> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/2.2/concepts/data-pipeline/input.md).

# Input

[Fluent Bit](http://fluentbit.io) provides different *Input Plugins* to gather information from different sources, some of them just collect data from log files while others can gather metrics information from the operating system. There are many plugins for different needs.

![](/files/s37sl3HyUjWPOcZZGXvn)

When an input plugin is loaded, an internal *instance* is created. Every instance has its own and independent configuration. Configuration keys are often called **properties**.

Every input plugin has its own documentation section where it's specified how it can be used and what properties are available.

For more details, please refer to the [Input Plugins](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/pipeline/inputs) section.


---

# 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.fluentbit.io/manual/2.2/concepts/data-pipeline/input.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`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.