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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:

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

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Database-Specific Connection Instructions

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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:

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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:

-- 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'

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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.