SQL Database (Generic) Connector

ExForms uses one built-in SQL Database (Generic) connector for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. The workflow is shared across all three providers.

If you are connecting to MySQL, choose Database Provider = mysql in the connector settings.

Connector capacity and add-on packs
This connector uses one connector slot and consumes connector data-transfer balance when you sync records. Add-on packs can extend connector slots or data transfer without changing your main subscription, which is useful for heavier sync periods, extra environments, or Free-plan accounts that need targeted connector capacity.

What This Connector Supports

Current verified behavior:

  • one connector for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server
  • table-based mapping and schema discovery
  • Upsert support for database writes
  • secure credential storage through Azure Key Vault

Open the Connector

In the ExForms add-in:

  1. Sign in.
  2. Open the Other Destinations tab.
  3. Expand the Databases category.
  4. Choose SQL Database (Generic).

Connection Settings

These are the verified configuration settings exposed by the generic SQL connector.

Setting Guidance
Database Provider Choose mysql, postgresql, or sqlserver.
Host Enter the database server host name or IP address.
Port Optional. Defaults are MySQL 3306, PostgreSQL 5432, SQL Server 1433.
Database Enter the target database or catalog name.
Database Username Use a least-privilege database user for the target tables.
Database Password The password for that database user.
Schema Used for PostgreSQL and SQL Server. Not used for MySQL.
SSL Mode Use required by default, or none, verifyca, or verifyfull when appropriate.
Version Hint (optional) Optional engine/version hint such as mysql8 or postgres16.
Command Timeout (seconds) Optional command timeout override.
Table Include Pattern Optional SQL LIKE filter used to narrow table discovery, for example crm_%.

MySQL-Specific Notes

When the provider is MySQL:

  • the default port is 3306
  • the Schema field does not apply
  • SSL Mode maps to the MySQL TLS modes exposed by the connector

Recommended practice:

  • use a MySQL account with the least privileges required for the target tables
  • keep TLS enabled unless you are working in a controlled local-development setup

Test and Save the Connection

After entering your settings:

  1. Click Test Connection.
  2. Confirm the connection succeeds.
  3. Click Save.

Once saved, ExForms can discover eligible tables and let you map Excel tables to database tables by using the same destination workflow used for other connectors.

Mapping and Sync Guidance

The safest starting pattern is:

  1. prepare an Excel table with columns that match the target table fields as closely as possible
  2. use auto-map or manual mapping to align Excel columns to destination fields
  3. start with a small test dataset
  4. move to Upsert only after you verify the match key and target table behavior

If discovery returns too many tables, use Table Include Pattern to reduce noise before mapping.

Troubleshooting

Connection fails immediately

Check:

  • host and port
  • firewall or network rules
  • whether the target server accepts connections from the ExForms environment

Authentication fails

Check:

  • username and password
  • whether the database user is allowed to connect from the relevant host
  • whether the user has the required privileges on the target database and tables

TLS or SSL errors

Check:

  • whether the server requires TLS
  • whether the selected SSL Mode matches the server configuration
  • whether verifyca or verifyfull is appropriate for your certificate setup

Too many tables appear during discovery

Use Table Include Pattern to limit discovery to the relevant tables.