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

# Connection Files

> How the CData CLI stores and manages connection configuration.

When you create a connection using `cdatacli connection create`, the CData CLI saves the connection settings to an encrypted file on disk.

## File format and location

Connection files use the `.conn` extension. They are stored in the following location based on your operating system:

| OS      | Location                                                           |
| ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Windows | `%APPDATA%\CData\<Driver Name> Data Provider\`                     |
| macOS   | `~/Library/Application Support/CData/<Driver Name> Data Provider/` |
| Linux   | `~/.config/CData/<Driver Name> Data Provider/`                     |

For example, a connection using the CData Salesforce driver on Windows is stored at:

```
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\CData\Salesforce Data Provider\<connection-name>.conn
```

## Encryption

Connection files are encrypted using AES-256. Connection properties — including passwords and access tokens — are never stored in plain text.

## Managing connections

Use the [`connection`](./commands/connection.mdx) command group to create, list, update, and delete connections:

```bash theme={null}
# List all saved connections
cdatacli connection list

# Delete a connection
cdatacli connection delete --name "my-salesforce"
```

Deleting a connection removes the corresponding `.conn` file from disk.