Query and update your database using external LLMs

Manually managing records in complex tools like Smartsheet or Airtable often requires technical expertise or tedious manual updates. If you’re looking for a way to interact with your data without writing a single line of SQL or navigating a complex UI, the solution lies in the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

By connecting external AI assistants like Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf directly to your Baserow workspace, you can manage your data through natural conversation.

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how does it work?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server provides a seamless, secure integration between your database and modern AI assistants. Think of it as a translator that turns your conversational English into concrete database actions.

Once configured, each MCP server endpoint generates a unique, secure URL. By plugging this URL into supported LLM clients; such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf—the AI gains the ability to securely interact with your workspace. The LLM interprets your natural language requests and executes them instantly.

Bypassing SQL: Chat-based data manipulation

The MCP Server acts as a secure bridge between your database and high-parameter AI models. Instead of running scripts to clean your data or find specific entries, you can simply ask your AI assistant to handle the heavy lifting.

• Querying without formulas: Ask questions like “Which projects are currently over budget?” and get instant answers.
• Bulk updates via chat: Instruct the AI to “Change the status of all leads from ‘New’ to ‘Contacted’” across thousands of rows instantly.

Chat with your data: Supported AI operations

Instead of navigating through endless grids, views, and permission settings, you can perform standard database operations just by chatting with your AI assistant.

• Add new records: “Add a new task called ‘Review Documentation’ with priority set to High.”
• Retrieve existing data: “Find all projects due this week and show their status.”
• Modify records: “Change the status of task #47 to ‘In Progress’.”
• Remove records: “Delete all completed tasks that are older than 30 days.”

Securely connecting your workspace to LLMs

Connecting your database to an AI tool is straightforward and doesn’t require developer experience. Inside your Baserow workspace settings, you can navigate to the MCP Server tab and create a new endpoint.

Baserow will generate a unique URL for that specific workspace. You simply add this URL to the configuration settings of your chosen AI client (like Claude, Cursor, or Windsurf) to establish the connection.

Security best practices for AI database integrations

When integrating AI with your data, security is paramount. Your MCP URL acts as a master key, granting the AI access to read and modify data in the connected workspace.

• Treat the URL like a password: Never share it publicly, post screenshots of the full link, or store it in unsecured version control systems.
• Use descriptive endpoint names: Label your endpoints (e.g., “Marketing Database Assistant”) so you can easily track exactly where and how they are being used.
• Revoke when necessary: If an endpoint is ever compromised or no longer needed, you can instantly delete it in your settings to block access, and generate a new one if required.

Frequently asked questions

How do I query a database without writing SQL or complex formulas?

By using a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, you can connect AI assistants directly to your database. This allows you to retrieve existing data, generate reports, and filter records by simply asking questions in plain English, completely bypassing the need for SQL or advanced spreadsheet formulas.

Can I use AI to bulk update records in my spreadsheet or database?

Yes. Once your AI client is connected to your database via an MCP endpoint, you can use conversational commands to modify multiple records at once. For example, you can simply type, “Change the status of all overdue tasks to ‘Delayed’.”

Is it secure to connect AI models to my business database?

Connecting AI to your database is secure as long as you follow strict credential management. Integrations rely on unique endpoint URLs that act as passwords. By keeping these URLs private, creating separate endpoints for different team use cases, and immediately revoking compromised links, your data remains protected.

What AI models can connect directly to my database?

Currently, Baserow’s MCP Server integrates natively with Claude Desktop, Cursor, and Windsurf. However, any AI client or application that supports the open Model Context Protocol specification has the potential to connect to your workspace using the generated endpoint.

By leveraging Baserow’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, you can connect Large Language Models (LLMs) directly to your workspace. This allows you to create, read, update, and delete data using natural language prompts; completely eliminating the need to write code or API calls.

Learn more about Baserow’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server.