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Notion just changed how databases work

by Thomas Frank Explains

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📚 Main Topics

  • Introduction of multiple data sources in Notion databases
  • Explanation of what this feature is and what it is not
  • Demonstration of the new functionality
  • Technical details and implications for users
  • Recommendations for using the new feature

✨ Key Takeaways

  • Multiple Data SourcesNotion now allows users to have multiple data sources within a single database block, which can simplify the organization of related data (e.g., notes and tags).
  • Not a Unified ViewThis feature does not enable users to create a single view that combines data from multiple sources. Each view is still tied to a specific data source.
  • PermissionsPermissions are set at the database level, affecting all data sources within that database.
  • Integration CompatibilityUsers should be cautious when adopting this feature, as existing integrations may break until they are updated to work with the new API version.
  • No Immediate Productivity GainsThe update does not inherently improve productivity for individual users and may complicate existing systems.

🧠 Lessons

  • Understanding StructureThe update changes how databases are structured in Notion, introducing the concept of data sources as distinct from database blocks and views.
  • Caution in AdoptionUsers are advised to avoid retrofitting existing systems with this new feature to prevent confusion and integration issues.
  • Future DevelopmentsThe change may lay the groundwork for future enhancements in Notion, but users should wait for further updates before making significant changes to their workflows.

🏁 Conclusion

The introduction of multiple data sources in Notion databases represents a significant structural change, but it does not provide the highly requested feature of unified views across different data sources. Users should approach this update with caution, particularly regarding integration compatibility and the potential for confusion in team environments.

Transcript excerpt

0:00 Notion just made a big change to how databases work, and it's kind of causing a lot of confusion. Essentially, databases can now have multiple data sources, which is probably a term you've never heard before, and which represents a fundamental change to how databases work at their core. So in this video, I'm going to do my best to quickly explain what this feature is, and perhaps more importantly, what this feature isn't, because it's really easy to misconstrue this feature as a different and extremely highly requested feature that doesn't exist yet.

0:30 So let's first take a look at Notion's tweet they put out. Databases just got more powerful. You can now parent multiple data sources in a single database and add linked views too. And like I said in the intro, this is causing a bit of confusion. Sorry, but isn't this a linked database? Correct me if I'm wrong. Could someone explain, please? What's the point of this? There's a lot of confusion around this, so I'm going to try my best to give you a quick explanation of what this is. And I want to briefly just go over to a sample Notion workspace and try to demonstrate

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