In
computing, a
data source name (
DSN, sometimes known as a
database source name, though "
data sources" can comprise other repositories apart from
databases) is a string that has an associated
data structure used to describe a connection to a data source. Most commonly used in connection with
ODBC, DSNs also exist for
JDBC and for other data access mechanisms. The term often overlaps with "
connection string". Most systems do not make a difference between DSNs or connection strings and the term can often be used interchangeably.