> ## 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

**1. Create a prompt with variables**

Set up your prompt in the Editor with at least one `{{variable}}` placeholder.

![A prompt with variables in the Editor](https://mintcdn.com/adaline/-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67/images/iterate/create-prompt-with-variables.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67\&q=85\&s=2ac4ee61a0e9822d19ab39a03ae3b8b0)

**2. Link the dataset**

In the Playground, click **Link Dataset** and select a dataset from your workspace.

![Linking a dataset in the Playground](https://mintcdn.com/adaline/i9BAOc2yCgCBZtLd/images/iterate/linking-datasets.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=i9BAOc2yCgCBZtLd\&q=85\&s=563699de1b6fad45197119ac41924631)

**3. 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.

![Navigating dataset rows in the Playground](https://mintcdn.com/adaline/-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67/images/iterate/linked-dataset-rows.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=-Bsa4BuK4fSdmy67\&q=85\&s=4b25f910816ed42040753fa6470d4589)

## 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](https://www.adaline.ai/docs/evaluate/dynamic-columns-in-dataset.md)** — Columns configured as API or Prompt sources are executed at runtime with fresh data.

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

## Learn more

> [card] [Setup Dataset](https://www.adaline.ai/docs/evaluate/setup-dataset.md)
>
> Build and configure your dataset structure.

> [card] [Dynamic Columns](https://www.adaline.ai/docs/evaluate/dynamic-columns-in-dataset.md)
>
> Fetch live data at runtime in your datasets.

> [card] [Run Prompts in Playground](https://www.adaline.ai/docs/iterate/run-prompts-in-playground.md)
>
> Execute prompts with linked dataset inputs.


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