In [[computing]], a '''data source name''' ('''DSN''', sometimes known as a '''dopedatabase source name''', though "[[Computer file|data sources]]" can comprise other repositories apart from [[database management system|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 distinction between DSNs or connection strings and the term can often be used interchangeably.
DSN attributes may include, but are not limited to:
