Save and Complete the Process**
* Once you have reviewed and updated the description, the table status will change to **"completed."**
* Continue editing until all tables have descriptions.
* Click **Next** to proceed to the settings step.
### **Why This Matters?**
✔ **Enhances AI Context** – AI models use descriptions to generate accurate charts and analyses.\
✔ **Improves Data Usability** – Users can better understand and navigate the dataset.\
✔ **Ensures Data Consistency** – Helps maintain a structured and well-documented database.
By completing this step, you ensure that **Infinity** can leverage your data effectively for AI-driven insights.
#### 11. Once you update data descriptions for all tables, proceed by clicking "Next"
* **Review Completion Status**
* Ensure that all tables in the list have a **"completed"** status.
* A **progress bar** at the top will indicate how many tables have been reviewed.
* **Verify Each Table's Description**
* Double-check that all table descriptions are clear, accurate, and useful.
* If needed, edit descriptions before moving forward.
* **Proceed by Clicking "Next"**
* Once all tables are marked as **"completed"**, click the **"Next"** button.
* This will take you to the **Settings** step, where you can configure additional options like permissions and data access settings.
#### 12. Assign access permissions
1. **Navigate to the Permissions Settings**
* In the **Settings** step, locate the **Roles** section.
* This allows you to assign access based on predefined roles.
2. **Select Roles for Access**
* Click the **Roles** dropdown menu.
* Choose the appropriate roles that should have access to the data source.
* You can assign multiple roles as needed.
3. **Save the Permissions**
* Once you have assigned the necessary roles, click **Save** to confirm the changes.
#### 13. Click "Save" to complete connection.
Save the changes.
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