> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://multiwoven-74-feature--update-docker-compose-docs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Core Concepts

The core concepts of AI Squared are the foundation of your data journey. They include Sources, Destinations, Models, and Syncs. Understanding these concepts is crucial to building a robust data pipeline.

<img className="block" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dspflukeu/image/upload/v1714756028/AIS/Core_Concepts_v4o7rp.png" alt="Hero Light" />

## Sources: The Foundation of Data

### Overview

Sources are the starting points of your data journey. It's where all your data is stored and where AI Squared pulls data from.

<img className="block" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dspflukeu/image/upload/v1714756029/AIS/Sources_xrjsvz.png" alt="Hero Light" />

These can be:

* **Data Warehouses**: For example, `Snowflake` `Google BigQuery` and `Amazon Redshift`
* **Databases and Files**: Including traditional databases, `CSV files`, `SFTP`

### Adding a Source

To integrate a source with AI Squared, navigate to the Sources overview page and select 'Add source'.

## Destinations: Where Data Finds Value

### Overview

'Destinations' in AI Squared are business tools where you want to send your data stored in sources.

<img className="block" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dspflukeu/image/upload/v1714756029/AIS/Destinations_p2du4o.png" alt="Hero Light" />

These can be:

* **CRM Systems**: Like Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.
* **Advertising Platforms**: Such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc.
* **Marketing Tools**: Braze and Klaviyo, for example

### Integrating a Destination

Add a destination by going to the Destinations page and clicking 'Add destination'.

## Models: Shaping Your Data

### Overview

'Models' in AI Squared determine the data you wish to sync from a source to a destination. They are the building blocks of your data pipeline.

<img className="block" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dspflukeu/image/upload/v1714756030/AIS/Models_dyihll.png" alt="Hero Light" />

They can be defined through:

* **SQL Editor**: For customized queries
* **Visual Table Selector**: For intuitive interface
* **Existing dbt Models or Looker Looks**: Leveraging pre-built models

### Importance of a Unique Primary Key

Every model must have a unique primary key to ensure each data entry is distinct, crucial for data tracking and updating.

## Syncs: Customizing Data Flow

### Overview

'Syncs' in AI Squared helps you move data from sources to destinations. They help you in mapping the data from your models to the destination.

<img className="block" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dspflukeu/image/upload/v1714756030/AIS/Syncs_dncrnv.png" alt="Hero Light" />

There are two types of syncs:

* **Full Refresh Sync**: All data is synced from the source to the destination.
* **Incremental Sync**: Only the new or updated data is synced.