DATA SCIENCE
Topic 9: Data Engineering
Data engineering involves designing, building, and managing the
infrastructure that stores, processes, and analyzes data. It is a critical
part of the data science ecosystem, ensuring that data is accessible,
reliable, and efficiently processed.
1. Data Pipeline Architecture:
- A data pipeline is a series of data processing steps. Data is ingested
from various sources, processed, and stored in a data warehouse or data
lake.
- Key components of a data pipeline include data ingestion, data
processing, data storage, and data access.
- Data pipelines can be batch or real-time (streaming) based on the
processing requirements.
2. ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Processes:
- ETL is a common approach to integrate data from different sources.
- Extract: Data is extracted from various sources like databases, APIs,
and files.
- Transform: The extracted data is transformed into a suitable format or
structure for analysis. This includes data cleaning, normalization, and
aggregation.
- Load: The transformed data is loaded into a target data repository,
such as a data warehouse.
3. Data Ingestion and Storage Solutions:
- Data ingestion is the process of importing data for immediate use or
storage in a database.
- Common data ingestion tools include Apache Kafka, Flume, and Sqoop.
- Data storage solutions include relational databases (MySQL,
PostgreSQL), NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra), and distributed
storage systems (Hadoop HDFS, Amazon S3).
4. Real-Time Data Processing:
- Real-time data processing involves processing data as it is generated or
received.
- Technologies used for real-time processing include Apache Spark
Streaming, Apache Storm, and Apache Flink.
- Real-time processing is essential for applications like fraud detection,
recommendation systems, and live analytics.
5. Data Lakes and Data Warehouses:
- Data lakes are storage repositories that can hold vast amounts of raw
data in its native format until it is needed.
- Data warehouses are systems used for reporting and data analysis,
storing data that has been cleaned and transformed.
- Examples of data warehouse solutions include Amazon Redshift,
Google BigQuery, and Snowflake.
Topic 10: Data Visualization and Reporting
Data visualization and reporting are essential for interpreting data,
discovering patterns, and communicating insights to stakeholders.
Effective visualization makes complex data more accessible,
understandable, and usable.
1. Principles of Data Visualization:
- Clarity: Visualizations should clearly communicate the data without
distorting the information.
- Accuracy: The representation of data should be accurate and not
misleading.
- Efficiency: Visualizations should be designed for quick and easy
interpretation.
- Aesthetics: While being functional, visualizations should also be
visually appealing.
2. Dashboard Creation Tools (Tableau, Power BI):
- Tableau: A powerful data visualization tool that allows users to create a
wide range of visualizations and dashboards. It supports integration with
various data sources and provides drag-and-drop functionality.
- Power BI: A business analytics service by Microsoft that provides
interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities. It allows
users to create reports and dashboards with real-time data updates.
3. Interactive Visualization Tools (D3.js, Plotly):
- D3.js: A JavaScript library for producing dynamic, interactive data
visualizations in web browsers. It allows for manipulation of documents
based on data using HTML, SVG, and CSS.
- Plotly: A graphing library that makes interactive, publication-quality
graphs online. It supports multiple languages, including Python, R, and
JavaScript.
4. Storytelling with Data:
- Storytelling with data involves using data visualization to tell a
compelling story that guides the audience through the insights and
conclusions.
- Key elements include a clear narrative, relevant data, and
visualizations that enhance the story.
5. Reporting and Presentation:
- Effective reporting involves creating documents and presentations
that clearly communicate the findings from data analysis.
- Reports should be structured, concise, and focused on the key insights.
- Tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and specialized reporting
software can be used to generate reports.
Task 6
Data Engineering:
1. What is a data pipeline, and what are its key components?
2. Explain the ETL process. What are the main steps involved in ETL?
3. Describe the difference between batch processing and real-time processing in the context
of data pipelines.
4. What are some common data ingestion tools, and what are their primary functions?
5. Compare and contrast data lakes and data warehouses. What are the use cases for each?
6. What is data normalization, and why is it important in the data transformation process?
7. Provide examples of data storage solutions used in data engineering.
8. Explain the role of Apache Kafka in real-time data processing.
9. What are the challenges associated with maintaining a real-time data processing pipeline?
10. How does distributed storage systems like Hadoop HDFS work in handling big data?
Data Visualization and Reporting:
1. What are the key principles of effective data visualization?
2. How does Tableau help in creating data visualizations and dashboards?
3. Describe the main features of Microsoft Power BI.
4. What is D3.js, and how is it used for data visualization?
5. Explain the advantages of using Plotly for interactive visualizations.
6. How does storytelling with data enhance the interpretation of data insights?
7. What are the essential elements of a good data story?
8. What tools can be used for generating data reports, and what are their benefits?
9. How should reports be structured to effectively communicate data findings?
10. What are some best practices for presenting data visualizations in a report?
