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

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

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Snapchat Ads

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

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Snapchat Ads Data

1. Open a terminal and start the Spark shell with the CData JDBC Driver for Snapchat Ads JAR file as the jars parameter: $ spark-shell --jars /CData/CData JDBC Driver for Snapchat Ads/lib/cdata.jdbc.snapchatads.jar
2. With the shell running, you can connect to Snapchat Ads with a JDBC URL and use the SQL Context load() function to read a table.

   You will need to create an OAuth application to connect to Snapchat Ads. See the online Help documentation for an authentication guide.

   Additionally, you can optionally set AccountId to provide a default Account ID (meaning it won't need to be manually provided in the WHERE clause). If the AccountId is not specified, the first account in the Accounts view is used.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

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

   java -jar cdata.jdbc.snapchatads.jar

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

   Configure the connection to Snapchat Ads, using the connection string generated above.

   scala> val snapchatads_df = spark.sqlContext.read.format("jdbc").option("url", "jdbc:snapchatads:").option("dbtable","Campaigns").option("driver","cdata.jdbc.snapchatads.SnapchatAdsDriver").load()
3. Once you connect and the data is loaded you will see the table schema displayed.

4. Register the Snapchat Ads data as a temporary table:

   scala> snapchatads_df.registerTable("campaigns")

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

   scala> snapchatads_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT AccountId, Name FROM Campaigns WHERE Id = 123").collect.foreach(println)

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

Using the CData JDBC Driver for Snapchat Ads in Apache Spark, you are able to perform fast and complex analytics on Snapchat Ads data, combining the power and utility of Spark with your data. Download a free, 30 day trial of any of the 200+ CData JDBC Drivers and get started today.