Microsoft Azure Databricks for Data Engineering from Coursera

In this course, you will learn how to harness the power of Apache Spark and powerful clusters running on the Azure Databricks platform to run large data engineering workloads in the cloud.

You will discover the capabilities of Azure Databricks and the Apache Spark notebook for processing huge files. You will come to understand the Azure Databricks platform and identify the types of tasks well-suited for Apache Spark. You will also be introduced to the architecture of an Azure Databricks Spark Cluster and Spark Jobs. You will work with large amounts of data from multiple sources in different raw formats. you will learn how Azure Databricks supports day-to-day data-handling functions, such as reads, writes, and queries.

This course is part of a Specialization intended for Data engineers and developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing data solutions that use Microsoft Azure data services for anyone interested in preparing for the Exam DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure (beta). You will take a practice exam that covers key skills measured by the certification exam.

This is the eighth course in a program of 10 courses to help prepare you to take the exam so that you can have expertise in designing and implementing data solutions that use Microsoft Azure data services. The Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure exam is an opportunity to prove knowledge expertise in integrating, transforming, and consolidating data from various structured and unstructured data systems into structures that are suitable for building analytics solutions that use Microsoft Azure data services. Each course teaches you the concepts and skills that are measured by the exam.

By the end of this Specialization, you will be ready to take and sign-up for the Exam DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure (beta).

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Azure Databricks

Describe the capabilities of Azure Databricks and the Apache Spark notebook for processing huge files. Describe the Azure Databricks platform and identify the types of tasks well-suited for Apache Spark. Describe the architecture of an Azure Databricks Spark Cluster and Spark Jobs.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Microsoft employees, who are recognized for their work in data engineering and big data

Designed for data engineers and developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing and implementing data solutions that use Microsoft Azure data services

Provides an opportunity to prepare for the Exam DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure (beta) and obtain a recognized industry certification

Covers the skills and knowledge measured by the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate exam

Provides hands-on experience with Azure Databricks, a leading cloud-based data engineering platform

Requires prior knowledge of data engineering principles and experience with data processing tools

Reviews summary

Azure databricks for dp-203 prep

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in Microsoft Azure Databricks for data engineering, proving especially valuable for those preparing for the DP-203 certification exam. Many highlight the hands-on labs and practical application as significant strengths, offering a clear understanding of Apache Spark and Delta Lake. While older feedback noted issues with outdated content or lab environments, recent updates have significantly improved these aspects, making the course more current and functional. Some learners suggest that for highly experienced data engineers, certain topics might feel somewhat superficial, recommending supplementation for deeper dives into complex optimizations.

Recent improvements address past issues.

"Latest updates are great, the practical labs now run smoothly and are current."

"I noticed significant improvements in the course content compared to what I heard from older reviews."

"They seem to have updated the environment issues that some past students mentioned, which is a big plus."

Hands-on exercises deepen understanding and skills.

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

"I found the practical labs incredibly useful for applying the concepts taught."

"The labs truly helped solidify my understanding of Azure Databricks functionalities."

Strongly prepares for the DP-203 certification.

"The course is spot on for DP-203 prep, especially the practice exam."

"This course was incredibly helpful in preparing me for the Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure exam."

"I feel much more confident about taking the DP-203 after completing this specialization."

Earlier versions faced lab environment problems.

"Outdated content in some modules, and the labs frequently had issues or required specific environment setups not clearly documented."

"Labs did not work, making it impossible to follow along with the lectures."

"I encountered frustrating technical glitches with the lab environments that hindered my progress."

Solid introduction, but less for advanced learners.

"Good for foundational knowledge, but I wish there were more advanced use cases discussed."

"I had to supplement with outside resources, especially for complex Spark optimizations."

"Decent overview, but I felt some parts were a bit superficial for an advanced data engineering course."

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 Microsoft Azure Databricks for Data Engineering with these activities:

Review Apache Spark

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Sharpen your existing Apache Spark skills to prepare for the course and accelerate your progress.

Browse courses on Apache Spark

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Revisit the Spark documentation.
Go through online tutorials and exercises.

Read 'Spark: The Definitive Guide'

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Delve deeper into the concepts and best practices of Apache Spark by reading this comprehensive guide.

View Spark: The Definitive Guide: Big Data... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to grasp the fundamentals of Spark.
Focus on chapters 4-6 to understand Spark's core APIs.

Solve Apache Spark Coding Challenges

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Enhance your Apache Spark coding skills by solving practice problems and challenges.

Browse courses on Apache Spark

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Review solutions and learn from your mistakes.
Find coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode.
Attempt to solve the challenges using Apache Spark.

Three other activities

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Follow Azure Databricks Tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience with Azure Databricks through guided tutorials provided by Microsoft.

Browse courses on Azure Databricks

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Visit the Azure Databricks documentation.
Select a tutorial that aligns with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises.

Develop an Azure Databricks Notebook

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Apply your learnings by creating a custom Azure Databricks notebook to solve a data engineering problem.

Browse courses on Azure Databricks

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Define the problem and gather the necessary data.
Create a new Azure Databricks notebook.
Write Spark code to process and analyze the data.
Visualize and interpret the results.

Coach a Junior Data Engineer

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Sharpen your understanding of Azure Databricks and data engineering concepts by mentoring a junior data engineer.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify a junior data engineer who can benefit from your guidance.
Establish regular meetings to provide support and answer questions.
Review their code and provide constructive feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Microsoft Azure Databricks for Data Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Integration Engineer

A Data Integration Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data integration systems. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Integration Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Integration Engineer

Data Warehouse Engineer

A Data Warehouse Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data warehouses. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Warehouse Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Engineer

Big Data Engineer

A Big Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining big data systems. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Big Data Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Big Data Engineer

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst is responsible for using data to help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Business Intelligence Analyst who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Scientist who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Analyst who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Machine Learning Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Security Analyst

A Data Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating data security risks. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Security Analyst who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Security Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's databases. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Database Administrator who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

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Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud-based systems. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Cloud Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Data Governance Analyst

A Data Governance Analyst is responsible for developing and implementing data governance policies and procedures. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Governance Analyst who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Analyst

Data Privacy Analyst

A Data Privacy Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating data privacy risks. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Privacy Analyst who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Software Engineer who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Architect

A Data Architect is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the architecture of an organization's data systems. This course can help you build a foundation in Azure Databricks, a powerful platform for data engineering, which can be useful for a Data Architect who wants to use Azure Databricks in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect