👋 If you're looking for help on how to get started with Connect Mix Share, check out our onboarding guide

What is a Connection?

Connections are the first stage in Connect Mix Share. Connections allow you to bring data into your workspace. You will need at least one connection to be able to Mix and Share your data. Connections are made up of 3 parts:

Connectors

Each connection starts with a connector. Each connection has a single connector. The connector controls where to get the data, how to get the data and any connector specific options. There's a variety of connectors available that allow you to extract data from different services and systems.

🧑‍💻 We're constantly building new connectors. If we don't have a connector you need, get in touch with us to make a request.

Tables

Each connection can contain multiple tables. Tables represent the individual datasets available within the connection. Most of the time, tables will match the datasets available within the source. For example, connecting to a spreadsheet will show each sheet as individual tables. Tables and table columns make up the schema of the connection. This shows you the top level data that is available for you to extract.

Columns

Each table can contain multiple columns. Columns represent the different data points that are available within each of the tables. For example, the first row of a sheet within a connected spreadsheet would be used as the columns. This shows you the granular data available for extraction within each table.

Creating and managing a connection typically follows the steps and processes below:

Connection Setup
Schema Discovery
Data Selection

1. Connection Setup

You can add a new connection by selecting a connector from the Connect page. This will take you to the connection setup page.

Each connector has different fields to complete before you can connect. Once all the required fields have been completed, you can click Connect to test the connection and move to the schema discovery page.

ℹ️ You can find more information on the specific requirements for each connector type within our support articles.

2. Schema Discovery

Each time a new connection is created, the connection will automatically run a schema discovery to find all the available tables and columns at the source. This process can take a few seconds to a few minutes.

You can also run this process manually to get any new or updated tables and columns after the initial discovery. To get the latest tables, you can use 'Update Connection Schema' via the connection's settings. To get the latest table's columns, you can run the 'Update Table Schema' via the table's settings.

ℹ️ Please note that your authentication credentials and permissions to the source may prevent you from seeing all of the tables and columns.

3. Data Selection

Once you can see the available tables within the connection, you're able to start selecting the data you want to enable and store in your workspace.

To get the data, you need to activate your chosen table(s), turn on the columns you require and click 'Save & Update'. This will fetch the latest data from the source. Once the data has loaded, it will be displayed on the same table page.

Connect Mix Share will then automatically get the latest data from your source on an periodic basis. Your subscription plan determines how often the automatic refresh occurs. Only the data from your enabled tables and columns are stored in your workspace.

ℹ️ You can find more information on how tables and columns work within our support articles.