> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.edgeanalyzer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connections Overview

> Understanding how connections work in Edge Analyzer

Connections are the bridge between Edge Analyzer and your trading platforms. Each connection represents a set of credentials that can access one or more trading accounts.

## How Connections Work

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Edge Analyzer] --> B[Connection]
    B --> C[Account 1]
    B --> D[Account 2]
    B --> E[Account 3]
```

A single connection (e.g., your Rithmic login) can have multiple accounts underneath it. This is common with prop firms where one login grants access to several evaluation or funded accounts.

## Connection Types

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Rithmic" icon="r" href="/connections/rithmic">
    Username/password authentication for prop firm accounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tradovate" icon="t" href="/connections/tradovate">
    OAuth-based authentication for Tradovate accounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="ProjectX" icon="p" href="/connections/projectx">
    API key authentication for ProjectX accounts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Trade Import" icon="file-import" href="/connections/trade-import">
    Import trade history from Rithmic, Tradovate, MT5, MT4, TradingView, or FTMO files
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Connection States

| State           | Description                         | Action Required              |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| 🟢 Connected    | Active WebSocket connection         | None                         |
| 🟡 Disconnected | No active connection                | Will reconnect automatically |
| 🔴 Error        | Authentication or connection failed | Check credentials            |
| ⏳ Connecting    | Establishing connection             | Wait                         |

## Account Discovery

When you create a connection, Edge Analyzer automatically discovers all accounts associated with those credentials.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect">
    You provide your credentials and create a connection.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    We securely authenticate with your broker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Discover">
    All accounts under those credentials are discovered.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync">
    Account balances and status are synchronized.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Security

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How are my credentials stored?">
    All passwords and API keys are encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption. We never store plain-text credentials.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can Edge Analyzer withdraw funds?">
    No. Edge Analyzer only has trading permissions. We cannot initiate withdrawals or access your banking information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my connection always active?">
    Connections are established when needed (e.g., for copy trading) and can be disconnected when not in use.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Managing Connections

### Adding a Connection

1. Navigate to **Connections** in the sidebar
2. Click **Add Connection**
3. Select your platform
4. Enter your credentials
5. Click **Connect**

### Editing a Connection

1. Find the connection in the list
2. Click the **Edit** button
3. Update the connection name or credentials
4. Click **Save**

### Deleting a Connection

<Warning>
  Deleting a connection will remove all associated accounts from Edge Analyzer. Your trades and journal entries will remain, but account links will be broken.
</Warning>

1. Find the connection in the list
2. Click the **Delete** button
3. Confirm the deletion

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Connection keeps disconnecting">
    * Check your internet connection
    * Verify your credentials are still valid
    * Ensure you're not logged in elsewhere (some brokers limit concurrent sessions)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Accounts not showing up">
    * Try refreshing the connection
    * Check if the accounts are active with your broker
    * Contact support if the issue persists
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Authentication failed">
    * Double-check your username and password
    * Ensure you're selecting the correct broker
    * Reset your password with your broker if needed
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>