Data Sources

Configure multiple data sources to give BB access to files, documents, and resources across different platforms and services.

Understanding Data Sources

Data sources expand BB's capabilities beyond a single project directory. Instead of limiting BB to one filesystem location, you can configure multiple sources of information that the LLM can access and work with simultaneously.

How It Works:

When you start a conversation, BB provides the LLM with a list of all available data sources. The LLM can then request specific resources from any of these sources as needed for your task.

  • File suggestions and auto-complete search across all configured data sources
  • LLM intelligently chooses which sources to use based on your request
  • Seamless access to resources regardless of their physical location
  • Unified interface for diverse platforms and services

Benefits Over Single Project Root

  • Multi-Platform Access: Work with files on your local system, Notion pages, cloud storage, and databases in one conversation
  • Flexible Organization: Keep related resources together regardless of where they're stored
  • Team Collaboration: Access shared resources like Notion workspaces alongside local development files
  • Contextual Awareness: BB can reference documentation, examples, and related materials from multiple sources
  • Scalable Setup: Add new data sources as your project grows without restructuring existing work

Available Data Source Types

Filesystem

Access local directories and files on your system.

Capabilities:

  • Read files and directories
  • Write and modify files
  • Search file contents
  • List directory contents
  • Move and delete files

Notion

Access pages and databases from Notion workspaces.

Capabilities:

  • Read pages and databases
  • Search workspace content
  • List workspace resources
  • Write support (read-only recommended)

Note: Write operations overwrite entire pages. Use read-only until proper block editing is implemented.

Coming Soon

Additional data source types are in development:

  • Google Drive: Access documents, spreadsheets, and files
  • Database Connectors: Direct database access via MCP
  • Cloud Storage: Amazon S3, Dropbox, and other cloud platforms

MCP Server Integration

Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers that provide "resources" can be used as data sources:

  • Configured globally in BB, available across all projects
  • Appear as selectable types when adding new data sources
  • Each project chooses which MCP servers to use as data sources
  • Inherit capabilities defined by the MCP server
  • Examples: Supabase, custom APIs, specialized tools

Data Source Capabilities

Each data source type supports different operations. Understanding these capabilities helps you choose the right sources for your needs:

Read

Load and view resource contents. Essential for all data sources.

Write

Create and modify resources. Use with caution on some platforms.

List

Browse available resources and directory structures.

Search

Find resources by content, name, or metadata across the source.

Move

Relocate resources within the data source structure.

Delete

Remove resources from the data source permanently.

Configuring Data Sources

Data sources are configured through your project settings. Each project can have multiple data sources, with one designated as the primary source.

Accessing Data Source Settings

  1. Open your project in BB
  2. Click the "Edit Project" button or settings icon
  3. Navigate to the "Data Sources" tab
  4. View existing sources or add new ones

Adding a New Data Source

  1. Click the "Add Data Source" button
  2. Select the data source type (Filesystem, Notion, etc.)
  3. Enter a descriptive name for the data source
  4. Configure the connection settings:
    • Filesystem: Select the directory path
    • Notion: Enter API key and workspace details
    • MCP Sources: Configure server-specific settings
  5. Set the appropriate capabilities (read, write, etc.)
  6. Save the configuration

Managing Existing Data Sources

  • Edit: Modify settings, paths, or credentials
  • Enable/Disable: Control which sources are active
  • Set Primary: Designate the default data source
  • Remove: Delete data source configuration (doesn't affect actual data)

Configuration Tips:

  • Use descriptive names that clearly identify each data source
  • Set up the primary data source as your main project directory
  • Enable only the capabilities you actually need for security
  • Test the connection after configuration to ensure access works
  • Keep sensitive credentials secure and rotate them regularly

Working with Multiple Data Sources

Once configured, BB seamlessly works across all your data sources:

File Suggestions and Auto-Complete

When you request files or resources, BB's suggestion system searches across all configured data sources:

  • Type partial file names to see matches from all sources
  • Sources are clearly labeled in suggestions
  • Search includes file contents, not just names
  • Results are ranked by relevance and recent usage

Contextual Resource Access

The LLM intelligently chooses which data sources to use based on your request:

"Can you update the API documentation and also check if there are related Notion pages?"

BB will automatically search both your filesystem for API docs and your Notion workspace for related pages.

Cross-Source Workflows

Create workflows that span multiple platforms:

  • Reference Notion specifications while writing code
  • Update documentation in multiple locations simultaneously
  • Sync information between local files and cloud platforms
  • Generate reports combining data from various sources

Best Practices

Security and Access Control

  • Grant only the minimum necessary capabilities for each data source
  • Use read-only access for reference materials and documentation
  • Regularly review and rotate API keys and credentials
  • Be cautious with write capabilities on shared or production systems

Organization and Naming

  • Use clear, descriptive names for each data source
  • Organize sources by purpose (development, documentation, reference)
  • Set meaningful priorities for source ordering
  • Document the purpose and scope of each data source

Performance Considerations

  • Disable unused data sources to improve response times
  • Be mindful of API rate limits for cloud-based sources
  • Use specific paths rather than broad directory access when possible
  • Consider the size and complexity of data sources in your setup

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Access Denied

  • Verify API keys and credentials are correct
  • Check that required permissions are granted
  • Ensure the data source is enabled in project settings

Slow Performance

  • Disable unused data sources
  • Check network connectivity for cloud sources
  • Review API rate limits and usage

Resources Not Found

  • Confirm the resource exists and is accessible
  • Check path formatting and special characters
  • Verify the data source configuration is correct

Next Steps

Project Manager

Learn how to create and manage projects that use multiple data sources.

MCP Servers

Discover how to extend BB's capabilities with Model Context Protocol servers.

Last updated: May 24, 2025