Your database's own address

Where it is available, the Connection page shows a card called Your database's own address, marked Recommended. It is a host name specific to this database. Your current address keeps working, and nothing changes unless you switch to the new one.

Why use it

The page says the new address is faster, because it connects straight to the server holding your database, or because it suits databases on regional servers. It also keeps working if your database is moved to another server, so you do not need to change connection strings when it moves.

What the card shows

• The host name for the address.
• Pooled connection (DATABASE_URL) with its port, with Show and Copy.
• Regular connection (DIRECT_URL, session) with its port, if offered.
• Previous address, still works for any older name, each with a Remove button.

Choosing between them is explained in Connection strings.

Rename the address

1. In Change this address, type a new name. It must be lowercase letters, digits and hyphens, 3 to 40 characters, and not already in use.
2. Choose Change.

The old name is kept as a previous address, so apps using it keep working. Update your apps to the new name, then Remove the old one when nothing uses it.

Limits

• The number of address changes allowed in a period is limited. The card shows how many changes are left.
• A database keeps at most 3 previous addresses. Remove one you no longer use before you rename again.

Good to know

• Pick a name you can live with. A stable address is better than a clever one.
• Removing a previous address stops connections that still use it. Check Connection Check first. See Connection strings.
• The card is shown as recommended only once the Connection Check has proved the address works. If you do not see it, use the host on the Connection page.