Create a connection in the PDI client

To access the repository items through the PDI client, perform the following steps to create a connection to a Pentaho Repository:

1. Verify the Pentaho Server is running, and then start the PDI client.

2. Click Connect in the upper right corner of the PDI client toolbar.

   The Repository Manager dialog box opens.

   Note: If Connect is replaced by a different link name, you are already connected to a repository.

3. Click Add.

4. Select from the following options:

   • Pentaho Repository - Uses a central environment through the Pentaho Server to store transformations, jobs, and schedules. This is the recommended repository to be used.

   • File Repository - Uses your local file system to store the metadata.

   • Database Repository - Uses a central relational database to store your ETL metadata.Note: Database and file repositories are not supported or recommended for production use.

5. Enter or update the Display Name property.

6. Modify the URL associated with your repository, if necessary.

7. (Optional) Provide description in the Description field.

8. Click Save to create repository.

   The repository is created and is listed in the Repository Manager dialog box.

You can either click Connect, to connect to the repository, or click Close to close the dialog box. If you chose to connect, see Connect to a Pentaho Repository and follow the procedure from step 2.

If you choose to close, you can connect to the repository later through the menu next to the Connect link in the upper right corner of the PDI client toolbar.