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Connect data to App Builder

Every App Builder app reads its records from one Data Source. You can create a list that App Builder keeps for you, bring in a service you have an API description for, or connect a service that already offers MCP tools. One data source can be shared by several apps.

To manage data, go to Agent Ops → App Builder and select Data Sources or Connections in the menu on the left.

Choose a way to bring in data​

OptionUse it when
A new managed listYou want App Builder to keep the records for you. You describe what to write down about each record.
Swagger / OpenAPI MCPYou have an OpenAPI or Swagger description of a service you want the app to use.
Existing MCP connectionYou already use a service that offers MCP tools.

While you create an app, Choose one data connection offers all three under Create a connection. When you finish, you return to the app.

Create a managed list​

  1. On the Data Sources screen, select New Data Source.
  2. In What are you keeping track of?, enter what the list holds, for example the kind of record.
  3. Under What do you want to write down about each one?, set up the columns. App Builder may suggest columns while it shows Working out what to write down about each one…. For each column:
    1. Type the column's heading.
    2. In What goes in it, choose Text, Number, Date or Yes or no.
    3. Optional: open the column's settings to set more rules. See Column settings.
  4. Select Add a column for each extra column you need. Select × to remove a column.
  5. Select Create list.

A message confirms Data Source created.

Column settings​

The settings you can choose depend on what goes in the column:

  • When nobody fills it in: the value to use when a record leaves the column empty. For a date, choose The day it is written down. For yes or no, choose Yes. Or choose Nothing.
  • Fixed once it is set: choose Yes if the value can't be changed after it's first written.
  • Most characters: the longest text allowed.
  • Decimal places, Smallest allowed and Largest allowed: rules for numbers.
  • Show as a percentage: choose Yes to show a number as a percentage.

Bring in a service from its API description​

  1. On the Data Sources screen, select New Data Source.
  2. Open Already have this somewhere else?.
  3. Choose one:
    • Under Upload an API description, choose the file and select Review it.
    • Under …or its address, enter the address of the description, starting with https://, and select Review it.
  4. On API specification review, check the Service address, Available operations and Authentication. If the description isn't compatible, Compatibility details say what to change in it.
  5. Enter a Data Source name, and the sign-in details the service needs, if any.
  6. Select Save Data Source.

An API description is accepted when it has:

  • OpenAPI 3.0 or Swagger 2.0, as JSON or YAML.
  • Exactly one server address, without variables.
  • Request bodies that list their fields, with additionalProperties: false and every required field declared.
  • No sign-in, or a bearer token, basic sign-in or an API key.

Connect a service you already use​

Save a connection once, then choose it whenever you build an app.

  1. Select Connections in the menu on the left.
  2. Under Add a connection, enter a Name for the connection.
  3. In Service URL, enter the service's address.
  4. Optional: in Access token, enter the token the service needs.
  5. Select Test connection and save.

App Builder checks that it can reach the service before it saves the connection. Saved connections lists each connection and shows Access token saved or No access token.

A connection added here must already offer MCP tools. To add a service from its API description, use Swagger / OpenAPI MCP instead.

Change a list's columns​

  1. Open the app and, under Data, select the list.
  2. Change the column headings, types or settings, add a column with Add a column, or remove one.
  3. Select Save columns.

Some columns can't change type once they hold records. In that case, add a new column instead, or remove the old one first.

Manage data sources​

Each data source on the Data Sources screen shows its name, its kind and its state. You can:

  • Select Use this Data Source to create an app that uses it.
  • Select Refresh, when it's offered, to update the data source from its service. Apps built on it are updated too.
  • Select Delete, then Delete Data Source, to remove it. Any app still using it stops working, and this can't be undone.

You can't delete a data source while an app is built on it. The window names the apps to delete first.

To delete a saved connection, select Delete next to it on the Connections screen, then Delete connection. You can't delete a connection that a data source uses.

Troubleshooting​

MessageWhat to do
Give the list a name.Fill in What are you keeping track of?.
Use a JSON or YAML API document. or Upload one JSON or YAML API document.Upload a single .json, .yaml or .yml file.
The API document is too large.Use a smaller description, for example one that covers only the operations the app needs.
Enter a valid HTTPS API document URL.Enter the full address, starting with https://.
This API specification is not compatible yet.Read Compatibility details, change the description, and upload it again.
This API specification review expired. Upload it again.Start again from Review it.
Could not connect to that service URL.Check the URL and access token. The service must already offer MCP tools.
This Data Source is in use and cannot be deleted.Delete the apps that use it first.
This connection is used by a Data Source and cannot be deleted.Delete the data source that uses it first.

If the problem continues, contact support.