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Data Collection

Data Collections

Introduction​

Data Collections are basically the same as database tables. You can create fields and manage your Data Collection entries. Data Collections can be accessed directly from your Flows, Functions and UI components (Blocks, Pages).

warning

Data Collections in private apps are dynamic components. If your app is live, not only can you access the live data from your app, but any changes made within your Data Collection will also impact your published apps. Changes to the schema of a live Data Collection can potentially break your app!

Columns​

Columns in a Data Collection represent the different types of data that you want to store. Each column has a specific data type, such as text, number, date, etc.

Each column in a Data Collection can also have additional properties, like being marked as required, unique (primary), or being encrypted for added security.

Add a new column​

To add a new column to your Data Collection, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the '+ Create new Column' button, located at the bottom of your left side bar.
  2. Enter the name of your new column.
  3. Select the data type for your new column from the dropdown menu. This could be text, number, date, boolean, etc.
  4. If the new column is a required field, check the 'Required' toggle. This ensures that every entry in your Data Collection includes data for this column.
  5. If necessary, check the 'Unique' toggle to ensure that all entries in this column are unique.
  6. If you want to encrypt the data in this column, check the 'Encrypt' toggle.
  7. Click 'Save' to add the new column to your Data Collection.

Add Data Collection Column

Data Types​

Here are the supported data types you can use in a Data Collection column:

  • Text: For storing alphanumeric characters. It's ideal for names, addresses, descriptions, etc.
  • Email: For storing email addresses.
  • Phone Number: For storing phone numbers in the international format.
  • IP Address: For storing IP addresses (IPv4).
  • URL: For storing website URLs.
  • Domain: For storing domain names.
  • Number: For storing numeric data. It's ideal for quantities, prices, etc.
  • Float: For storing floating-point numbers.
  • Date: For storing dates.
  • Date & Time: For storing dates and times together.
  • Time: For storing time values.
  • Boolean: For storing true or false values. It's ideal for yes/no questions.

Encryption​

Sensitive data can be encrypted before stored in your Data Collection or Variables on our servers. This helps you to build your app more securely and protect sensitive user data around the globe.

Specially if you are bound to a data security framework like GDPR and want to use international fast data access via our read replicas, encryption can be useful to protect your customers' personal data.

We secure your selected data with a high level AES-CBC encryption.

Change order​

You can change the order of columns with drag & drop either from the left side bar or within the list view.

Entries​

Entries in a Data Collection are similar to rows in a database table. Each entry represents a single record of data, with values for each column in the Data Collection.

Add a new entry​

To add a new entry to your Data Collection, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the '+ Create Entry' button, located at the top left of your Data Collection.
  2. Fill in the values for each column in the new entry. Make sure to provide data for all required columns.
  3. Click 'Create' to add the new entry to your Data Collection.

Add Data Collection Entry

Edit an entry​

To edit an existing entry in your Data Collection, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the edit icon of the entry you want to edit.
  2. Update the values in the columns as needed.
  3. Click 'Save' to save your changes.

To quickly change specific values of your entries, you can simple double click a value to edit it.

Add Data Collection Entry

Delete an entry​

To delete an entry from your Data Collection, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the trash can icon of the entry you want to delete.
  2. Click 'Delete' to finally remove the entry from your Data Collection.

Please note that this action is irreversible.

You can also delete all entries at once by clicking on the button with the three dots on the top right of your list view, then select "Empty" and confirm the deletion.