# 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.


---

# 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.pentaho.com/install/9.3-install/pentaho-configuration/tasks-to-be-performed-by-a-pentaho-administrator/define-data-connections.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.