> 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/9.3-data-integration/advanced-topics-pentaho-data-integration-overview/adaptive-execution-layer-cp-landing-page/advanced-topics.md).

# Advanced topics

The following information in the **Administer Pentaho Data Integration and Analytics** document helps to extend your knowledge of the Adaptive Execution Layer (AEL) beyond basic setup and use:

* **Specify Additional Spark Properties**

  You can define additional Spark properties within the application.properties file or as run modification parameters within a transformation.
* **Configuring AEL with Spark in a Secure Cluster**

  If your AEL daemon server and your cluster machines are in a secure environment like a data center, you may only want to configure a secure connection between the PDI client and the AEL daemon server.
* **Spark tuning**

  Spark tuning parameters are available for PDI steps where it is functionally applicable.


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