1 - Fetch data from data source

The first step in configuring a connected custom field consists in setting up the way it fetches data from an external data source. This data source can be either a REST API or a database, which brings some changes in how the configuration is done.

Fetch data from a REST API

API request

In this section you will be able to specify how your data will be retrieved.

Data source

This is the REST API from which your data will be fetched and put in your connected custom field.

Method

This is the HTTP method to retrieve your data from the REST API. Currently, you can choose between two methods: GET and POST.

GET method does not require much to setup. If you select POST on the other hand, you will be asked to specify your request body.

REST endpoint

This field is prefilled with the URL of your API, as it was defined in the data source configuration. You can complete here with the appropriate endpoint to reach the data you need.

Learn more in our Query guide.

Cache

How does cache / caching data works in Elements Connect?

Test your configuration

You can use the Configuration Tester to check that your API request has been correctly set up, that it retrieves the expected information, and to see the response.

Learn more: Configuration tester

Data in API response

Next step 👉 Filter data from your API response

Fetch data from a database

Database query

Data source

This is the database from which your data will be fetched and put in your connected custom field.

SQL query

In this section, you can either configure your query manually (SQL mode), or use our visual tool to navigate among your data source structure and create your query more easily (visual mode).

Visual mode

SQL mode

Cache

How does cache / caching data works in Elements Connect?

Test your configuration

You can use the Configuration Tester to check that your SQL query has been correctly set up, that it retrieves the expected information, and to see the response.

The results can be displayed in either a JSON or table format.

Learn more: Configuration tester

Live update

See Live update page to learn how to configure a field so that its displayed value is refreshed every time the issue is viewed.