What are the key features of Azure Synapse Analytics?

1 SQL and Spark engines

Azure Synapse Analytics provides two types of engines for data processing: SQL and Spark. The SQL engine is a massively parallel processing (MPP) system that can run queries over large-scale relational and semi-structured data. The Spark engine is a distributed computing framework that can handle batch, streaming, and machine learning workloads. You can use both engines seamlessly within the same workspace and query data across different sources and formats.

3 Data ingestion and transformation

Azure Synapse Analytics offers several options for ingesting and transforming data from various sources into your data warehouse. You can use Azure Data Factory, a fully managed data integration service, to orchestrate and automate your data pipelines. You can use Azure Synapse Pipelines, a code-free graphical interface, to build and monitor your data flows. You can also use Azure Synapse SQL Scripts, a T-SQL based language, to write custom data transformation logic.

4 Data security and governance

Azure Synapse Analytics provides multiple layers of security and governance for your data warehouse. You can use Azure Active Directory, a cloud-based identity and access management service, to authenticate and authorize users and applications. You can use Azure Synapse Firewall, a network-level security feature, to control the inbound and outbound traffic to your workspace. You can also use Azure Synapse Data Classification, a data protection feature, to identify and label sensitive data in your tables and columns.

5 Data exploration and visualization

Azure Synapse Analytics enables you to explore and visualize your data using various tools and frameworks. You can use Azure Synapse Notebooks, an interactive environment, to write and run code in Python, Scala, or .NET languages. You can use Azure Synapse SQL Serverless, a query-as-a-service feature, to run ad-hoc queries over your data lake files. You can also use Azure Synapse Power BI, a business intelligence service, to create and share dashboards and reports.

6 Data development and collaboration

Azure Synapse Analytics supports a collaborative and agile data development process. You can use Azure Synapse Git Integration, a version control feature, to manage your code and projects. You can use Azure Synapse DevOps Integration, a continuous integration and delivery feature, to automate your deployments and testing. You can also use Azure Synapse Knowledge Center, a learning resource, to access tutorials, samples, and best practices.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?