> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.syntho.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.syntho.ai/setup-workspaces/create-a-workspace/connect-to-a-database.md).
# Connect to a database
## Define the source and destination database
Before you can synthesize your data, you must first create a workspace by connecting to a **source** and **destination** database. The **source** database contains the data that you want to synthesize. The **destination** database is the location where you want to write the synthetic data to.
Syntho supports connecting to a variety of different databases.
### Supported databases
## Batch size options
Syntho processes data in batches. **Batch size** controls the maximum datapoints Syntho reads, generates, and writes per batch. Lower values reduce memory usage for large databases. To change this setting, see [View and adjust generation settings](/configure-a-data-generation-job/generation-and-validation/view-and-adjust-generation-settings.md#advanced-generation-settings).
## Request a new connector
If Syntho doesn't have a native (built-in) connector for your data, you can request it with your Syntho contact person. Syntho regularly reviews requests by customers to help determine and prioritize what features should be added to the product.
## Connector considerations & limitations
This section outlines the general considerations and limitations associated with various connectors. For specific considerations or limitations of a particular connector, visit its respective page.
* All connectors, except for Microsoft SQL Server, write special Unicode characters as-is (e.g., `De\u200bC → De\u200bC`).
* For Microsoft SQL Server, behavior depends on the driver:
* ODBC Driver: Interprets and removes special Unicode characters (`De\u200bC → DeC`).
* FreeTDS Driver: Cannot interpret special characters, replacing them with `?` (`De\u200bC → De?C`).
---
# 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 by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://docs.syntho.ai/setup-workspaces/create-a-workspace/connect-to-a-database.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
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.
