How are connections to external databases managed in OutSystems?

Connections to external databases in OutSystems are managed by configuring database connections within the Integrated Development Environment (IDE). This approach provides a graphical interface where developers can set up and manage these connections without the necessity for manual coding or editing configuration files.

Using the IDE to configure database connections ensures that best practices are followed in terms of security and manageability. The configuration includes specifying parameters such as connection strings, authentication methods, and connection pooling settings, which streamline the process of establishing a secure connection to the external database.

In contrast, hardcoding connection strings in the source code is not a recommended practice in OutSystems, as it can lead to security vulnerabilities and make it difficult to change connection details without modifying the code. Relying solely on third-party integration tools can create unnecessary complexity, especially since OutSystems provides robust built-in capabilities for database integration. Lastly, manually editing configuration files is prone to errors and not a favored method in modern application development, where configuration management is ideally handled within the development environment.