> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.appstrategy.com/apprules-r-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.appstrategy.com/apprules-r-documentation/platform/platform-features/system-settings/data-sources/configuring-connection-settings.md).
# Configuring Connection Settings
Before using a data source, the connection to it must be configured by creating a connection string. To create the connection string for the data source which can then be used as a Source or Target, follow the instruction below:
1. Select Connections from the Settings menu.
2. Click the **New** toolbar button to select a connector and enter a name for the data source.
3. Configure the properties of the connection string by entering values when prompted and selecting available options.
4. Test the connection.
5. Use the **Save** toolbar button to save the connection definition.
The following toolbar buttons are available on the property grid for completing tasks:
| Option | Description |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Expand Categories | Expand/Collapse all categories in the property grid |
| Set | Display the full connection string, editable, copy and paste to create another connection |
| oAuth | Access oAuth page to get accesstoken if available |
| Setup | Displays the Settings & Parameters dialog for configuring additional data source options |
| Test Connection | Tests the connection and displays a message indicating the result. |
| Help | Displays help information |
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