> 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/designing-a-flow/database.md).
# Database
Use this to read from or write to Fastn's internal database using SQL queries. Ideal for managing structured data inside your flows.
* You can run queries to **select**, **insert**, or **create tables**.
* Queries can also use outputs from earlier steps.
#### **Use Case: Manage Internal Data with SQL**
Use the **Database** component to interact directly with Fastn's internal storage. You can create tables, insert new records, or retrieve structured data using SQL. It's perfect for managing intermediate or persistent datasets within your flows, such as syncing user information, logging transactions, or filtering active records.
**Example**\
Retrieve a list of active users to feed into a downstream connector:
```sql
SELECT id, email FROM users WHERE active = True
```
#### **How does it help?**
* Store and reuse structured data between flow steps
* Perform SQL-based lookups and filters dynamically
* Combine database results with outputs from earlier actions
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# Agent Instructions
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## 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.fastn.ai/flow-setup-essentials/designing-a-flow/database.md?ask=&goal=
```
`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.
