> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.adaline.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Link datasets in Playground

> Connect datasets to test prompts with structured variable samples at scale

Linking a dataset to the Playground connects your prompt to a structured collection of test cases, enabling scalable testing without manual copy-pasting. Each row in the dataset represents a different set of variable values — select a row and run to test your prompt with that specific combination.

## Quick start

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a prompt with variables">
    Set up your prompt in the Editor with at least one `{{variable}}` placeholder.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/adaline/-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67/images/iterate/create-prompt-with-variables.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67&q=85&s=2ac4ee61a0e9822d19ab39a03ae3b8b0" alt="A prompt with variables in the Editor" title="A prompt with variables in the Editor" style={{ width: "100%" }} width="1476" height="552" data-path="images/iterate/create-prompt-with-variables.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link the dataset">
    In the Playground, click **Link Dataset** and select a dataset from your workspace.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/adaline/i9BAOc2yCgCBZtLd/images/iterate/linking-datasets.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=i9BAOc2yCgCBZtLd&q=85&s=563699de1b6fad45197119ac41924631" alt="Linking a dataset in the Playground" title="Linking a dataset in the Playground" style={{ width: "100%" }} width="1337" height="611" data-path="images/iterate/linking-datasets.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate and run">
    Browse through dataset rows — selecting a row populates the Variable Editor with that row's values. Click **Run** to execute the prompt with the selected row's inputs.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/adaline/-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67/images/iterate/linked-dataset-rows.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67&q=85&s=4b25f910816ed42040753fa6470d4589" alt="Navigating dataset rows in the Playground" title="Navigating dataset rows in the Playground" style={{ width: "100%" }} width="1480" height="646" data-path="images/iterate/linked-dataset-rows.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Key features

* **Full bi-directional sync** — New variables in the Editor automatically create columns in the linked dataset, and vice versa. Same for rows and cells.
* **Column mapping** — Columns map to variables by name. Extra columns are ignored; missing columns fall back to Variable Editor values.
* **[Dynamic columns](/docs/evaluate/dynamic-columns-in-dataset)** — Columns configured as API or Prompt sources are executed at runtime with fresh data.

<Snippet file="dataset-rules.mdx" />

## Learn more

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Setup Dataset" icon="database" href="/docs/evaluate/setup-dataset">
    Build and configure your dataset structure.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dynamic Columns" icon="zap" href="/docs/evaluate/dynamic-columns-in-dataset">
    Fetch live data at runtime in your datasets.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Run Prompts in Playground" icon="play" href="/docs/iterate/run-prompts-in-playground">
    Execute prompts with linked dataset inputs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>