With extensive data being collected every second, computing power cannot keep up with this pace of rapid growth. To make use of all the data, Spark has become a de facto standard for big data processing. Migrating data processing to Spark will not only help you save resources that will allow you to focus on your business, but also enable you to modernize your workloads by leveraging the capabilities of Spark and the modern technology stack for creating new business opportunities. This book is a comprehensive guide that lets you explore the core components of Apache Spark, its architecture, and its optimization. You'll become familiar with the Spark dataframe API and its components needed for data manipulation. Next, you'll find out what Spark streaming is and why it's important for modern data stacks, before learning about machine learning in Spark and its different use cases. What's more, you'll discover sample questions at the end of each section along with two mock exams to help you prepare for the certification exam. By the end of this book, you'll know what to expect in the exam and how to pass it with enough understanding of Spark and its tools. You'll also be able to apply this knowledge in a real-world setting and take your skillset to the next level.
