How to Query Live HubDB Data in Perplexity MacOS Desktop

Yazhini G
Yazhini G
Technical Marketing Engineer
Connect to and query live HubDB Data in Perplexity Desktop using the CData MCP Server.

Perplexity is an AI-powered research and answer engine that allows users to combine web search, structured data, and connected tools through a unified conversational interface. With Perplexity Desktop for macOS, users can bring local tools and data sources directly into their workflow using MCP, enabling fast, context-aware insights powered by live data.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an emerging, open-source standard for connecting LLMs with external services and enterprise data sources. Using MCP Servers, AI clients such as Perplexity Desktop can securely interact with applications and data, performing actions, retrieving live information, and enabling natural language access to data.

In this article, we guide you through installing the CData MCP Server for HubDB, configuring the connection to HubDB, and interacting with your live HubDB data from Perplexity Desktop.

Step 1: Download and install the CData MCP Server for HubDB

  1. To begin, download the CData MCP Server for HubDB
  2. Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
  3. Drag the CData MCP Server app into the Applications folder

When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your MCP Server by connecting to HubDB.

NOTE: Since you downloaded the application from the internet and not the Apple App Store, you may see a warning that the application was not opened because Apple could not verify its security. You may continue with the installation.

Installing a trusted, unverified App

CData's solutions are trusted across the globe by some of the largest software vendors in the world. That said, if you have any concerns about continuing, please consult with your IT and/or security team.

  1. In the warning message that pops up, click "Done"
  2. Open "System Settings" on your machine and navigate to the "Privacy & Security" page
  3. Scroll down to the "Security" section and click "Open Anyway"
  4. Authorize the installation (passkey or password)

Step 2: Configure the Connection to HubDB

  1. After installation, you can open the CData MCP Server for HubDB from the Applications folder on your mac
  2. Click the dropdown menu in MCP Configuration > Configuration Name and select "new configuration"
  3. Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_hubdb") and click "OK"

  4. Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard.

    There are two authentication methods available for connecting to HubDB data source: OAuth Authentication with a public HubSpot application and authentication with a Private application token.

    Using a Custom OAuth App

    AuthScheme must be set to "OAuth" in all OAuth flows. Be sure to review the Help documentation for the required connection properties for you specific authentication needs (desktop applications, web applications, and headless machines).

    Follow the steps below to register an application and obtain the OAuth client credentials:

    1. Log into your HubSpot app developer account.
      • Note that it must be an app developer account. Standard HubSpot accounts cannot create public apps.
    2. On the developer account home page, click the Apps tab.
    3. Click Create app.
    4. On the App info tab, enter and optionally modify values that are displayed to users when they connect. These values include the public application name, application logo, and a description of the application.
    5. On the Auth tab, supply a callback URL in the "Redirect URLs" box.
      • If you're creating a desktop application, set this to a locally accessible URL like http://localhost:33333.
      • If you are creating a Web application, set this to a trusted URL where you want users to be redirected to when they authorize your application.
    6. Click Create App. HubSpot then generates the application, along with its associated credentials.
    7. On the Auth tab, note the Client ID and Client secret. You will use these later to configure the driver.

    8. Under Scopes, select any scopes you need for your application's intended functionality.

      A minimum of the following scopes is required to access tables:

      • hubdb
      • oauth
      • crm.objects.owners.read
    9. Click Save changes.
    10. Install the application into a production portal with access to the features that are required by the integration.
      • Under "Install URL (OAuth)", click Copy full URL to copy the installation URL for your application.
      • Navigate to the copied link in your browser. Select a standard account in which to install the application.
      • Click Connect app. You can close the resulting tab.

    Using a Private App

    To connect using a HubSpot private application token, set the AuthScheme property to "PrivateApp."

    You can generate a private application token by following the steps below:

    1. In your HubDB account, click the settings icon (the gear) in the main navigation bar.
    2. In the left sidebar menu, navigate to Integrations > Private Apps.
    3. Click Create private app.
    4. On the Basic Info tab, configure the details of your application (name, logo, and description).
    5. On the Scopes tab, select Read or Write for each scope you want your private application to be able to access.
    6. A minimum of hubdb and crm.objects.owners.read is required to access tables.
    7. After you are done configuring your application, click Create app in the top right.
    8. Review the info about your application's access token, click Continue creating, and then Show token.
    9. Click Copy to copy the private application token.

    To connect, set PrivateAppToken to the private application token you retrieved.

  5. Click "Connect" to authenticate with HubDB through OAuth.
  6. Click "Save Configuration" to save the MCP server

With your MCP Server configured, you are ready to connect it to Perplexity Desktop.

Step 3: Connect the MCP Server to Perplexity Desktop

  1. Download the Perplexity Desktop application for macOS and sign in with your Pro or Premium account
  2. Open Settings > Connectors. If the Perplexity Helper App is not installed, you will be prompted to download it. Install the Helper App, then restart Perplexity Desktop
  3. After restarting, return to Settings > Connectors and click Add Connector
  4. Select the Simple tab and assign a name for the connector (e.g., "CData HubDB MCP"). In the Command box, enter the absolute path to your MCP Server executable.

    For example:

    	/Applications/CData MCP Server for HubDB.app/Contents/Payload/jre/Contents/Home/bin/java \
	-jar /Applications/CData MCP Server for HubDB.app/Contents/Payload/lib/cdata.mcp.hubdb.jar \
	cdata_hubdb
  5. Click Save. Your MCP Server should now appear in the connector list with a "Running" status

Step 4: Query Your Live HubDB data in Perplexity Desktop

  1. Open a new chat in Perplexity Desktop. Click the Sources toggle and enable your MCP Server
  2. Start asking questions about your HubDB data. For example:

    "List all the tables available in my HubDB data connection."

Connect your AI to your HubDB data today!

CData MCP Servers make it simple to connect Perplexity and other LLM clients to real-time enterprise data. Download a free, 30-day trial and join the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of enterprise-ready AI.

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Download a free HubDB MCP Server to get started:

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Learn more:

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The CData MCP Server for HubDB allows you to connect with live HubDB data, directly from LLMs that support MCP.

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