# Add a data source

Canonical: https://docs.shumoku.dev/en/server/next/guides/datasources
Language: en
Server documentation version: next
Product version: 0.1.6-beta.4
Channel: development

This documentation describes the Server currently in development.

server-web · stable

# Add a data source

Select a plugin, validate its connection, and make it available to topologies.

A data source represents a connection to an external system or Manual input. Its plugin capabilities determine whether it supplies topology, hosts, metrics, alerts, or discovery.

## Add a source

1.  Sign in as an administrator, open **Data Sources**, and select **Add Data Source**.
2.  Select the plugin to connect.
3.  Enter **Name** and the plugin-specific connection fields, then select **Create**.
4.  Use **Test** in the list to verify the connection.
5.  Connect the data source from a topology’s **Sources** page.

Required fields, secrets, defaults, and choices are generated from each plugin descriptor into both the form and the [plugin reference](https://docs.shumoku.dev/en/server/next/plugins). This guide does not duplicate their configuration tables.

If a connection fails, check that the Server can reach the URL, the API token scope, TLS certificates, and permissions in the external service. Disable TLS verification only on a trusted network.