> 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/generating-metadata.md).

# Generating Metadata

Before using a data source in appRules, the metadata must be generated.    Metadata is created when you add a new data source and select the connection associated or when you specifically 'Refresh Metadata' on the toolbar.

<figure><img src="https://1923141441-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MFjmFrZ8sef1J7qkr6H%2Fuploads%2FagGDniykBsYxhQPud2JA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7bea7d64-b589-4957-a366-1dd67d88ad4f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To generate metadata, first configure the [connection properties](/apprules-r-documentation/platform/platform-features/system-settings/data-sources/connection-settings.md) and click the 'Create Metadata button' or Refresh metadata (when the datasource already exists) to continue.

<figure><img src="https://1923141441-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MFjmFrZ8sef1J7qkr6H%2Fuploads%2FxWUGhMQxX7iOkENqtVA9%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=d1a54d89-89db-4f53-904b-aaf2a5f5c4c9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A Datasource can have different connection associated for each environment (Test, Production...) but the Metadata is unique. If your environnements metadata models are different, define several datasources.

The environments are defined in the [RuntimeSettings](/apprules-r-documentation/platform/platform-features/system-settings/runtime-settings.md) section.


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