--- title: Authenticating and connecting to MotherDuck description: Learn how to authenticate and connect to MotherDuck --- # Authenticating and connecting to MotherDuck These pages explain how to connect to MotherDuck using the CLI, Python, JDBC and NodeJS. First, you need to [authenticate to MotherDuck](./authenticating-to-motherduck) by [manual authentication](/docs/key-tasks/authenticating-and-connecting-to-motherduck/authenticating-to-motherduck/#manual-authentication) via the Web UI, or automatic authentication via an [access token](/docs/key-tasks/authenticating-and-connecting-to-motherduck/authenticating-to-motherduck/#authentication-using-an-access-token). Organizations on Business or Enterprise plans can also configure [Single Sign-On (SSO)](/docs/key-tasks/authenticating-and-connecting-to-motherduck/authenticating-to-motherduck/sso-setup/) with their identity provider. To connect to a MotherDuck database, you can [create a connection](/docs/key-tasks/authenticating-and-connecting-to-motherduck/connecting-to-motherduck/). import DocCardList from '@theme/DocCardList';