Alteryx supports many data formats, when using the input tool you are presented with many options terms like OleDB and ODBC can seem baffling to non-technical users and so here are five quick tips:

1. Your IT team will know how to connect to any given database, you may have in house preferences.

2. If in-doubt choose the native drivers, e.g. New Oracle Connection to connect to Oracle, SQL Server Native Client 11 for SQL Server.

3. Don't worry about the advanced properties on each connection.

4. You can set up an Alias in Alteryx to reference common database connections.

5. Your most recent connections are available via the drop down in the Input tool.