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Connecting Databases

The first step in using Infactory is connecting to your database. This establishes a secure link between Infactory and your data source, enabling intelligent query generation without copying or storing your data.

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Supported Database Types

Infactory currently supports the following database types:

Azure Cosmos DB

Microsoft’s globally distributed, multi-model database service

PostgreSQL

Powerful, open-source object-relational database system

MySQL

Popular open-source relational database management system
Additional database types are being added regularly. If you need support for a database type not listed here, please contact our support team.

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Connection Process Overview

1

Create or select a project

Start by creating a new project or selecting an existing one in the Infactory workshop.
2

Navigate to Connect tab

Go to the Connect tab in your project to begin setting up a database connection.
3

Select database type

Choose which type of database you want to connect from the available options.
4

Enter connection details

Provide the necessary credentials and parameters to establish the connection.
5

Select specific tables/containers

Choose which tables, collections, or containers you want to include in your project.

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Database-Specific Connection Instructions

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Connecting to Azure Cosmos DB

To connect to an Azure Cosmos DB database, you’ll need:
  • Connection URL: The endpoint URL for your Cosmos DB instance
  • Key: The primary or secondary key for accessing your Cosmos DB account
  • Database Name: The name of the database you want to connect to

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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In the Connect tab, select Azure Cosmos DB from the database options
  2. Enter your connection details:
    • Connection URL (e.g., https://your-cosmos-account.documents.azure.com:443/)
    • Primary or secondary key
    • Database name
  3. Click Connect
  4. Select the containers you want to include in your project
  5. Click Continue to finalize the connection

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Container Selection

After connecting, you’ll see a list of available containers in your database. You can:
  • Select specific containers to include in your project
  • Write custom queries to filter or transform the data within containers
  • Preview sample data from each container

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The Data Model

After connecting to your database, Infactory analyzes your schema and creates a data model. This data model is the foundation for intelligent query generation.

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How Data Modeling Works

Infactory’s data modeling process:
  1. Takes a small sample of your data (about 50 rows)
  2. Analyzes the schema to understand data types and relationships
  3. Generates appropriate display names and descriptions
  4. Creates a data model that powers intelligent query generation

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Viewing and Editing the Data Model

You can view and edit the generated data model:
The Table View provides a user-friendly interface to see and edit:
  • Field names
  • Data types
  • Descriptions
This is the recommended view for most users.

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Customizing the Data Model

Customizing the data model can significantly improve the quality of generated queries. Consider these customizations:
  1. Improve Field Descriptions: Add more context about what each field represents
  2. Correct Data Types: Ensure field types are correctly identified
  3. Add Display Names: Make field names more human-readable
  4. Define Relationships: Clarify how different tables or collections relate to each other

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Advanced Connection Features

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Custom Queries as Data Sources

For complex data models or specific data needs, you can provide a custom query as your data source:
1

Select 'Custom Query' as your data source

When connecting to your database, choose the Custom Query option.
2

Write your query

Enter the SQL, MongoDB query, or other appropriate query language for your database.
-- Example custom query for PostgreSQL
SELECT 
  p.player_id, 
  p.first_name, 
  p.last_name, 
  t.team_name, 
  s.points_per_game
FROM 
  players p
JOIN 
  teams t ON p.team_id = t.team_id
JOIN 
  statistics s ON p.player_id = s.player_id
WHERE 
  s.season = '2023'
3

Test your query

Click the “Test Query” button to verify that your query returns the expected results.
4

Use as data source

Click “Connect” to use this query result as your data source.

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Multiple Table/Container Connections

You can connect to multiple tables or containers within the same project:
  1. Follow the standard connection process for your first table/container
  2. Return to the Connect tab and click “Add Table/Container”
  3. Select additional tables/containers from your connected database
  4. Configure each connection as needed
This enables queries that can join data across multiple tables or containers.

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Connection Security

Infactory prioritizes the security of your data connections:
  • Read-Only Access: We recommend using database credentials with read-only access
  • No Data Storage: Infactory does not store copies of your data
  • Encrypted Connections: All database connections use encrypted channels
  • Secure Credential Storage: Your connection credentials are securely stored

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Connection Troubleshooting

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Best Practices for Database Connections

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Schema Design

  • Use Clear Column Names: Choose descriptive names that reflect content
  • Consistent Naming: Use consistent naming patterns across your schema
  • Add Database Comments: Where supported, add comments to explain fields
  • Appropriate Data Types: Use proper data types for each field

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Data Quality

  • Provide Representative Data: Ensure your database contains quality sample data
  • Avoid Empty Tables: Tables without data won’t generate meaningful query templates
  • Clean Data: Remove inconsistent or duplicate data when possible
  • Normalize When Possible: Well-normalized data often leads to better query generation

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Connection Management

  • Use Read-Only Connections: Connect with read-only credentials when possible
  • Regular Updates: If your schema changes significantly, reconnect to update the data model
  • Start Simple: Begin with core tables/collections and add more as needed
  • Document Your Connections: Keep track of which data sources are connected and why

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Next Steps

After successfully connecting your database, Infactory will analyze your schema and automatically generate queries. Continue to Building Queries to learn how to work with these generated queries and create custom ones.