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

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

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Twilio

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

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Twilio Data

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

   Use the AccountSid and AuthToken connection properties to access data from your account. You obtain your live credentials on your Twilio account dashboard. Click Account -> Account Settings to obtain your test credentials.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

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

   java -jar cdata.jdbc.twilio.jar

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

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

   scala> val twilio_df = spark.sqlContext.read.format("jdbc").option("url", "jdbc:twilio:AccountSid=MyAccountSid;AuthToken=MyAuthToken;").option("dbtable","Calls").option("driver","cdata.jdbc.twilio.TwilioDriver").load()
3. Once you connect and the data is loaded you will see the table schema displayed.

4. Register the Twilio data as a temporary table:

   scala> twilio_df.registerTable("calls")

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

   scala> twilio_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT To, Duration FROM Calls WHERE StartTime = 1/1/2016").collect.foreach(println)

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

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