Getting Started with Azure Databricks: Data Engineering

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

Learn the basics of Apache Spark and Azure Databricks, what they are, what problems they solve, and how they work. Plus hands-on demos to load, transform, and present data in Azure Databricks.

Session Details

Azure Databricks, based on Apache Spark, is a fast, easy-to-use, and scalable data platform.
In this session, you will learn what is Apache Spark and Azure Databricks, what problems Azure Databricks solve, and how Azure Databricks work.
This session will include hands-on demonstrations of loading, transforming, and presenting data with Azure Databricks.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Introduction to Azure Databricks Understand the Spark framework. Reproducible demo loading, transforming, and presenting data in Databricks.

Doug Leal's other proposed sessions for 2026

Cutting Through the Buzz: LLM, RAG, and GPT - Making Sense of GenAI - 2026

Cutting Through the Buzz: Making Sense of AI Agents - 2026

Cutting Through the Buzz: Making Sense of AI Agents - 2026

Fast-Tracking Models with Databricks AutoML - 2026

How to get started with MLOps in Azure Databricks - 2026

MLOps and LLMOps: Best Practices in Databricks - 2026

Stop Presenting, Start Storytelling and Connecting Your Way to Success! - 2026

Doug Leal's previous sessions

How to get started with MLOps in Azure Databricks

This entry-level session will introduce you to the machine learning life cycle, including data preparation, model training, selection, and how to operationalize your model with Databricks Machine Learning, and gain a deeper understanding of how to scale deployments using MLOps across your company.