What is Apache Spark, and why is it important to learn?

Apache Spark is an open source analytics framework for large-scale data processing with capabilities for streaming, SQL, machine learning, and graph processing. Apache Spark is important to learn because its ease of use and extreme processing speeds enable efficient and scalable real-time data analysis. Apache Spark can process in-memory on dedicated clusters to achieve speeds 10-100 times faster than the disc-based batch processing Apache Hadoop with MapReduce can provide, making it a top choice for anyone processing big data. Spark is also easy to use, with the ability to write applications in its native Scala, or in Python, Java, R, or SQL. This versatility and accessibility helps startups harness the powerful data science they need for cutting edge innovation. Spark also provides the scalable machine learning needed by artificial intelligence (AI) engineers to create applications that can transform the way we interact with digital technology, from recommendation algorithms on services like Netflix and Spotify to automated medical screening.

What kinds of careers can I have with Apache Spark skills?

Many careers in data science benefit from skills in Apache Spark, as software development engineers, data scientists, data analysts, and machine learning engineers use Spark on a daily basis. These roles are in high demand and are thus highly compensated; according to Glassdoor , machine learning engineers earn an average salary of $114,121 per year. Machine learning engineers design and build self-learning software and monitor its iterations to fine tune how models perform when they are scaled up and put into service. These professionals need a background in both software engineering and data science, and are increasingly being hired in a wide variety of fields such as education, healthcare, and finance. As machine learning continues to expand into many more fields, the need for machine learning engineers will continue to grow.

Can I learn Apache Spark skills by taking online courses on Coursera?

Yes! Coursera offers a wide range of popular online courses and Specializations on data science in general and Apache Spark specifically, including courses in related topics like scalable machine learning, distributed computing, and big data analysis. You’ll learn from top-ranked institutions and organizations like the University of California Davis, the University of California San Diego, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and IBM, so you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education for the flexibility of learning remotely. Coursera also offers the courses needed to work towards the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate. And, if you want to take your data science education to the next level, Coursera provides you with the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Data Science through the University of Colorado.

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn Apache Spark?

Because Spark works in application programming interfaces like Scala, Java, and Python, it helps to have a good grasp of one or more of these programming languages. Other prerequisites may vary depending on the level of the course you're taking. While beginner-level courses allow you to become familiar with Apache Spark and develop skills as you go, intermediate or advanced courses may require additional skills or experience within data science or computer programming. As you progress with learning Apache Spark, you'll develop the skills needed to read and write data to a variety of sources, parse different types of data, work within the artificial intelligence and machine learning arena, and transform data to leverage insights from it.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in Apache Spark?

People with a passion for data science and a desire to gain increased access to big data are well suited to learning Apache Spark. This tool opens a variety of opportunities for users to explore big data and leverage it to solve key problems within organizations. Additionally, Spark offers a faster pace for machine learning workloads, with large scale data processing capability that's exponentially faster than other tools like Hadoop. Because Apache Spark is on the front lines of innovation within AI and big data, those with an innate sense of curiosity and a desire to innovate are among those best suited to learning Spark and working in relevant roles.

How do I know if learning Apache Spark is right for me?

If you want to work within big data, learning Apache Spark could be a good move for you. This unified analytics engine is particularly popular because of its speed, the libraries that come with it, robust APIs, and its support for multiple programming languages. Additionally, it could be a smart career move depending on your aspirations. Demand continues to surge for professionals who can leverage Spark's power. In February 2021, Indeed.com listed more than 1,800 open positions looking for full-time Apache Spark professionals across multiple industries. Additionally, according to Databricks , learning Apache Sparks could give you a boost in your earning potential.

What are the benefits of taking an online Apache Spark course?

Online Apache Spark courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Apache Spark skills. With a wide range of Apache Spark classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Apache Spark career.

What Apache Spark courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Apache Spark, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Apache Spark Courses - Learn Apache Spark Online

Results for "apache spark"

Status: Free
IBM
Machine Learning with Apache Spark
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, Machine Learning Methods, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Generative AI, PySpark, Applied Machine Learning, Supervised Learning, Apache Hadoop, Data Pipelines, Unsupervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Data Processing, Extract, Transform, Load, Predictive Modeling, Data Transformation, Regression Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
91 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
NoSQL, Big Data, and Spark Foundations
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, MongoDB, PySpark, Machine Learning Methods, Apache Hive, Databases, Machine Learning Algorithms, Apache Cassandra, Big Data, Machine Learning, Generative AI, IBM Cloud, Applied Machine Learning, Kubernetes, Supervised Learning, Distributed Computing, Docker (Software), Database Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
721 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Scalable Machine Learning on Big Data using Apache Spark
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, PySpark, Applied Machine Learning, Big Data, Machine Learning Methods, Statistical Machine Learning, Data Storage, Machine Learning Algorithms, Machine Learning, Distributed Computing, Data Processing, Data Transformation, Statistical Analysis
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Introduction to Big Data with Spark and Hadoop
Skills you'll gain: Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, PySpark, Apache Hive, Big Data, IBM Cloud, Kubernetes, Docker (Software), Scalability, Data Processing, Distributed Computing, SQL
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
418 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: [object Object]
IBM
IBM Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, SQL, Apache Hadoop, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, IBM Cognos Analytics, MySQL, Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Jupyter, Generative AI, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
56K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Data Analysis Using Pyspark
Skills you'll gain: PySpark, Matplotlib, Apache Spark, Big Data, Data Processing, Distributed Computing, Data Management, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Query Languages, Google Cloud Platform
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
296 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Edureka
Introduction to PySpark
Skills you'll gain: PySpark, Apache Spark, Distributed Computing, Big Data, Apache Hadoop, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis Software, Python Programming, Scalability
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Introduction to Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Extract, Transform, Load, Data Architecture, Data Pipelines, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Data Storage Technologies, Apache Hadoop, Relational Databases, Apache Spark, Data Lakes, Databases, SQL, Data Mart, Data Security
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Spark, Hadoop, and Snowflake for Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: PySpark, Databricks, Data Pipelines, Apache Spark, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Apache Hadoop, Data Architecture, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Data Quality, Data Integration, Data Processing, Data Management, DevOps, Data Manipulation, Distributed Computing, SQL
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
LearnKartS
Apache Kafka
Skills you'll gain: Apache Kafka, Real Time Data, System Monitoring, Performance Tuning, Data Pipelines, Apache Spark, Big Data, Infrastructure Architecture, Systems Architecture, Data Processing, Data Architecture, Security Controls, Data Security, Distributed Computing, Scala Programming, Restful API, Configuration Management, Scalability, System Configuration, JSON
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Big Data Analysis with Scala and Spark
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Scala Programming, Distributed Computing, Big Data, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Performance Tuning, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Edureka
PySpark for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: PySpark, Apache Spark, Unsupervised Learning, Data Pipelines, Apache Hadoop, Dashboard, Interactive Data Visualization, Apache Kafka, Data Processing, Real Time Data, Big Data, Distributed Computing, Natural Language Processing, Predictive Modeling, Data Manipulation, Feature Engineering, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, SQL, Data Transformation
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months