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

# ADO.NET

> This page outlines the steps that are required to use the Microsoft ADO.NET data provider for Connect AI.

## Prerequisites

Before you can configure and use ADO.NET with Connect AI, you must first connect a data source to your Connect AI account. See [Sources](/en/Sources) for more information.

## Install the Provider

Follow these steps to download and install the provider:

<Steps>
  <Step>
    [Download](https://www.cdata.com/download/getfile.aspx?file=free/LFRK-A/setup.exe\&name=ADO.NET%20Provider%20for%20CData%20Connect\&tag=Download-ado) and run the ADO.NET setup file.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    The installer can automatically detect software that supports ADO.NET, such as Visual Studio. Select the options that you want the installer to configure.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    After installation, the ADO.NET Provider will be available in the software that you selected during installation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connect to Connect AI

Connect AI uses OAuth to establish a connection between the ADO.NET Provider and your account. The steps below provide an example of configuring the ADO.NET Provider in Visual Studio 2022:

<Steps>
  <Step>
    In Visual Studio, click **Tools** > **Connect to Database**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Select **CData Connect Data Source** as your Data Source.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    In the **Data Provider** drop-down menu, select **ADO.NET Provider for CData Connect 2021** and click **Continue**.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    The **Add Connection** window appears. In the **Auth Scheme** field, select **OAuth**. Do not fill out other fields.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **Test Connection**.

    * If you are already logged in, a success message appears.
    * If you are not logged in, the Connect AI sign-in window opens in your web browser. Sign in and return to Visual Studio.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **OK** on the success message and **OK** in the **Add Connection** window.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Your connection appears in the **Server Explorer** pane under the **Data Connections** section.

## Connect to a Workspace

To connect the ADO client to a specific [workspace](/en/Workspaces), you specify the workspace name in the **Workspace** field of the **Add Connection** window.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/cdata/8B5SN8TlQOoh6rM4/en/images/ado_specify_workspace.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=8B5SN8TlQOoh6rM4&q=85&s=2df7496529fd76c84238c04e04869d80" alt="ADO.NET Specify Workspace" width="885" height="1068" data-path="en/images/ado_specify_workspace.png" />
</Frame>

## Learn More

To learn more information about using the ADO.NET Provider for Connect AI, click [here](https://cdn.cdata.com/help/LFM/ado/default.htm).