Add a connection
Create a RowDex connection to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Redshift, SQLite, MongoDB or Redis: required fields, testing, colors and the read-only and production flags.
On this page
A connection is a saved profile that tells RowDex how to reach one database server. Open the form with New connection in the sidebar, or press ⌘⇧N.
Choose a database type#
Pick the engine first. The rest of the form adapts to it. PostgreSQL, Amazon Redshift, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, MongoDB, Redis and BullMQ are available. SQL Server and CockroachDB appear in the list but are not enabled yet.
Fill in the details#
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Name | Anything that helps you recognize it, such as Orders (staging). |
| Host and port | The server address. The port is filled in with the engine's default, for example 5432 for PostgreSQL and 3306 for MySQL. |
| Database | Optional for SQL servers. Leave it empty to connect to the server first and switch databases afterwards. For Redis this is the database number, 0 to 15. |
| Username and password | Your credentials. Redis uses a password only. The password is saved to your OS keychain, not to a file. |
| SQLite file | Use Browse to pick an existing .db file, or type a path for a new one. |
| MongoDB | Choose Standard (host/port) or Connection string. Atlas mongodb+srv:// strings are supported. |
Test before you save#
Click Test connection to try the settings without saving anything. A successful test turns the button green. If it fails, the error message says what went wrong. See Troubleshooting for the common causes.
Color, read-only and production#
- Color: tint the connection so it stands out in the sidebar and the current-connection indicator. Red for production is a good habit.
- Read-only mode: the connection refuses statements that change data. Use it for databases you only ever need to look at.
- Mark as production database: RowDex shows exactly what will run and asks you to confirm risky statements and grid edits. See Safe mode.
After you save#
The connection appears in the sidebar. Click it to connect. RowDex remembers your last connection and the query tabs you had open for each one, so it can pick up where you left off the next time you launch. To keep many connections tidy, see Organize connections.
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