In the following article, we share a step-by-step tutorial to start using Databricks. Additionally, we explain what the main advantages of this tool are and show where to start testing it for free.
Why Databricks?
Databricks is one of the most sought-after technologies in the world of data. It is a tool that significantly simplifies the tasks of those working in data & AI. In this other article, we explain what it is and what are the five characteristics that you need to know to start using it.
What are the main advantages of Databricks?
Below, we explain the four main advantages of this technology:
1) Simplicity
Databricks operates as a distributed system that can be configured very simply. With just one click, we can have the computing power of a Spark cluster.
Those who have been working with data for some time will know that configuring this type of technology was not always straightforward. In fact, distributed systems, which began to become popular around 2009 due to the need to address the problem of data storage capacity and computing power, often involved complex configurations.
However, with the emergence of Databricks, access to distributed systems and all their benefits has been significantly simplified.
2) Power and elasticity
The simplicity of Databricks does not compromise its power. Behind this platform lies a system with the capacity and power of Spark, which is also fully cloud-based. Therefore, despite being simple, it does not lose computing capacity or power.
What’s interesting about this is the flexibility it offers. If we need to process something that requires a lot of computing power, we simply use more hardware, more nodes, or more capacity. Conversely, if we need less, we use less. Even if there are times when we don’t need anything, we simply won’t use it.
Therefore, Databricks is a cost-effective platform that allows us to avoid overspending resources. For those of us working with data, this is a significant advantage, as processing traces often vary greatly throughout the day.
3) For all data profiles
Being easy to use, having a lot of computing power, and being elastic, Databricks is a platform that serves for everything we want to create with data and for all types of profiles.
Any profile that has to work with data will be able to do so on this platform without any problems: whether they are business users who want to use a dashboard, data scientists, specialists in artificial intelligence implementing an AI-based bot, data engineers, etc.
This advantage is very important because it allows us to use a single space for teams that are increasingly large and multidisciplinary.
4) Based on an open architecture
Its architecture is based on open-source components. This does not mean it’s free; it means that vendor lock-in is low.
Suppose we have to build a data lake with terabytes of data representing the reality of our business. The fact that it’s based on open components means that if tomorrow we want to move from Databricks to another technology, we can do so and the cost won’t be too high.
Our data will be stored in an open format and in a place that we ourselves can manage. So, if we want to migrate, we won’t have to copy the data and take it; they will simply be in a place where we can process them as we see fit.
How to use Databricks?
In the following tutorial, Rocío Klan, Data Architect at Datalytics, and Guillermo Watson, CDO at Datalytics, explain step by step how to use Databricks based on a practical case.
You can find in the video:
- How to convert tables into a traditional star model?
- Exploration of the Databricks workspace environment.
- Guide to creating tables in Databricks from a dimensional model.
- A detailed view of the data catalog (Catalog IA).
- Loading processes and management of dependent tables.
- Development of a dashboard in Databricks.
- Tracking data lineage.
- Introduction to Delta Lake Timetravel.
- Effective collaboration in the workspace environment.
- Breakdown of the Medalist architecture (gold, silver, and bronze).
- Introduction of Unity Catalog, a tool for Data Governance.
- Exploration of the Marketplace.
Where to start using Databricks?
If you’re interested in trying out the tool, you can open a free account on Databricks Community and access the entire Databricks front-end. On the site, you can test the main features to start using the tool.
* This content was originally published on Datalytics.com. Datalytics and Lovelytics merged in January 2025.
