> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/connect-to-data/mysql.md).

# MySQL

## Set up a MySQL connection

When inside a workbook, click **View** > **Databases**, then click the **+** icon and follow the on-screen instructions.

![Create a MySQL connection](/files/EhoKpjpZNQHCSTTSXh07)

For detailed instructions, see [Connect your data to DataLab](/connect-to-data/connect-your-data-to-workspace.md).

If you want to experiment with MySQL without setting up a connection, you can use our sample database with employees data ([source](https://dev.mysql.com/doc/employee/en/)).

## Query the database

You can now query your MySQL database with a [SQL cell](/work/sql-cell.md). Select it in the **Select source** dropdown in the top left corner of a SQL cell, or select the sample MySQL database.

![Example of a SQL cell using the employees-test database connection. The query result is available as employees\_df.](/files/dnIq5IZksMvTshRtfNh5)

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# 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 dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/connect-to-data/mysql.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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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.