Data Ingestion with Lakeflow Connect

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Lakeflow Connect, a scalable and simplified solution for ingesting data into Databricks from a wide range of sources. You’ll begin by exploring the different types of Lakeflow Connect connectors (Standard and Managed) and learn various data ingestion techniques, including batch, incremental batch, and streaming ingestion. You'll also review the key benefits of using Delta table and the Medallion architecture

Next, you’ll develop practical skills for ingesting data from cloud object storage using Lakeflow Connect Standard Connectors. This includes working with methods such as CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS), COPY INTO, and Auto Loader, with an emphasis on the benefits and considerations of each approach. You’ll also learn how to append metadata columns to your bronze-level tables during ingestion into the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. The course then covers how to handle records that don’t match your table schema using the rescued data column, along with strategies for managing and analyzing this data. You’ll also explore techniques for ingesting and flattening semi-structured JSON data.

Following this, you’ll explore how to perform enterprise-grade data ingestion using Lakeflow Connect Managed Connectors to bring in data from databases and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications. The course also introduces Partner Connect as an option for integrating partner tools into your ingestion workloads.

Finally, the course wraps up with alternative ingestion strategies, including MERGE INTO operations and leveraging the Databricks Marketplace, equipping you with a strong foundation to support modern data engineering use cases.

Note: Databricks Academy is transitioning to a notebook-based format for classroom sessions within the Databricks environment, discontinuing the use of slide decks for lectures. You can access the lecture notebooks in the Vocareum lab environment.