# Connect command

The `Connect` command connects to the database indicated by the ConnectionURLString argument.

Specifically, the command takes the value of the ConnectionURLString (the database connection URL) and issues a getConnection request using java.sql.DriverManager or a javax.sql.DataSource implementation (see the `ij.dataSource` property) to set the current connection to that database connection URL.

You have the option of specifying a name for your connection. Use the `Set Connection` command to switch between connections. If you do not name a connection, the system generates a name automatically.

You also have the option of specifying a named protocol previously created with the `Protocol` command or the `ij.protocol.protocolName` property.

If the connection requires a user name and password, supply those with the optional user and password parameters.

If the command succeeds, the connection becomes the current one, and `ij` displays a new prompt for the next command to be entered. If you have more than one open connection, the name of the connection appears in the prompt.

All further commands are processed against the new, current connection.

## Syntax

    CONNECT ConnectionURLString [ PROTOCOL Identifier ]
        [ AS Identifier ] [ USER String PASSWORD String ]

## Examples

    ij> connect 'jdbc:derby:menuDB;create=true';
    ij> -- we create a new table in menuDB:
    CREATE TABLE menu(course CHAR(10), item CHAR(20), price INTEGER);
    ij> protocol 'jdbc:derby:';
    ij> connect 'sample' as sample1;
    ij(SAMPLE1)> connect 'newDB;create=true' as newDB;
    ij(NEWDB)> show connections;
    CONNECTION0 - jdbc:derby:menuDB
    NEWDB* - jdbc:derby:anotherDB
    SAMPLE1 - jdbc:derby:newDB
    ij>
    ij> connect 'jdbc:derby:sample' user 'sa' password 'cloud3x9';
    ij>

    ij> protocol 'jdbc:derby:';
    ij> connect 'memory:sample;create=true';

    ij> protocol 'jdbc:derby:memory:';
    ij> connect 'sample;create=true';

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