> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://playground.e107sk.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://playground.e107sk.com/alt-auth-plugin/admin-area/testing.md).

# Testing a connection

Every method page carries the same test panel at the bottom: *Test database access (using above credentials)* — `LAN_ALT_40` + `LAN_ALT_41`.

| Field    | LAN key      | Notes                                                                           |
| -------- | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Username | `LAN_ALT_33` | Optional. Leave both boxes empty to test **only** the connection.               |
| Password | `LAN_ALT_34` | Optional.                                                                       |
| Test     | `LAN_ALT_47` | Runs the test immediately, against the values **currently saved** on this page. |

Help text on the panel: *"If a username and password are entered, that user will also be validated"* (`LAN_ALT_42`).

## Reading the result

| Result                                                      | Meaning                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Authentification successful (`LAN_ALT_58`)                  | Green. Any values the source returned for this user are listed underneath (`LAN_ALT_59`) — this is the quickest way to see what the [field mapping](/alt-auth-plugin/reference/field-mapping.md) actually produces. |
| … invalid user (`LAN_ALT_55`)                               | Connection fine, username unknown to the source.                                                                                                                                                                    |
| … bad password (`LAN_ALT_56`)                               | Connection fine, username known, password wrong.                                                                                                                                                                    |
| … could not connect to DB / service provider (`LAN_ALT_54`) | Check server, port, credentials, firewall.                                                                                                                                                                          |
| … method not available (`LAN_ALT_57`)                       | The required PHP extension is not loaded (LDAP / RADIUS).                                                                                                                                                           |
| … unknown cause (`LAN_ALT_53`)                              | Anything else. Any error text returned by the driver is shown below the result.                                                                                                                                     |

{% hint style="success" %}
Always test **before** selecting the method as the primary type on [Main configuration](/alt-auth-plugin/admin-area/main-configuration.md). A green result with an empty username proves the connection; a green result with a real username proves the whole path, mapping included.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
The test does **not** create or update the local e107 user. It only validates. The local record is written during a real login.
{% endhint %}