# Starting the Database Server

You must connect to the database server to access a database.

1. In the Database Development perspective, expand Databases in the Data Source Explorer.
2. Right-click the connection profile that you want to use and select Connect.

   After the initial contents for the database instance are created, which may take a few seconds, you can expand the connection profile and view the contents of the database.

Related concepts
Database Development Setup
Connection Profiles
Data Source Explorer View
Related tasks
Creating a Connection Profile
Refreshing a Connection Profile
Renaming a Connection Profile
Deleting a Connection Profile
Testing a Connection Profile
Editing Connection Profile Properties
Related reference
Database Connection Profiles