# Tables

Chatlayer enables the integration of built-in databases resembling spreadsheets. These Tables can store diverse data as records, populating columns with respective values. 

<figure><img src="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2Flh2aRyIEsxJfx1DgmKVp%2FFrame%201.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9538fcff-1d71-4a83-b97f-05daa85e0c1f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
Please note that Tables cannot be exported at[ bot export](https://docs.chatlayer.ai/navigation/settings/import-export) yet.
{% endhint %}

## Start with Tables

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Create a Table with records</strong></td><td>The basics to make your first table.</td><td></td><td><a href="tables/create-a-table-with-records">create-a-table-with-records</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2FytLMZZN8gLWIRfm1TaB9%2FScreenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.39.34.png?alt=media&#x26;token=05d12b03-bf02-46b8-9205-b42792c0d6b9">Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 10.39.34.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Column types</strong></td><td>The different types of data that your Table can store.</td><td></td><td><a href="tables/column-types">column-types</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2FYoCkZzwJ9wsZttnta6ux%2FScreenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.40.08.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d1dd2dfc-d15e-4fdd-ba21-f0aeb9f2e56e">Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 10.40.08.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Gym bot template</strong></td><td>A bot template that uses Tables to store class information.</td><td></td><td><a href="../../start-quickly/bot-templates#gym">#gym</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2Fqslbk83DOZE9ZH4op9TY%2FScreenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.52.20.png?alt=media&#x26;token=012a3827-ab8e-4b49-9832-42ea203c3f43">Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 10.52.20.png</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Operate on your records</strong></td><td>Insert, update, delete, and retrieve data.</td><td></td><td><a href="tables/operate-on-your-records">operate-on-your-records</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2FGPywZrxgwSp3MrbGQrl7%2FScreenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.41.00.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e3c3b9cf-ca82-438d-8e52-5191a0be8868">Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 10.41.00.png</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

<details>

<summary>Best practices for Tables</summary>

Here are some best practices when managing your Tables:

* Plan your[ flow logic ](https://docs.chatlayer.ai/buildabot/conversation-design/getting-started)first.
* Keep your data structure simple.
* Validate your data formats before insertion to avoid errors.
* Use unique IDs per record for an easy data retrieval.
* Optimize data retrieval by using precise queries to avoid fetching extra data.
* Implement error handling strategies.
* Regulary check and cleanse your data.
* Prioritize security and privacy.
* Test thoroughly before deployment.
* Monitor and iterate after deployment.

</details>

## Go further

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>API</strong> </td><td>Connect your Table to your API.</td><td></td><td><a href="tables/api">api</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2FMmStkwM1R1bMrECzJHfu%2FScreenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.41.54.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3c8ef69d-2d6f-4722-bc53-da4ec46213b3">Screenshot 2024-10-02 at 10.41.54.png</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>Use Tables to store your KBAI questions</strong></td><td>Keep and eye on how your KBAI is performing.</td><td><a href="knowledge-base-ai/use-tables-to-store-your-kbai-questions">use-tables-to-store-your-kbai-questions</a></td><td><a href="https://2786867680-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LLTwFwbOqJj4dDhg8Ju%2Fuploads%2FYYuYneLSgrKzXSp6viq9%2FScreenshot%202024-10-01%20at%2016.33.43.png?alt=media&#x26;token=009359a7-50f3-4d8c-9b38-741e2e8ec70c">Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 16.33.43.png</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>