> 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/pdi-run-modifiers/variables/kettle-variables.md). # Kettle Variables Kettle variables provide a way to store small pieces of information dynamically in a narrower scope than environment variables. A Kettle variable is local to Kettle, and can be scoped down to the job or transformation in which it is set, or up to a related job. The Set Variable and Set Session Variables steps in a transformation allow you to specify the related job that you want to limit the scope to (for example, the parent job, grandparent job, or the root job). Kettle variables configure various PDI-specific options such as the location of the shared object file for transformations and jobs or the log size limit. You can set Kettle variables using two methods: * Set Kettle variables in the PDI client * Set Kettle variables manually If you are running a [Pentaho MapReduce](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/pdi-job-entries-reference-overview/pentaho-mapreduce.md) job, you can also set Kettle and environment variables in the Pentaho MapReduce job entry. --- # 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 dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.pentaho.com/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/data-integration-perspective-in-the-pdi-client/advanced-topics-pdi-perspective/pdi-run-modifiers/variables/kettle-variables.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. 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.