> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.darlinganalytics.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started

> Welcome to your first steps with Darling. Learn how to set up and use Darling effectively.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/darlinganalytics/eNNHEWYG4qeLsdbr/docs/app/main/assets/get-started-banner.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=eNNHEWYG4qeLsdbr&q=85&s=cbcd4e497d1582be08bbcb14a572b2fb" width="1280" height="640" data-path="docs/app/main/assets/get-started-banner.png" />

## Creating an account

The first step to improving your data access with Darling is to create an account.

<Card title="Create your account" icon="user" href="https://app.darlinganalytics.ai/login">
  Create an account to get started with Darling
</Card>

## Connect your data source

Connect your data first to get started.

<Card title="Connect to Microsoft SQL Server" icon="microsoft" href="/docs/app/integrations/sql-server">
  Connect your MS SQL Server database to Darling
</Card>

Need another data source? [Let us know](https://app.darlinganalytics.ai/app/workspace/data-sources)!

## Create your semantic layer

After connecting your data to Darling, you can set up your semantic layer. This layer is necessary when using data from a database, as it allows you to clearly define your metrics, measures and dimensions to ensure complete data integrity when using Darling.

To do that enter the [Catalog](https://app.darlinganalytics.ai/app/catalog) section in the dashboard and go through the setup wizard flow for your desired dataset.

{" "}

<Card title="How to set up a semantic layer" icon="database" href="/docs/app/catalog/wizard">
  To learn more about setting up a semantic layer click here
</Card>

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/darlinganalytics/XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j/assets/common/screen-catalog.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j&q=85&s=7cf1bdd016cc9235babda73aadca42a6" width="1280" height="844" data-path="assets/common/screen-catalog.png" />
</Frame>

## Create your first query

Enter the "Assistant" section in the

[dashboard](https://app.darlinganalytics.ai/app/assistant)

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/darlinganalytics/XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j/docs/app/main/assets/screen-prompt.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j&q=85&s=72f33d71d25f31d8f0b7a65249dca957" width="1280" height="640" data-path="docs/app/main/assets/screen-prompt.png" />
</Frame>

Write your question

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/darlinganalytics/XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j/docs/app/main/assets/screen-prompt-filled.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j&q=85&s=3c612ba5b26d0423208a2ef1ef901a2c" width="1280" height="640" data-path="docs/app/main/assets/screen-prompt-filled.png" />
</Frame>

It will take you to the "Data requests page where you can see the status of your query"

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/darlinganalytics/XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j/docs/app/main/assets/screen-generation-steps.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XSAWKe4Hnj7sF36j&q=85&s=44cb1f8532634b614ac41e908b470954" width="2190" height="974" data-path="docs/app/main/assets/screen-generation-steps.png" />
</Frame>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does Darling access or store private data?">
    No, Darling uses a secure and scalable architecture to ensure data security and
    compliance. It also allows for easy permission management, so you can control
    who has access to what data.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What platforms does Darling integrate with?">
    Darling integrates with Slack, Google Analytics, Facebook Ads, and BigQuery. We
    are constantly adding new integrations, so if you have a specific platform you
    would like to see integrated with Darling [let us know here](https://app.darlinganalytics.ai/app/workspace/data-sources).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can Darling be used at scale?">
    Yes, Darling is designed to be scalable and can be used by organizations of all
    sizes. Its secure and scalable architecture enables it to handle large amounts
    of data, while its customizable visualizations and reports make it easy to
    share insights across teams and departments. Darling is pursuing SOC 2
    compliance and GDPR-readiness, to meet enterprise needs.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>