Welcome to Week 2

Last week, we were introduced to the forms which data takes and ways to store it.

We started by learning about structured vs unstructured data, and how one might store them in discrete files.

Graeme then briefly discussed the encoding of data in files, and the importance of being familiar with common forms of encoding.

We then progressed onto data storage with Microsoft Azure, and looked at storage options such as Azure Storage and Azure Data Lake Store. We also got to see some of the features that set them apart from each other.

To finalise the week, we were introduced to databases. We focused on relational databases, the structures they have, and how we can engage with them using Structured Query Language (SQL) to draw out the information we need. Graeme expanded on this by demonstrating the differences between a standard database and a data warehouse, in the context of Microsoft Azure.

What’s next?

We’ll finish off our introduction to databases by exploring data warehouses. After that, you’ll have a chance to engage with the content practically in the CloudSwyft Hands-On Learning Lab 2: Working with a Relational Database in Microsoft Azure.

We’ll then explore a different type of data store called a non-relational database (sometimes called a NoSQL data store).

We’ll complete the week by asking ‘What is big data?’. Graeme will walk us through the types of problems that qualify as big data, as well as technologies and techniques that you can use to interact with this data within the Microsoft Azure platform.