How to work with Attio 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 Attio, Spark can work with live Attio data. This article describes how to connect to and query Attio data from a Spark shell.

The CData JDBC Driver offers unmatched performance for interacting with live Attio data due to optimized data processing built into the driver. When you issue complex SQL queries to Attio, the driver pushes supported SQL operations, like filters and aggregations, directly to Attio 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 Attio data using native data types.

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Attio

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

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Attio Data

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

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

2. With the shell running, you can connect to Attio 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 Attio Profile on disk (e.g. C:\profiles\Attio.apip). Next, set the ProfileSettings connection property to the connection string for Attio (see below).

   Attio API Profile Settings

   Obtain your API key from your Attio account settings. Navigate to Settings > API Keys to generate and copy a new access token.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

   For assistance in constructing the JDBC URL, use the connection string designer built into the Attio 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 Attio, using the connection string generated above.

   scala> val api_df = spark.sqlContext.read.format("jdbc").option("url", "jdbc:api:Profile=C:\profiles\Attio.apip;ProfileSettings='APIKey=your_api_key';").option("dbtable","AttributeOptions").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 Attio data as a temporary table:

   scala> api_df.registerTable("attributeoptions")

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

   scala> api_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT Id, WorkspaceId FROM AttributeOptions WHERE IsArchived = false").collect.foreach(println)

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

   

Using the CData JDBC Driver for Attio in Apache Spark, you are able to perform fast and complex analytics on Attio 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.