# What is DataLab?

DataLab is a data notebook that (1) smartly leverages generative AI technology so you can ‘chat with your data’, (2) features a powerful IDE to review, tweak and run your analysis, and (3) seamlessly turns your work into a beautiful, shareable report.

<figure><img src="https://4179539225-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MZqboFGZzD87nn7oPsm%2Fuploads%2FNQnOrw3ct2ZOpVgU138a%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6a5f25cf-3cfa-466c-a712-d0042b126a93" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Every DataLab workbook runs in a fully-managed, cloud-hosted environment with R / Python, built-in support for SQL and all commonly used data science packages pre-installed. If you need more, you can easily install additional packages. Learn more in [packages](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/code-cell/packages "mention").

DataLab makes connecting to external databases a breeze. Set up the connection once and access data in any workbook. Write your query in a SQL cell; the result will be available as a data frame so you can continue your analysis. Learn more in [sql-cell](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/sql-cell "mention").

DataLab makes collaboration seamless. You can invite people through email or share a link. They can now jump in and edit or comment on your work in real-time. Learn more in [sharing-a-workbook](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/sharing-a-workbook "mention").

DataLab features a powerful AI Assistant to chat with your data, or to generate and edit code, as well as fix and explain mistakes. The assistant helps you go from data to insights faster, building more skill in the process. Learn more in [ai-assistant](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/ai-assistant "mention").

With the chart cell, you can create a beautiful chart of any data frame without code. Super-useful for quick data exploration and for creating sleek visuals to share with your peers. Learn more in [chart-cell](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/chart-cell "mention").

## Getting started

You can create up to 3 DataLab workbooks for free; all you need is a DataCamp account. Head over to <https://www.datacamp.com/datalab> to experience the future of data exploration!


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