> ## 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.

# API

> The Connect AI API Connector provides a fully customizable way to connect directly to a REST API. You can connect to proprietary endpoints, filter relevant columns, run queries, and manage user access right from your Connect AI account.

Follow these steps to connect your API:

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the **Sources** page of the Connect AI navigation menu.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Click **+ Add Connection** in the upper-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Type `API` in the search field, then click the datasource name.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Connect and configure your REST API. The following tabs are available. Start with the global settings, then continue to create tables and set permissions. Click the links below to view detailed documentation.

    * [Global Settings](/en/Data-Sources/APIGlobalSettings)—set global connection properties, authentication, headers, and pagination.
    * [Connect Gateway](/en/Connect-Gateway)—if you are using the API in a Connect Gateway on-premises network, [register the gateway](/en/Connect-Gateway#register-the-connect-gateway-in-connect-ai) in this tab. You must then [install the on-premises gateway](/en/Connect-Gateway#install-the-on-premises-gateway). Finally, in **Global Settings**, change the **Connection Type** to **Connect Gateway** and finish the Connect Gateway setup.
    * [Tables](/en/Data-Sources/APICreateTable)—create tables, configure properties and filter columns.
    * [Permissions](/en/Data-Sources/APIPermissions)—manage user access.
  </Step>
</Steps>