> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fastn.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fastn.ai/flow-setup-essentials/data-and-storage.md).

# Data & Storage

Data handling in Fastn lets you connect, store, and manage data within your flows using the Fastn DB or any external database. Whether you're storing Slack messages, running SQL queries, or connecting to cloud databases like PostgreSQL or Redshift, Fastn gives you full control over your data pipeline.

> You can create new tables directly within the platform, manage connections to external databases, and use database flow elements to execute dynamic queries in real time.

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Connect to the Fastn DB</strong></td><td>Learn how to create tables, write SQL queries, and store flow data in the Fastn database.</td><td><a href="/pages/m90BBYOId4MP5cQXpyL6">/pages/m90BBYOId4MP5cQXpyL6</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Connecting External Databases</strong></td><td>Connect your flows to external databases securely and manage database operations within Fastn.</td><td><a href="/pages/OJQVwE4DHpkWMTizqaAZ">/pages/OJQVwE4DHpkWMTizqaAZ</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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