Adding different data sources to Glide lets you use data from multiple places in the same app. This guide will show you, step by step, how to connect and manage various data sources.
Understanding the Basics of Data Integration in Glide
Consider the best option for your use case. Converting data to a Glide Table or Glide Big Table can save updates over time. Doing this would mean exporting your data from another location to a CSV and importing that file to Glide.
Identify Your Data Needs
Assess the types of data your app will handle.
Determine the volume and frequency of data updates.
Explore Glide-Compatible Data Sources
Review the data sources that Glide supports: Glide Tables, Glide Big Tables, Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, and SQL databases (BigQuery, Google Cloud SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server).
Understand the limitations and benefits of each data source in the context of your specific needs.
Adding Multiple Data Sources
Start by navigating to the Data Editor in your Glide app. You can find this by clicking "Data" to get to the Data Editor.
To Add Glide Tables or Glide Big Tables:
Click the (+) icon at the top left corner of the Data Editor.
Select "Glide Tables" or "Glide Big Tables" to create new tables.
To Add Airtable, Google Sheets, and Excel:
To add data sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, or Excel, click the (+) icon at the top left corner of the Data Editor.
Choose the data source to integrate.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Connect SQL Databases:
SQL data sources require a Business or Enterprise plan
You can add SQL databases by selecting SQL from the (+) menu in the Data Editor and filling out the necessary configuration details.
Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Integrations, select SQL, and complete the configuration steps. Then, add the specific SQL data source in the Data Editor.
Depending on your needs, you can add different SQL databases to the same app or tables from the same SQL database multiple times.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Data Sources in Glide Apps
Plan for Scalability:
Anticipate future growth and scale your data architecture accordingly. This involves choosing data sources to handle increased data volume.
Choose a Secure Sign-In Method:
Implement secure authentication methods for your app users. Glide supports various authentication mechanisms such as SSO, pin emails from Glide, Sign-in with Google, Pin text from Twillio, and Pin emails from Glide. Choose the most appropriate method that ensures your users' security and ease of use. Read more to learn about Security and User Data.
Use Row Owners to Protect Private Data:
Use the Row Owners feature to ensure that users can only access data pertinent to them. By marking specific columns as "Row Owners," you can restrict data visibility based on the user's email or other identifiers, which is crucial for apps handling sensitive user information. Read more about Row Owners.
Enable Roles to Create Access Groups:
Define and manage user roles within your app to create differentiated access levels. By assigning roles, you can control who has edit, view, or admin access to specific app parts, allowing for a more controlled and secure user experience. Read more about Roles.
Protect Unused Columns in Your Data Source:
Use Protected Columns to secure any unused or sensitive columns in your data sources. Read more about Protected Columns.
Anonymize Emails in Public Apps:
If your app is public, consider anonymizing user emails to protect individual privacy. Read more about Email Anonymization.
Understand Visibility Conditions and How They Are Not a Security Feature:
While visibility conditions can control what users see in the app, they do not secure the data on the server level. Using visibility conditions to hide data in the app does not prevent a determined user from accessing the data. Read more about Visibility Conditions.
Learn How to Delete User Data:
Know the procedures for deleting user data upon request or when it is no longer needed. Provide a straightforward method for users to have their data removed from your databases to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Read more about Deleting User Data.
Regular Backups and Data Recovery Plans:
Implement regular backup procedures for all your data sources. Use Glide's Generate CSV feature to create backups of your data. Read more about Generate CSV.
Using multiple data sources in Glide allow for a robust, dynamic user experience. Still, careful management is required to ensure data integrity and system performance. By following this guide, you can maximize your Glide app's capabilities.
To deepen your understanding of Glide's approach to security and compliance, visit the Security Center.