> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.jetadmin.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.jetadmin.io/user-guide/overview.md).

# Choose where your data lives

Choose the connection based on where your records belong and how your app needs to use them.

| Option            | Where records live                           | Use it when                                                                                                       | Check before editing                                         |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Jet Databases     | A database hosted by Jet Admin               | You need new tables for your app                                                                                  | Field types, required values, and record permissions         |
| Direct connection | Your existing database or service            | You want to work with an existing source directly                                                                 | The connector's supported operations and account permissions |
| Sync connection   | Source records are copied into Jet Databases | You need synced data, joins across supported sources, or want to migrate from a business app to your own database | Refresh schedule and the connector's write behavior          |

A sync connection does not by itself guarantee two-way writes. The original source remains the source of truth; confirm where an edit is saved before enabling it in your app. A Virtual Collection is a read-only query result.

## Start with a task

* [Connect your first data source](/user-guide/data-sources/connect-your-first-data-source.md)
* [Create a table](/user-guide/jet-databases/create-a-table.md)
* [Set up synced tables](/user-guide/synced-tables.md)
* [Manage records and fields](/user-guide/data.md)
* [Write SQL queries and API requests](/user-guide/sql-queries-and-api-requests.md)
* [Upload and manage files](/user-guide/files-and-storage/upload-and-manage-files.md)

After connecting, compare several records with the source. If your app will update data, test one disposable record and verify the saved value in the system that owns it.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.jetadmin.io/user-guide/overview.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.