# Connections

A connection gives Strive an authorized way to use a service. It can supply records to a workflow, expose files for browsing, make search available, or provide tools the Assistant can use. The connector determines which of these experiences are available. Connecting a service does not automatically copy every item into Strive or schedule a synchronization.

## Choose the right connection

Open Connections and choose **Connect a service**. Search the catalog, then compare the connector's authentication method and capabilities. Two entries with a similar provider name can serve different purposes: a storage connection browses files, while a tools connection exposes actions. For example, Google Drive storage and a Google Drive tools connection are distinct choices.

Managed connections provision a Strive resource without asking you to supply a provider account. Other connections ask for credentials or send you to the provider's authorization screen. Give the connection a name that identifies its account and purpose, such as “Finance documents,” rather than putting a password or token in its name.

## After connecting

Open the connection to inspect status, metadata, available data, and activity. Test access before relying on it in an automated process. Use its **Workflows** link to find workflows that reference it. Synchronization schedules and run behavior belong to those workflows, so changing a credential and changing a schedule are separate tasks.

Browse the connection's supported surface to inspect files, tables, records, vectors, search, or tools. Data you browse directly remains in the provider unless you explicitly import, synchronize, or copy it. Operations that change provider data can affect the original resource.

For routine maintenance, [rotate credentials or reconnect](/docs/connections/credentials-and-reconnect). To suspend access or remove a connection, compare [revocation and deletion](/docs/connections/revoke-and-delete) first. Removing a connection is separate from removing records already produced by it.