How does Extraction-Transformation-Loading (ETL) differ from Extract-Load-Transform (ELT) in terms of data extraction?
- Data is extracted from the target system back to the source system
- Data is extracted in real-time from the source system
- Data is loaded into the target system before transformation
- Data is transformed before loading into the target system
ETL involves extracting data, then transforming it, and finally loading it into the target system, whereas ELT involves extracting data first, then loading it into the target system, and finally transforming it.
What is a broadcast variable in Apache Spark, and how is it used?
- A variable cached in memory for faster access
- A variable replicated to every executor node
- A variable shared across all nodes in a cluster
- A variable used for inter-process communication
A broadcast variable in Apache Spark is replicated to every executor node for efficient data distribution. It's used for broadcasting large read-only datasets to all tasks across the cluster to avoid excessive data shuffling.
Data modeling tools such as ERWin or Visio help in visualizing and designing ________.
- Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs)
- Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)
- Flowcharts
- UML diagrams
Data modeling tools like ERWin or Visio primarily aid in visualizing and designing Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), which depict the entities, attributes, and relationships in a database schema.
Which data extraction technique involves querying a database directly to retrieve specific data sets?
- Direct extraction
- Full extraction
- Incremental extraction
- Parallel extraction
Direct extraction involves querying a database directly to retrieve specific data sets based on defined criteria. This method is often used when only a subset of data is required for analysis or processing.
Scenario: Your team is experiencing performance issues with a database application. As a data engineer, how would you leverage physical data modeling to address these issues?
- Denormalization of database schema
- Implementing additional constraints and checks
- Normalization of database schema
- Optimizing table indexes and partitioning
Leveraging physical data modeling involves optimizing table indexes, partitioning data appropriately, and organizing the physical layout of data to enhance performance and address specific performance issues in the database application.
In an RDBMS, a ________ is a virtual table that represents the result of a database query.
- Index
- Stored Procedure
- Trigger
- View
In an RDBMS, a view is a virtual table that represents the result of a database query. It provides a way to present data in a structured manner without storing the actual data, thus simplifying data access and enhancing security.
Which type of data model represents the high-level structure and relationships between data entities and is independent of any specific database management system?
- Conceptual Data Model
- Hierarchical Data Model
- Logical Data Model
- Physical Data Model
A conceptual data model represents the high-level structure and relationships between data entities. It is independent of any specific database management system and focuses on the business concepts and rules.
In Dimensional Modeling, what are Dimensions?
- Categories that provide context to the facts
- Primary keys in a relational database
- Tables that store descriptive attributes
- Tables that store transactional data
Dimensions in Dimensional Modeling are categories or entities that provide context to the facts stored in the Fact Table. They contain descriptive attributes that help in analyzing and understanding the data.
What is the primary difference between batch processing and streaming processing in pipeline architectures?
- Data processing complexity
- Data processing timing
- Data source variety
- Data storage mechanism
The primary difference between batch processing and streaming processing in pipeline architectures lies in the timing of data processing. Batch processing involves processing data in discrete chunks or batches at scheduled intervals, while streaming processing involves continuously processing data in real-time as it becomes available. Batch processing is suited for scenarios where data can be collected over time before processing, whereas streaming processing is ideal for handling data that requires immediate analysis or actions as it arrives.
Scenario: You need to schedule and monitor daily ETL jobs for your organization's data warehouse. Which features of Apache Airflow would be particularly useful in this scenario?
- Automated data quality checks, Schema evolution management, Data lineage tracking, Integrated data catalog
- Built-in data transformation functions, Real-time data processing, Machine learning integration, No-code ETL development
- DAG scheduling, Task dependencies, Monitoring dashboard, Retry mechanism
- Multi-cloud deployment, Serverless architecture, Managed Spark clusters, Cost optimization
Features such as DAG scheduling, task dependencies, monitoring dashboard, and retry mechanism in Apache Airflow would be particularly useful in scheduling and monitoring daily ETL jobs. DAG scheduling allows defining workflows with dependencies, task dependencies ensure tasks execute in the desired order, the monitoring dashboard provides visibility into job status, and the retry mechanism helps handle failures automatically, ensuring data pipelines complete successfully.