> 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/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective.md).

# Advanced topics

The following topics help to extend your knowledge of PDI beyond basic setup and use:

* [Understanding PDI data types and field metadata](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/understanding-pdi-data-types-and-field-metadata.md)

  Learn how data is treated in PDI to understand data type and field metadata behaviors in transformations and jobs.
* [PDI Run Modifiers](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/pdi-run-modifiers.md)

  Use arguments, parameters, or variables to modify how you run transformation and jobs.
* [Reuse Transformation Flows with Mapping Steps](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/mapping.md)

  Learn how to map commonly used steps into their own steps.
* [Use Checkpoints to Restart Jobs](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/use-checkpoints-to-restart-jobs.md)

  Learn how to restart a job at the last checkpoint before an error occurred.
* [Use the SQL Editor](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/use-the-sql-editor.md)

  Learn how to generate SQL statements.
* [Use the Database Explorer](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/use-the-database-explorer.md)

  Explore configured database connections.
* [Transactional Databases and Job Rollback](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/transactional-databases-and-job-rollback.md)

  Implement job rollback by making the transformation or job databases transactional.
* [Interact with Web Services](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/web-services-steps.md)

  Determine what must occur if your transformation or job interacts with a web service.


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