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Tables and data modeling · AutessaDB

Tables and column types

AutessaDB tables are typed: every column has a type, from Short Text and Decimal to Image, Video and Audio, and every row gets an id, a created time and a last-updated time automatically. You define a table in a three-step wizard, by describing it to the DB Copilot, or with one CLI or API call.

A database essential, built in
support_tickets8 columnsSAMPLE
idINTEGERsystem
subjectSHORT_TEXTrequired
bodyLONG_TEXTsemantic
prioritySINGLE_SELECTp1 · p2 · p3
labelsMULTI_SELECT
screenshotIMAGE
call_audioAUDIOtranscribed
created_atDATETIMEsystem

-- the problem

Spreadsheets have no rules, and raw databases have no editor

A shared spreadsheet lets anyone type anything in any cell, so agents and scripts trip over free-form values. A raw database enforces types but gives the rest of the team nothing to work in. AutessaDB tables look spreadsheet-simple in the builder while enforcing types, required fields, limits and option lists on every write, whoever makes it.

What you get

  • Column types: Short Text (up to 32K characters), Long Text (up to 128K), File, Image, Video, Audio, Integer, Decimal, Boolean, Single Select and Multi Select.
  • Media columns take uploads with a preview: thumbnails for images and an inline player for audio.
  • Per-column options include a Required flag, minimum and maximum length or value, and an option-list editor for select columns.
  • Every table gets read-only system columns id, created_at and the last-updated time, managed by the platform.
  • Each column carries a description that people and models both read, which helps agents use the table correctly.
  • Columns can be indexed for fast equality filters; numbers, booleans, single selects and foreign keys are always indexed, and Short Text can opt in.
  • The Browse Data grid lets you add rows with typed inputs, right-click to view, edit or delete a record, and hide, show or reorder columns.
  • Tables can carry free-form tags, and the tables list filters by owner, tag and table type.

-- how it works

How does tables and column types work in AutessaDB?

  1. Name it

    In AutessaDB, choose New, then Table. Give the table a snake_case name and a description of what one row holds.

  2. Add columns

    Add each column with a name, a type and a description. Set Required, limits, select options, semantic search or a default value as you go.

  3. Review and create

    Check the schema summary and create the table. It is private to you until you share it.

  4. Evolve it

    Open Manage, then Update Schema to add columns, delete columns, or append options to a select column. There is no rename or retype; add a new column and move the data instead.

-- every option

Column types and options

optionwhat it does
Short Text / Long TextText up to 32K or 128K characters. Can be marked for semantic search or masking.
File / Image / Video / AudioUploads: documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, TXT and similar), PNG and JPG images, MP4, AVI and MOV video, MP3, WAV and M4A audio.
Integer / DecimalWhole numbers and floating-point numbers, with optional min and max. An Integer can be a foreign key to another table.
BooleanTrue or false.
Single Select / Multi SelectOne or many values from a defined option list. Options can be appended later.
RequiredEvery row must carry a value (not available on media columns).
Default valueStatic, or Computed by an AutessaScript snippet.
DatesStore dates as Short Text holding a UTC ISO-8601 string; the built-in timestamps are system managed.
TagsFree-form labels for organizing tables in the list.

-- example

Create a table from the CLIbash
autessa autessadb tables create \
  --tableName docs_cli_scratch \
  --schema '{
    "columnDefinitions": [
      { "columnName": "task", "columnType": "SHORT_TEXT",
        "required": true, "columnComment": "What needs doing." },
      { "columnName": "status", "columnType": "SINGLE_SELECT",
        "allowedValues": ["todo", "doing", "done"] }
    ]
  }'

Full reference in the AutessaDB CLI docs and the API reference.

-- permissions

Who can do what?

accesscan
Owner / ADMINChange the schema, share the table, transfer it and delete it.
WRITEInsert, update and delete rows.
PUBLISHAdd triggers to the table (but not write rows).
READView the schema and read rows: get, query, join and semantic search.

◆ AI assist

Where AI helps

The DB Copilot designs tables from a plain-language description, choosing types, required flags, vectorized columns and foreign keys, and shows the full column list as a card you apply or reject.

AI in AutessaDB works inside the same access rules as the person using it, and schema changes always wait for a person to apply them.

-- relations

How it connects

autessadb feature

Computed columns

Fill a column from the rest of the row with a short script.

autessadb feature

Semantic search

Any text, file or audio column can be searched by meaning.

autessadb feature

DB Copilot

Design a whole data model in chat.

autessadb feature

Foreign keys and joins

Link a row to a row in another table.

-- faq

Questions about tables and column types

What column types does AutessaDB support?

Short Text, Long Text, File, Image, Video, Audio, Integer, Decimal, Boolean, Single Select and Multi Select. Every table also has system columns for id, creation time and last update.

How do I rename or retype a column?

Add the new column, move the data, then remove the old one. Schema updates add columns, remove columns and append select options.

How should I store dates?

As Short Text holding a UTC ISO-8601 string such as 2026-11-04T09:30:00Z. That keeps dates consistent for agents, triggers and scripts.

$ autessa autessadb tables create

Try tables and column types in AutessaDB

AutessaDB tables have typed columns from Short Text to Audio, with required flags, value limits, select lists and system columns on every row.

Read the AutessaDB guide or install the CLI.

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