> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.astera.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.astera.com/dataprep/reading-sources/reading-a-database-table.md).

# Reading a Database Table

Astera Dataprep makes it easy to connect to and work with databases. You can connect, browse, and start preparing your data within a few clicks.

### Option 1: Read a Database Using Chat

1. Start by creating a database connection as a shared action in your project. This allows you to reuse the connection throughout your project.\
   To learn how to create a database connection, click [here](/miscellaneous/shared-actions.md#use-case-1-database-connection-as-a-shared-action).
2. Ask in chat to read your desired table.

![](/files/36vSSXN6QzsmVchekenF)

This approach is ideal if you prefer working through natural language and want to quickly load data from your connected databases without manual browsing.

### Option 2: Use the Data Source Browser

1. Open the *Data Source Browser*.

![](/files/qQQPYdGvVyXQW2yTqFoN)

2. Click the *Add Data Source* dropdown and choose *Add Database Connection*.

**Note:** When working with Astera Cloud, local (on-premises) databases will not be accessible.

![](/files/SgIblLmolpks2EX5WCnW)

3. Once your connection is added, browse through the list of tables and simply drag and drop the required table into your dataflow.\
   \
   This creates a *shared action* automatically in your project ready to be used for reading.

![](/files/UWwDbmmBBwononoZWDPf)

The table is now ready for filtering, cleaning, or transforming, just like any other dataset.


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