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

# Database

> Explore, read, create, update, and delete database records using DotPortion’s built-in database interface.

# Database

The **Database** section in DotPortion provides a **visual interface to explore and manage your data**, similar to tools like **MongoDB Compass**.

It allows you to:

* View databases and collections
* Read documents
* Create new records
* Update existing records
* Delete records safely

This interface is designed for **development, debugging, and inspection**, and works alongside database nodes used in workflows.

***

## Supported Databases

DotPortion currently supports:

* **External MongoDB** (via MongoDB URL secret)
* **DotPortion Platform Database** (managed MongoDB)

Both are accessed through the same UI and behave consistently.

***

## Database Explorer UI

> 📁 **Database Explorer (UI Reference)**

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dotportion/images/database/database-explorer.png" alt="Database Explorer Placeholder" />

The Database Explorer lets you select:

* A database connection
* A database
* A collection

Once selected, documents are displayed in a structured, readable format.

***

## Browsing Collections

After selecting a database:

* All available **collections** are listed
* Each collection shows document count (when available)
* Clicking a collection loads its documents

This mirrors the experience of MongoDB Compass.

***

## Reading Data

> 📄 **Read Documents (UI Reference)**

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dotportion/images/database/read-documents.png" alt="Read Documents Placeholder" />

You can:

* View documents in JSON format
* Expand and collapse fields
* Scroll through records
* Inspect values for debugging

This is useful for:

* Verifying workflow outputs
* Debugging database logic
* Understanding data shape

***

## Creating Data

> ➕ **Create Document (UI Reference)**

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dotportion/images/database/create-document.png" alt="Create Document Placeholder" />

You can create new documents by:

* Selecting a collection
* Providing a valid JSON object
* Saving the document

DotPortion validates the input before inserting the record.

***

## Updating Data

> ✏️ **Update Document (UI Reference)**

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dotportion/images/database/update-document.png" alt="Update Document Placeholder" />

You can update documents by:

* Editing existing fields
* Adding new fields
* Modifying nested values

Changes are applied immediately after confirmation.

***

## Deleting Data

> 🗑️ **Delete Document (UI Reference)**

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/dotportion/images/database/delete-document.png" alt="Delete Document Placeholder" />

You can delete:

* Individual documents
* Selected records (where supported)

⚠️ Deletions are permanent and cannot be undone.

***

## Platform Database vs External MongoDB

| Feature       | Platform Database | External MongoDB            |
| ------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------- |
| Setup         | No setup required | Requires MongoDB URL secret |
| Management    | Fully managed     | User-managed                |
| Access        | Project-scoped    | External cluster            |
| UI Experience | Same              | Same                        |

***

## How This Relates to Workflows

* Database UI is for **manual inspection and management**
* Database Nodes are for **runtime execution**
* Both use the **same underlying data**
* Changes made in UI affect workflows immediately

***

## Security & Permissions

* Database access is project-scoped
* Secrets are required for external databases
* Only authorized users can modify data
* Credentials are never exposed

***

## Best Practices

* Use UI for debugging and inspection
* Avoid frequent destructive changes in production
* Prefer workflows for automated operations
* Validate data shapes before inserting records
* Use separate databases for dev and prod

***

## Important Notes

* UI actions directly modify the database
* There is no automatic rollback
* Large collections may be paginated
* Performance depends on database size and indexes

***

## Summary

| Action           | Supported |
| ---------------- | --------- |
| View collections | Yes       |
| Read documents   | Yes       |
| Create documents | Yes       |
| Update documents | Yes       |
| Delete documents | Yes       |

The Database interface gives you **full visibility and control over your data**, without leaving DotPortion.