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

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

Install the CData JDBC Driver for Zoho CRM

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

Start a Spark Shell and Connect to Zoho CRM Data

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

   The connector is already registered with Zoho CRM as an OAuth application. As such, OAuth Credentials are embedded by default. If you would prefer to use your own custom OAuth app, see the Custom Credentials section in the Help documentation.

   Built-in Connection String Designer

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

   java -jar cdata.jdbc.zohocrm.jar

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

   Configure the connection to Zoho CRM, using the connection string generated above.

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

4. Register the Zoho CRM data as a temporary table:

   scala> zohocrm_df.registerTable("accounts")

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

   scala> zohocrm_df.sqlContext.sql("SELECT Account_Name, Annual_Revenue FROM Accounts WHERE Industry = Data/Telecom OEM").collect.foreach(println)

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

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