> 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/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/copybook-input-pdi-step.md). # Copybook Input The Copybook Input step reads binary data files that are mapped by a fixed-length COBOL copybook definition file. COBOL definition and binary files are used in IT scenarios that include data stored on mainframes. You can extract the binary data files and the definition files from the mainframe for data transformation and analysis, and avoid using mainframe cycles for complex data analysis tasks. **Note:** The Copybook Input step performs self-contained static extraction of the data in the binary format. If you only need to perform ETL metadata injection, use the [Read Metadata from Copybook](https://github.com/pentaho/documentation/blob/main/PDIA/9.3/PDI/Transformation%20steps/PDI%20transformation%20steps%20reference%20\(overview\)/Read%20metadata%20from%20Copybook=GUID-6DF7C90E-B8E6-4E70-9E49-EC9CACB1808F=3=en=.md) step. You are not required to use both copybook steps in the same transformation. For more information see [Copybooks in PDI](/pdia-data-integration/9.3-data-integration/advanced-topics-pentaho-data-integration-overview/copybook-steps-in-pdi-cp.md). --- # 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/pdi-transformation-steps-reference-overview/copybook-input-pdi-step.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.