# Different types of step analyzers In the process of implementing custom step analyzers, we discovered a few generic patterns based on the type of step. * First, there are the traditional steps which just take some input fields, manipulate them in some fashion, and then output them. * The second type are the input and output steps. These steps use an external resource (file, database, web service, etc) to read or write data. * The last is a more specific type of the second, and one which requires a logical connection to an external resource, typically a database or noSQL data store. These patterns are the basis for the three main base classes you might consider extending when implementing a custom step analyzer. --- # 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/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/advanced-topics-pentaho-data-integration-overview/data-lineage/contribute-additional-step-and-job-entry-analyzers-to-the-pentaho-metaverse/different-types-of-step-analyzers.md?ask= ``` 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.