# Getting started

{% hint style="info" %}
With the release of [Coherent Assistant](https://docs.coherent.global/assistant/), Spark Assistant will only be receiving minor updates. We suggest users to use [Coherent Assistant](https://docs.coherent.global/assistant/) which has a new interface and helpful features.
{% endhint %}

With Spark Assistant, you can connect Excel files to Spark without opening a browser. Whether you are looking to upload efficiently, error-handle files, compare service versions, or even automate steps to configure your file, Spark Assistant is here to help! 

The Excel add-in can be installed from the [Microsoft AppSource marketplace](https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/office/WA200005104?exp=ubp8\&tab=Overview) or with a manifest file. Follow the steps in [Install the Spark Assistant](/the-spark-assistant/installing-the-spark-assistant.md) to have the add-in appear in Excel.

## Key activities include:

* [#log-in-to-spark-assistant](#log-in-to-spark-assistant "mention")
* [#map-inputs-and-outputs](#map-inputs-and-outputs "mention")
* [#check-for-warnings-or-errors](#check-for-warnings-or-errors "mention")
* [#upload-your-service-to-spark](#upload-your-service-to-spark "mention")

### Log in to Spark Assistant

Once Spark Assistant has been installed, you will see the icon at the top right corner of your Excel ribbon under the "Home" tab. 

1. Click the icon to open Spark Assistant in a side panel.

<figure><img src="/files/8VQvKNP6t1Yg4RQW0IYm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Click **Get Started**.
3. Add the Spark URL: This can either be the domain URL you use to reach Spark on the web (can also add any URL from Spark once you've logged in) or the endpoint URL of any service you have active on Spark.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
The Spark URL has a syntax:&#x20;

`https://spark.[environment].coherent.global/[tenant]`
{% endhint %}

The tenant name can be found on your Spark account under your email:

<figure><img src="/files/Bh536EnABjz1nX9lDZ0o" alt=""><figcaption><p>In this case, the tenant is "coherent"</p></figcaption></figure>

4. Click on Continue

<figure><img src="/files/uGsDWMVKglPvd5HTzKCY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. On the Log-in screen, enter your credentials and click **Log in**.

<figure><img src="/files/tEadcljmnaS3Hc5seWGH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Map inputs and outputs

Follow the instructions in [Get started in 5 minutes](/getting-started-in-5-minutes.md) in the [User guide](https://docs.coherent.global/). For specific information about how Spark Assistant can assist you in the process, see [Build Mode](/the-spark-assistant/build-mode.md).

### Check for warnings or errors

Once your file has been mapped, run a quick test on the file and see if any issues may arise from the upload of this Excel service.

1. Go back to the Home Menu
2. Click **Analysis Mode**
3. Choose *Warnings and errors.*

For more information, see: [Analysis Mode](/the-spark-assistant/analysis-mode.md#check-for-warnings-and-errors)

<figure><img src="/files/MssYAEgMDSSIMK9Ke3UJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Upload your service to Spark

#### Full upload (new services)

If there are no warnings or errors, the Spark Assistant will prompt an upload to Spark. This means that the file can be uploaded successfully to Spark. Click **Upload Service**.

<figure><img src="/files/azay23vaJ5cISiTPO4ru" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Quick upload (existing services)

To upload your Excel file, click on the upload icon in the top right corner of the Spark Assistant.

<figure><img src="/files/OMd4gkueMjsni0lpJVJk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. If your file has been previously uploaded using Spark Assistant or downloaded from Spark as a configured engine, click **One step upload**.
2. The Spark Assistant will ask for the upgrade type (Major, Minor, or Patch) and release notes in order to version up the service.
3. After entering a release note, click **Upload.**

<figure><img src="/files/I0L0vpNfBaWYkeMpAISX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your file is now uploaded to Spark!


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.coherent.global/the-spark-assistant/getting-started.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.