> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pentaho.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pentaho.com/install/9.3-install/pentaho-configuration/tasks-to-be-performed-by-a-pentaho-administrator/define-data-connections.md).

# Define data connections

PUC (Pentaho User Console) and PDI (Pentaho Data Integration) can access data from various sources. If your data source is a database, you must connect to the database before accessing its records. You define database connections in PUC and PDI through the Database Connection dialog box.

Before you can create a connection, the appropriate driver must be installed for your particular data connection. Your IT administrator should be able to [install](/install/9.3-install/pentaho-configuration/tasks-to-be-performed-by-an-it-administrator/configure-the-pentaho-server/specify-data-connections-for-the-pentaho-server.md) the appropriate driver for you.


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