> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.helix-db.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Using the Cloud
> Sign in, create a workspace and choose its plan, provision a database, and test the connection
Tutorial
> For the complete documentation index optimized for AI agents, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).
Use Helix Cloud to create a workspace, choose a monthly plan shared by its
databases, provision a database, and create API keys.
Open the [Helix Cloud dashboard](https://helix-db.com/login) and select
**GitHub Login**. When prompted, enter the one-time verification code from
the email sent by WorkOS.
Enter a workspace name, choose a monthly plan, and select **Create
workspace**. The plan's read and write allowances are shared by every
database in the workspace. You can change the plan later from **Billing**.
Enter a database name and select **Create Database**. Helix Cloud generates
its URL slug. The database has isolated data and uses the workspace's shared
monthly allowance.
Wait for the database status to become **Active**, then open it. In
**Connect**, copy the endpoint and database ID. In **API Keys**, create a key
or use an existing one and copy its value when it is shown.
## Test the connection
Set the three values copied from the database page, then count the database's
nodes. A successful response, such as `{"node_count":0}`, confirms the connection.
```bash theme={"languages":{"custom":["languages/helixql.json"]}}
export HELIX_ENDPOINT=""
export HELIX_DATABASE_ID=""
export HELIX_API_KEY=""
curl --fail-with-body \
"$HELIX_ENDPOINT/v2/query" \
--header "Authorization: Bearer $HELIX_API_KEY" \
--header "x-helix-tenant-id: $HELIX_DATABASE_ID" \
--header "Content-Type: application/json" \
--data '{
"request_type": "read",
"query": {
"read": {
"entries": [
{
"query": {
"name": "node_count",
"root": {
"count": {
"input": {
"nodes": { "reference": "all" }
}
}
}
}
}
],
"returns": ["node_count"]
}
}
}'
```
Keep API keys in a secrets manager or environment variable. Do not commit them
to source control.
## Next steps
Connect from an SDK and understand Cloud request routing.
Review authentication, encryption, and API key handling.
Install the SDK and connect a Node.js application.
Build and run a query step by step.