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

# Launch Your First Session

> Connect to a PostgreSQL database in under 10 minutes.

This quickstart walks you through connecting to a PostgreSQL database via PAM. You'll create a [folder](/documentation/platform/pam/folders/overview), add a database [account](/documentation/platform/pam/accounts/overview), and launch a session.

<Note>
  **Gateway required** — PAM connects to your databases and servers through a Gateway. If you haven't deployed one yet, [deploy a Gateway](/documentation/platform/gateways/gateway-deployment) first.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

* Admin access to PAM
* A deployed [Gateway](/documentation/platform/gateways/gateway-deployment) that can reach your database
* Database credentials (username and password)

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Folder">
    Group accounts by who needs access to them — that's what folders are for.

    1. Go to **Privileged Access Management → Accounts**
    2. Click **Create Folder**
    3. Name it based on who needs access (e.g., `platform-team`, `checkout-service`)
    4. Click **Create**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a Database Account">
    1. Click **Add Account**
    2. Select the folder you just created
    3. Select the `postgres` [template](/documentation/platform/pam/templates/overview)
    4. Fill in your database connection details (host, port, credentials)
    5. Click **Create**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch a Session">
    1. Go to **Privileged Access Management → My Access**
    2. Find the account you created and click **Launch**
    3. Click **Connect in Browser**

    You'll see the Data Explorer (browse tables) and SQL Editor (run queries).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core Concepts" icon="book" href="/documentation/platform/pam/concepts/pam-components">
    Understand how folders, templates, and accounts work together.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Team Access Guide" icon="users" href="/documentation/platform/pam/guides/team-access">
    Grant your team access to production databases.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>