# Defining a database source property

models/\<filename>.yml

```yml

sources:
  - name: <source_name>
    database: <database_name>
    tables:
      - name: <table_name>
      - ...
```

## Definition

The database that your source is stored in.

Note that to use this parameter, your warehouse must allow cross-database queries.

#### BigQuery terminology

If you're using BigQuery, use the *project* name as the `database:` property.

## Default

By default, dbt will search in your target database (i.e. the database that you are creating tables and views).

## Examples

### Define a source that is stored in the `raw` database

models/\<filename>.yml

```yml

sources:
  - name: jaffle_shop
    database: raw
    tables:
      - name: orders
      - name: customers
```

## Was this page helpful?

YesNo

[Privacy policy](https://www.getdbt.com/cloud/privacy-policy)[Create a GitHub issue](https://github.com/dbt-labs/docs.getdbt.com/issues)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.