> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stepsai.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data Sources

> Complete guide to connecting and managing data sources for enhanced AI conversations

## Overview

Data sources are the connections that bring your external information into AIDE, enabling the AI to access and reference your files, documents, and data from various platforms. This guide will help you understand how to connect, manage, and optimize your data sources for the best AI experience.

## Key Benefits

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Unified Access" icon="layers">
    Access all your information from multiple platforms in one place
  </Card>

  <Card title="Real-Time Sync" icon="refresh-cw">
    Automatically sync with your connected platforms for up-to-date information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Smart Integration" icon="zap">
    AI understands context across all your connected data sources
  </Card>

  <Card title="Secure Connections" icon="shield">
    Enterprise-grade security for all your data connections
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Available Data Sources

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Google Drive" icon="folder">
    Access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and files from your Google Drive
  </Card>

  <Card title="Slack" icon="message-circle">
    Search through team conversations, shared files, and channel discussions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Gmail" icon="mail">
    Find information from emails and compose contextual responses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Notion" icon="book-open">
    Access your Notion workspaces, pages, and databases
  </Card>

  <Card title="GitHub" icon="code">
    Search through repositories, issues, and documentation
  </Card>

  <Card title="Web Search" icon="globe">
    Access real-time information from the web when needed
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Getting Started

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Data Sources">
    Click the "Data Sources" button above the chat interface to view available connections
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Source">
    Select from available data sources like Google Drive, Slack, Gmail, or others
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    Follow the secure authentication process to connect your account
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Settings">
    Set permissions and preferences for how the data source should be used
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Video Tutorial

<div className="relative aspect-video my-8">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/stepsai/bk8ntUWjoqlJB9Px/logo/light.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=bk8ntUWjoqlJB9Px&q=85&s=a3b792588a8a597e6307250f257a3ef0" alt="Steps AI Logo" className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl bg-white dark:bg-gray-900 object-contain p-8" width="708" height="404" data-path="logo/light.svg" />
</div>

## Best Practices

### Start with Essential Sources

* Connect your most frequently used platforms first
* Begin with Google Drive for document access
* Add communication platforms like Slack or Gmail

### Manage Permissions Wisely

* Only grant necessary permissions for each data source
* Review and update permissions regularly
* Consider team access requirements

### Monitor Performance

* Keep track of which sources are most useful
* Disconnect unused sources to improve performance
* Regularly review source activity and usage

## Tips for Success

<Tip>
  **Multiple Sources**: Connect various data sources for comprehensive insights across platforms
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Regular Updates**: Keep your data source connections current and monitor for any authentication issues
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Source Priority**: Set priority levels for different data sources based on their importance to your workflow
</Tip>

## Advanced Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Source Priority" icon="star">
    Set importance levels for different data sources to influence search results
  </Card>

  <Card title="Selective Sync" icon="filter">
    Choose specific folders, channels, or categories to sync from each source
  </Card>

  <Card title="Real-Time Updates" icon="clock">
    Automatically sync changes from connected platforms
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Platform Search" icon="search">
    Search across multiple data sources simultaneously
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How many data sources can I connect?">
    You can connect multiple data sources simultaneously. There's no strict limit, but we recommend connecting the sources you use most frequently for optimal performance.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my data secure when connected?">
    Yes! All connections use enterprise-grade security protocols. Your data remains in your control, and we only access what's necessary for the AI to provide helpful responses.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I disconnect a data source later?">
    Absolutely! You can disconnect any data source at any time. This will stop syncing new data, but previously indexed information may still be searchable.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my connection fails?">
    Check your internet connection and try re-authenticating. If issues persist, you can disconnect and reconnect the data source to refresh the connection.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I control what data is synced?">
    Yes! You can set selective sync options to choose specific folders, channels, or categories from each data source, giving you full control over what information is available.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How often does data sync?">
    Data sources typically sync in real-time or near real-time, depending on the platform. You can also manually trigger syncs when needed.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                 | Solution                                        | Prevention                               |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Connection Failed** | Check internet and re-authenticate              | Ensure stable internet connection        |
| **Permission Denied** | Verify account permissions and access rights    | Grant necessary permissions during setup |
| **Slow Performance**  | Disconnect unused sources and check sync status | Monitor and manage active connections    |
| **Data Not Syncing**  | Check platform status and re-authenticate       | Regularly verify connection health       |

## Success Tips

<Info>
  **Start Small**: Begin with 2-3 essential data sources and gradually add more as needed
</Info>

<Info>
  **Regular Review**: Periodically review your connected sources and remove unused ones
</Info>

<Info>
  **Team Coordination**: Coordinate with your team on which data sources to connect for consistency
</Info>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Start Chatting" icon="message-square" href="/beginners-guide">
    Learn how to effectively use your connected data sources in conversations
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Success!