> 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/connecting-external-databases.md).

# Connecting External Databases

## How to Connect to an External Database

You can connect to external databases in Fastn using **database connectors**. These allow you to run SQL queries within your flows or interact directly with external databases.

### **Ways to Add a Database Connector**

There are two primary ways to add a database connection:

1. **From Within a Flow**
   * While building a flow, drag in a **Connector** element.
   * Select the **Database** option.
   * Choose an existing database or click to add a new one.
2. **From the Databases Page**
   * Navigate to the **Databases** page using the left sidebar.
   * Click **Add New Database**.
   * Select the type of database you'd like to connect to (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, Fastn DB, etc.).

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfFDQ92XdO2VwamznZ7woxwQ43jEZ39uWCDwJvH5DecjHYZ00z6FWMB9DPJ2rSeoyUrpovj7NGaV0I-wI38zlXGW12n2E34Emv2TtJumbKZpV5LE6p0Y0FeOjLZLlQOWipcgOV5ew?key=aWFNWdC9I0x6b7wkwYQbDg" alt="Databases page with Add New Database button and database type selection for PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Fastn DB"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Setting Up the Connection**

Once you’ve chosen the database type:

* Fill in the required configuration fields (e.g., host, port, username, password, database name).
* Click **Save** to finalize the connection.

<figure><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcl-C3AwhQhnnG1KNQ0CcIeUfoLu2LFHiu8SgcpmNhUDrlwsO_KqUHzmDQq08uvcw8JmJthkoFd_pUvpTZbhbnsc1q0LfdcVqXJCva2_aGdWwsI41GW0d3TiEngSlAthpM7VicAJg?key=aWFNWdC9I0x6b7wkwYQbDg" alt="Database connection form with fields for host, port, username, password, and database name"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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