How to work with Abyssale Data in Apache Spark using SQL

Apache Spark is a fast and general engine for large-scale data processing. When paired with the CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale, Spark can work with live Abyssale data. This article describes how to connect to and query Abyssale data from a Spark shell.

The CData JDBC Driver offers unmatched performance for interacting with live Abyssale data due to optimized data processing built into the driver. When you issue complex SQL queries to Abyssale, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Abyssale and utilizes the embedded SQL engine to process unsupported operations (often SQL functions and JOIN operations) client-side. With built-in dynamic metadata querying, you can work with and analyze Abyssale data using native data types.

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale

Download the CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale installer, unzip the package, and run the JAR file to install the driver.

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Abyssale Data

1. Open a terminal and start the Spark shell with the CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale JAR file as the jars parameter:

   
   $ spark-shell --jars /CData/CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale/lib/cdata.jdbc.api.jar
   

2. With the shell running, you can connect to Abyssale with a JDBC URL and use the SQL Context load() function to read a table.

   Start by setting the Profile connection property to the location of the Abyssale Profile on disk (e.g. C:\profiles\Abyssale.apip). Next, set the ProfileSettings connection property to the connection string for Abyssale (see below).

   Abyssale API Profile Settings

   Abyssale uses API Key authentication. Your Abyssale API Key is sent as the x-api-key request header. You can generate or view your API Key in the Abyssale dashboard under Settings > API.

   After setting the following connection properties, you are ready to connect:

   • AuthScheme: Set this to APIKey.
   • APIKey: Set this to your Abyssale API Key.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

   For assistance in constructing the JDBC URL, use the connection string designer built into the Abyssale JDBC Driver. Either double-click the JAR file or execute the jar file from the command-line.

   
   java -jar cdata.jdbc.api.jar
   

   Fill in the connection properties and copy the connection string to the clipboard.

   

   Configure the connection to Abyssale, using the connection string generated above.

   
   scala> val api_df = spark.sqlContext.read.format("jdbc").option("url", "jdbc:api:Profile=C:\profiles\Abyssale.apip;AuthScheme=APIKey;ProfileSettings='APIKey=your_api_key';").option("dbtable","Designs").option("driver","cdata.jdbc.api.APIDriver").load()
   

3. Once you connect and the data is loaded you will see the table schema displayed.

4. Register the Abyssale data as a temporary table:

   scala> api_df.registerTable("designs")

5. Perform custom SQL queries against the Data using commands like the one below:

   scala> api_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT Id, Name FROM Designs WHERE Type = static").collect.foreach(println)

   You will see the results displayed in the console, similar to the following:

   

Using the CData JDBC Driver for Abyssale in Apache Spark, you are able to perform fast and complex analytics on Abyssale data, combining the power and utility of Spark with your data. Download a free, 30 day trial of any of the hundreds of CData JDBC Drivers and get started today.