Connections
Drivers are the links over the network between your application and TypeDB servers. They handle all communication, from authentication to query execution. Creating a driver opens a connection to a TypeDB server.
Connection fundamentals
A TypeDB driver requires three essential components:
- Server Address
-
The network location of your TypeDB server (host and port)
- Credentials
-
Username and password for authentication
- Options
-
Connection configuration such as network encryption
# Basic connection pattern (all languages follow this structure)
driver = TypeDB.driver(address, credentials, options)
Connection lifecycle
Every driver connection follows the same lifecycle:
-
Establishment: Driver initiates network connection to server
-
Authentication: Server validates provided credentials
-
Active usage: Application sends queries and receives responses
-
Cleanup: Connection resources are properly released
We recommend leveraging automatic resource management, such as Python’s with
statement, where possible:
#!test
#{{
from typedb.driver import *
DB_NAME = "my_database"
address = "localhost:1729"
credentials = Credentials("admin", "password")
options = DriverOptions(is_tls_enabled=True, tls_root_ca_path=None)
with TypeDB.driver(address, credentials, options) as driver:
try:
driver.databases.create(DB_NAME) # raises already exists exception
finally:
pass
#}}
# Python: Automatic connection management
with TypeDB.driver(address, credentials, options) as driver:
# Connection is active here
database = driver.databases.get(DB_NAME)
# ... use the connection ...
# Connection automatically closed here
Connection parameters
Server address
The server address specifies where your TypeDB server is running. It combines the hostname/IP address with the port number:
Deployment | Address Format | Example |
---|---|---|
Local Development |
|
|
Remote Server |
|
|
TypeDB Cloud |
Cloud-provided address |
|
Note that connecting to a TLS secured endpoint may require you to use the https://
prefix!
TypeDB default ports are as follows:
Endpoint | Default Port |
---|---|
gRPC |
1729 |
HTTP |
8000 |
Credentials
All TypeDB servers require authentication. Credentials encapsulate the username and password:
For example, in Python you use:
#!test
from typedb.driver import Credentials
# Basic credentials
credentials = Credentials("admin", "password")
Network encryption & driver options
Driver options configure connection behavior and encryption.
-
Encryption: Enable/disable TLS encryption for secure connections
-
TLS Certificate: Path to certificate file for TLS encrypted connections
See the reference for your language:
TypeDB Cloud instances always use TLS and use known certificates, so you just have to make sure TLS encryption is enabled - no need to provide your own certificate.
If you’re running TypeDB Community Edition or on-premise TypeDB Enterprise, your servers may be running with encryption disabled: your username/password will be sent over the network in plain text.
While developing locally or in a secure network, this may be acceptable in your team’s security posture, be very cautious when moving to production or loading sensitive data into your database!
If you are unsure about how to deal with this possibility, we recommend using TypeDB Cloud to deploy your database as it is secure by default.
Next steps
-
Authentication - Learn about user management and security
-
Transactions - Understand how to manage database transactions
-
Queries - Master query execution and result handling
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Best Practices - Learn connection management and other best practices