# Using Databases
Under the [Developers](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/developers/settings) section of your [Dashboard](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/user/index), you have the option to create server-less databases and store data from your Flows. This allows using, sharing, and retrieving data from one invocation of your Flow to another, based on a shared key.
### **In this article**
* [Creating a Database](#01FY934RPG2A1QBN6R1XFYAM22)
* [Adding, Importing, and Exporting datasets](#01FY934XS0Y8X50TQQP3ZTSW81)
* [Deleting Databases and Database data](#01FY93FXYTDYWZYJXHRQY9KKGD)
* [Data Retention Settings](#01FY9351ZWZEAP43HMPDM7ZPVX)
* [Public API](#01FY95M5MXQ5D0T6RZ06GFSQZG)
### **Creating a Database**
A database can be created by clicking on the *Create Database* in the top right corner of your interface:
You will be asked to name your database and choose the [data retention period](#01FY9351ZWZEAP43HMPDM7ZPVX) - for how long you would like for the data in the database to be stored.
#### Database ID
Database ID is a value you might need when using the [Public API](#01FY95M5MXQ5D0T6RZ06GFSQZG) capabilities. It can be found in the URL of a Database:
* click on *Edit* the Database whose ID you need
* copy the ID from the URL. Example:
### **Adding, Importing, and Exporting datasets**
Once you have created your database, you can add a single record or import several records, at once. All the records you have added can also be exported.
####
#### Adding a single record
To add data to your database:
1\. click on the *Add data* in the top right corner:
2\. Input the desired key and value:
####
#### Importing datasets
To save time, upload a CSV file with your data:\
\
\
Use one *Key* and one *Value* per row of your CSV file. Value can be either a string or a JSON formatted object.
Your dataset is **searchable** by the *Key* by using the search bar under the database name:
#### Exporting datasets
If needed, you are able to export your whole Database dataset into a CSV file by clicking on the *Export dataset* feature:
###
### **Deleting Databases and Database data**
At any point, you can choose to delete certain records in your database or the whole database.
####
#### Deleting records
To delete single data records:
1\. click on the *Edit* database option:
2\. click on the options menu to the far right:
3\. Edit or delete the desired row.
If you'd like to delete several records at once:
1\. select the records you wish to delete and click on *Delete Selected Rows*:
####
#### Deleting a database
To delete the entire database at once, click on the *Trash* icon to the far right:
###
### **Data Retention Settings**
When creating your database, you can choose for how long the data in it will be stored. The available options are:
* 1 day
* 3 days
* 7 days
* 30 days
* 90 days
* 180 days
* and data *Never expires*
The data retention period you set at the beginning **can be modified** at a later point in time by:\
\
1\. clicking on the edit button on the far right of the database:
2\. once you are in the edit database window, click on the edit button next to the name of the database:
3\. and set the new desired data retention length.
### **Public API**
Aside from the steps in FlowBuilder, there are public API methods to interact with the databases. The methods can be used to set/retrieve values from external systems as well as to list all key/value pairs and can be found at the following [link](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/articles/4407200777105-Using-database-steps-in-Flow-Builder#h_01FFM4PXJGSS1FV6CV4D7X6KE5).
📤 Feel free to [contact our Support](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/requests/new) in case you might need some help!
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