> 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.

<figure><img src="/files/tZMXLyIoJVu1PQJXP07G" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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                                                                 |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.appstrategy.com/apprules-r-documentation/platform/platform-features/system-settings/data-sources/configuring-connection-settings.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.