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

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

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Simplesat

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

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Simplesat Data

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

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

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

   Using API Key Authentication

   Simplesat uses API Key authentication. To obtain your API key, log in to your Simplesat account and navigate to Workspace Settings > API. Copy the API key value for use in the connection string.

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

   • AuthScheme: Set this to APIKey.
   • APIKey: Set this to your Simplesat API key obtained from workspace settings.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

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

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

   scala> api_df.registerTable("surveys")

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

   scala> api_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT ,  FROM Surveys WHERE  = ").collect.foreach(println)

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

   

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