Data Connections
Data connections define where your widgets get their data. Each connection points to a specific table, query, topic, or dataset within a data source config that your admin has set up.
Connection types
Crow's Nest supports four types of data connections:
| Type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tulip | Reads from a Tulip table with optional field selection, filtering, and caching | Production data, inventory, order tracking |
| SQL | Runs a SQL query against a PostgreSQL or MSSQL database | Custom queries, aggregations, joins across tables |
| MQTT | Subscribes to a topic on an MQTT broker for real-time messages | Sensor data, machine status, live metrics |
| Static | Stores rows of data directly, or imports from CSV | Lookup tables, reference data, test data |
The connections list
Navigate to Data Connections in the left sidebar. Connections are grouped by type, with a colored badge indicating the kind (Tulip, SQL, MQTT, or Static). The list shows:
- Connection name
- Type badge
- Record count (where applicable)
- Last updated date
Use the Search box to filter by name.
Common properties
Every data connection has:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Display name, also used in getData("name") calls in widget code |
| Notes | Optional description for your team |
| Owner | The user who owns this connection |
| Config | Which data source config this connection uses (except Static, which has no external source) |
Creating a connection
- Go to Data Connections and click New Connection.
- Choose a connection type.
- Fill in the type-specific settings (table selection, SQL query, MQTT topic, or CSV upload).
- Save.
The connection is now available to any widget in your organization.
Where used
Each connection's detail page has a Where Used section showing which widgets reference it. Check this before editing or deleting a connection to understand what will be affected.
Relationship to data source configs
Data connections and data source configs are related but different:
- A data source config (admin-managed) stores the credentials and server details for an external system.
- A data connection (user-created) uses a config to define a specific query, table, or topic.
If you don't see any data source configs available when creating a connection, ask your admin to set one up and grant you access.