> 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/pdia-data-integration/10.2-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/elasticsearch-rest-bulk-insert/before-you-begin-elasticsearch-rest-bulk-insert.md).

# Before you begin

Before you begin, gather the following items:

* The Elasticsearch REST bulk insert plugin. For installation details, see [Install plugins](/pdia-data-integration/10.2-data-integration/advanced-topics-pentaho-data-integration-overview/use-the-pentaho-marketplace-to-manage-plugins/install-plugins.md).
* A working server with Elasticsearch version 7.x or 8.x installed or create a SaaS offering for your Elasticsearch server. You should be able to connect to Elasticsearch from the computer running PDI.

  **Note:** As a best practice, use compatibility mode when connecting to Elasticsearch 8.x with older clients, see [Connecting to Elasticsearch v8.x using the v7.17.x client](https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/client/net-api/7.17/connecting-to-elasticsearch-v8.html) for details.
* Privileges to create, insert, and update on the directories that you need to access on the Elasticsearch server.
* Files or data that you want Elasticsearch to index.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

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

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/10.2-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/elasticsearch-rest-bulk-insert/before-you-begin-elasticsearch-rest-bulk-insert.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.