Apache Spark Fundamentals from Pluralsight

This course will teach you how to use Apache Spark to analyze your big data at lightning-fast speeds; leaving Hadoop in the dust! For a deep dive on SQL and Streaming check out the sequel, Handling Fast Data with Apache Spark SQL and Streaming.

Our ever-connected world is creating data faster than Moore's law can keep up, making it so that we have to be smarter in our decisions on how to analyze it. Previously, we had Hadoop's MapReduce framework for batch processing, but modern big data processing demands have outgrown this framework. That's where Apache Spark steps in, boasting speeds 10-100x faster than Hadoop and setting the world record in large scale sorting. Spark's general abstraction means it can expand beyond simple batch processing, making it capable of such things as blazing-fast, iterative algorithms and exactly once streaming semantics. In this course, you'll learn Spark from the ground up, starting with its history before creating a Wikipedia analysis application as one of the means for learning a wide scope of its core API. That core knowledge will make it easier to look into Spark's other libraries, such as the streaming and SQL APIs. Finally, you'll learn how to avoid a few commonly encountered rough edges of Spark. You will leave this course with a tool belt capable of creating your own performance-maximized Spark application.

What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started

Spark Core: Part 1

Spark Core: Part 2

Distribution and Instrumentation

Spark Libraries

Optimizations and the Future

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the use of Apache Spark for big data analysis, which is highly relevant in industry

Introduces learners to Apache Spark Core, which is the foundation for understanding the tool

Presents use cases for Spark Streaming and SQL APIs, expanding learners' knowledge of the tool

Emphasizes optimizations and future developments in Spark, ensuring learners are up-to-date with industry trends

Taught by Justin Pihony, who is recognized for their work in Apache Spark

Requires learners to have some prior knowledge of big data processing, which may be a barrier for beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Apache Spark Fundamentals with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Maximize your learning by organizing and reviewing course notes, assignments, and other materials regularly.

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Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
Organize materials by topic, module, or week.
Review materials at regular intervals to reinforce learning and identify areas for improvement.

Review Python Basics

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Strengthen your Python programming skills, which are essential for working with Apache Spark.

Browse courses on Python

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Review Python tutorials or documentation to refresh your understanding of basic syntax and concepts.
Attempt Python coding exercises or challenges to test your skills.
Practice writing Python scripts that perform simple data manipulation tasks.

Read 'Learning Spark' by Holden Karau, Andy Konwinski, Patrick Wendell, and Matei Zaharia

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of Apache Spark by reading a foundational book written by experts in the field.

View Learning Spark: Lightning-Fast Big Data Analysis on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of the book, either physically or digitally.
Set aside dedicated time each day or week for reading and comprehension.
Take notes and highlight important sections for future reference.

Three other activities

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Join a Study Group or Discussion Forum

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Engage with other learners in study groups or online forums to share knowledge, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of Apache Spark.

Browse courses on Apache Spark

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Identify Apache Spark study groups or discussion forums on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, or Meetup.
Join the group and actively participate in discussions and Q&A sessions.
Share your own experiences, insights, and questions related to Apache Spark.
Collaborate with others on projects or learning challenges.

Explore Apache Spark Tutorials and Courses

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Supplement your learning by exploring online tutorials and courses that delve deeper into specific aspects of Apache Spark.

Browse courses on Apache Spark

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Identify areas where you want to enhance your knowledge or skills related to Apache Spark.
Search for reputable online courses or tutorials on platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or YouTube.
Review the course outlines, instructor profiles, and student reviews to select the most suitable option.
Dedicate time to complete the tutorial or course, taking notes and practicing along the way.

Complete the Apache Spark Code Challenges

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Sharpen your Apache Spark skills by solving code challenges and exercises to solidify your understanding of core concepts.

Browse courses on Apache Spark

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Visit the Apache Spark website or other online resources for code challenges.
Select an appropriate challenge that aligns with your current level of expertise.
Attempt to solve the challenge using the concepts learned in the course.
Compare your solution with provided answers or online forums to identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Apache Spark Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts are those who blend mathematical and statistical modeling together with data analysis to solve complex problems. For those that want to pursue this career role, Apache Spark is a beneficial tool to have under your belt. The concepts that you will learn about data analytics and fast data processing, like SQL and streaming, can prove to be quite useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects are those that get to play an influential role within the designing and building of enterprise applications, infrastructures, and software solutions. If you are interested in such a career role, this Apache Spark course may be useful to you. It will teach you about core APIs like Spark Core, as well as how to optimize future applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Data Architect

Data Architects, much like Software Architects, also plan out the design and implementation of applications. However, they focus primarily on data management. If this sounds like a career role that you would enjoy, you may find use in the content that this course teaches. It will help you to understand how to design and maintain structured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for overseeing data acquisition, storage, cleansing, and analysis. If you would like to go into this career role, the Apache Spark course will help you to build a foundation for analyzing structured and unstructured data.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of data to solve business challenges by utilizing scientific methods. For an aspiring Data Scientist, the Apache Spark course will be useful. A foundational understanding of how to analyze data quickly and efficiently will be extremely beneficial.

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Statistician

Statisticians use data to study and solve real-world problems. The Apache Spark course can be useful for those who want to enter this field. Through learning how to analyze large quantities of data, this course can help to build your foundation in statistics.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use advanced analytical methods to solve complex business problems. This course can be a valuable tool to add to your skill set. With Apache Spark and its ability to process large amounts of data quickly, you will be able to deliver data-driven solutions more efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and interpreting data to help businesses make better decisions. The Apache Spark course may be useful to those interested in becoming a Business Analyst. It can teach you how to analyze large and complex data sets to extract insights that can help businesses grow.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to make investment recommendations. If you want to pursue a career as a Financial Analyst, taking the Apache Spark course would be beneficial. It will teach you how to analyze large and complex data sets, which is a skill that is in high demand in the financial industry.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers use data to understand consumer behavior and trends. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a Market Researcher. It will teach you how to analyze large and complex data sets, which is a skill that is essential in this field.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems. If you want to become a Data Analyst, the Apache Spark course will be useful. It will teach you how to analyze large and complex data sets, which is a skill that is in high demand in the tech industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. This course can be useful for aspiring Database Administrators as it teaches the fundamentals of data storage and management. With this course, you will be more prepared to ensure that data is secure and accessible to users.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course can provide value to those seeking a career as a Software Developer. Its lessons on data analysis and API usage can contribute to your ability to create robust and efficient software.

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Data Visualization Analyst

Data Visualization Analysts use data visualization tools to communicate data insights to stakeholders. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a Data Visualization Analyst. It will teach you how to analyze and visualize data in a way that is easy to understand.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Analyst

Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories. If you want to become a Data Journalist, taking the Apache Spark course will be helpful. It will teach you how to analyze large and complex data sets, which is a skill that is essential in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist