# Default Environment and data\_source Behavior

**URL:** <https://community.embeddable.com/t/default-environment-and-data-source-behavior/164>\
**Category:** FAQs\
**Created:** [January 19, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://community.embeddable.com/t/default-environment-and-data-source-behavior/164 "2026-01-19T16:00:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Nauman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/779978/32.png) [@Nauman](https://community.embeddable.com/u/Nauman)\
**Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 4:00pm UTC](https://community.embeddable.com/t/default-environment-and-data-source-behavior/164/1 "2026-01-19T16:00:24Z")

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### Why does every environment require a default `data_source`?

Embeddable requires each environment to have a default `data_source` due to how the underlying data modelling layer (Cube.js) resolves queries. This is an implementation detail and is not a configuration requirement in most cases.

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### How is the default `data_source` chosen?

When an environment is created, the default `data_source` is automatically assigned to the first connection included in the environment definition.

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### When is the default `data_source` used?

The default `data_source` is only used if a model does not explicitly define a `data_source`. If all models specify a `data_source`, the default is never used.

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### What is the default environment?

The default environment is an automatically generated environment that cannot be edited. It reflects the current set of available connections and exists as a fallback when no environment is explicitly specified. It is also used by Embeddable sample models.