# Ingest data

Load records and files into managed lakehouse tables. If the data should stay in an existing database, warehouse, or bucket, [connect it as an external catalog](/docs/lakehouse/external-catalogs.md).

Start by [appending a record and reading it back](/docs/getting-started/ingest-data.md) with the CLI. When you are ready to load your own data, follow [Load records and files](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/http-api.md). That guide also provides HTTP and SDK examples for application code.

Product events belong in [Product Analytics](/docs/product-analytics/setup.md). Logs, traces, and metrics use [OpenTelemetry](/docs/opentelemetry/setup.md).

- [Load records and files](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/http-api.md): Append JSON records, upload files, or upsert by primary key into Altertable, then verify the data with SQL using the CLI, SDKs, or HTTP API.
- [Object Storage](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/object-storage.md): Import files from object storage into Altertable tables with bucket synchronizers for scheduled, queryable ingestion.
- [DuckDB](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/duckdb.md): Ingest data from DuckDB into Altertable with the community extension for local files, tables, and SQL workflows.
- [Pandas, Polars, and Ibis](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/pandas-polars-ibis.md): Load Pandas, Polars, and Ibis tables into Altertable using DuckDB's Python client and the Altertable community extension.
- [Pipeline integrations](/docs/lakehouse/ingest/integrations.md): Connect ETL tools, event platforms, and data workflows to load records into your governed Altertable lakehouse.
- [Altertable CLI](/docs/lakehouse/clients/cli.md): Install the Altertable CLI, log in to your environment, and verify your first query. Find advanced commands and options in the CLI reference.