What is a dsn?

A DSN (Data Source Name) is a configuration file that describes the parameters needed to connect to a database or other data source. A DSN typically contains information such as the database driver to use, the server name, database name, username and password.

DSNs are used by various software applications to connect to data sources such as databases, spreadsheets, and text files. When a software application needs to access data from a data source, it looks for the appropriate DSN and uses the information contained therein to establish a connection to the data source.

One advantage of using DSNs is that they abstract away the details of the connection process, making it easier for developers to switch between different data sources without having to modify application code. DSNs can also provide a level of security by allowing users to specify a username and password, and by encrypting connection information.