Introduction to Data Engineering

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-data-engineering

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to Data Engineering on Coursera In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, data is the new currency, and professionals who can manipulate it are in high demand. With the surge in careers related to data—from Data Scientists to Data Analysts—understanding the foundational aspects of Data Engineering is more important than ever. Coursera’s course titled **"Introduction to Data Engineering"** serves as an excellent entry point for anyone wishing to embark on a career in this exciting field. #### Overview of the Course This beginner-friendly course is designed to provide an insightful overview of Data Engineering. It introduces participants to the core concepts, key processes, and essential tools necessary for a solid foundation in data engineering. The course also clarifies the distinct yet interrelated roles of Data Engineers, Data Scientists, and Data Analysts within the data ecosystem. The journey begins with a clear definition of what data engineering entails and expands into a deeper understanding of the various stakeholders in the data value chain. This course structure not only lays the groundwork for aspiring data engineers but also highlights the collaborative nature of data professions. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **What is Data Engineering?** - The course kicks off by demystifying data engineering. Participants will gain insights on how various roles—ranging from Data Analysts to Business Intelligence Analysts—function within a modern data ecosystem. Key tasks related to a data engineering lifecycle are introduced, laying the groundwork for the understanding needed as learners progress through the course. 2. **The Data Engineering Ecosystem** - This module dives into the different types of data structures, file formats, and sources of data. It delves into essential concepts such as ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) processes, teaching how to build data pipelines and integrate data using various platforms. A hands-on component allows students to create an IBM Cloud account and provision an instance of IBM Db2, providing practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. 3. **Data Engineering Lifecycle** - In this module, learners will explore the architecture of data platforms and understand the steps involved in data gathering, importing, wrangling, and querying. The course takes a practical approach, guiding participants through loading data from a CSV file into their IBM Db2 instance. This hands-on aspect, along with SQL query exercises, lets students actively engage with the material. 4. **Career Opportunities and Data Engineering in Action** - The final module encapsulates the learning experience by discussing the various career paths available in Data Engineering. Students will also engage in a graded assignment, ensuring they can apply what they’ve learned in both theoretical and practical contexts. #### Course Experience The course employs engaging instructional methods, blending video lectures, hands-on exercises, and quizzes that reinforce learning. The pacing is manageable, making it ideal for beginners without overwhelming them with overly complex topics too soon. Furthermore, learners will benefit from a vibrant community where they can interact with peers, ask questions, and share insights. The emphasis on practical application, through real-world tools and scenarios, ensures that students not only learn concepts but also gain valuable skills that will aid them in their job search or career advancement. #### Recommendation Overall, **"Introduction to Data Engineering"** is a highly recommendable course for anyone interested in starting a career in data. The structured approach, comprehensive coverage, and practical exercises provide an enriching experience. Upon completion, participants will have a solid understanding of the data engineering landscape and the fundamental skills needed to excel. If you’re considering a career in data, or if you want to enhance your understanding of data roles within any organization, this course is an excellent first step. Grab your virtual seat, embark on this learning journey, and prepare yourself for the myriad opportunities that lie ahead in the field of data engineering!

Syllabus

What is Data Engineering?

In this module, you will learn about the different entities that come together to form a modern data ecosystem and the role Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, and Business Intelligence Analysts play in this ecosystem. You will learn what data engineering is and the key tasks in a data engineering lifecycle. You will also gain an understanding of the responsibilities of a data engineer, the skillsets they need in order to be successful, and what a typical day in the life of a data engineer looks like.

In this module, you will learn about the data engineering ecosystem, the different types of data structures, file formats, sources of data, and the languages data professionals use in their day-to-day tasks. You will gain an understanding of several different types of data repositories such as relational and non-relational databases, data warehouses, data marts, and data lakes. You will learn about ETL and ELT processes, data pipelines, and data integration platforms. You will also gain an understanding of what big data is, and the tools used for processing and storing big data. At the end of this module, you will be guided to create an IBM Cloud account, and provision an instance of IBM Db2.

In this module, we will walk you through the data engineering lifecycle. You will learn about the architecture of a data platform, factors for selecting and designing data stores, and the different facets of security as it applies to data platforms and data lifecycle management. You will also learn about the process, steps, and tools used for gathering, importing, wrangling, and querying data. You will gain an understanding of performance monitoring and the steps you can take to troubleshoot performance issues. We will also talk about governance regulations, why we need them, and how technology enables compliance to regulations. During the course of this module, you will be guided to load data from a CSV file into the IBM Db2 instance you created in the previous module. You will also be guided to explore your dataset using some basic SQL queries that will be provided to you.

In this module, you will learn about career opportunities in the field of Data Engineering and the different paths that you can take for getting skilled as a Data Engineer. At the end of the module, you will be presented with the final graded assignment which is divided into two parts. The first part of the final assignment includes a couple of quiz questions and the second part includes open-ended questions that will be reviewed and graded by a peer.