> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.astera.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.astera.com/faqs/installation/why-do-we-need-to-build-a-cluster-database-and-set-up-a-repository-while-working-with-astera.md).

# Why do we need to build a cluster database and set up a repository while working with Astera?

When using Astera client for the first time, we need to build a cluster database and set up a repository to communicate with the server and to store information about jobs scheduled and executed on the server. The cluster database the Astera client is currently using is visible in the Server Properties window.

<figure><img src="/files/iHIP7q2nvUiPm7wPa3yu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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