MC Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals Study Guide

THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE AND COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE FOR PEOPLE BEGINNING TO WORK WITH DATA IN THE AZURE CLOUDIn MC Azure Data Fundamentals Study Guide: Exam DP-900, expert Cloud Solution Architect Jake Switzer delivers a hands-on blueprint to acing the DP-900 Azure data certification. The book prepares you for the test – and for a new career in Azure data analytics, architecture, science, and more – with a laser-focus on the job roles and responsibilities of Azure data professionals. You’ll receive a foundational knowledge of core data concepts, like relational and non-relational data and transactional and analytical data workloads, while diving deep into every competency covered on the DP-900 exam. You’ll also get:

* Access to complimentary online study tools, including hundreds of practice exam questions, electronic flashcards, and a searchable glossary
* Additional prep assistance with access to Sybex’s superior interactive online learning environment and test bank
* Walkthroughs of skills and knowledge that are absolutely necessary for current and aspiring Azure data pros in introductory roles

Perfect for anyone just beginning to work with data in the cloud, MC Azure Data Fundamentals Study Guide: Exam DP-900 is a can’t-miss resource for anyone prepping for the DP-900 exam or considering a new career working with Azure data. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JAKE SWITZER is a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft specializing in Big Data and Advanced Analytics. He has worked with major athletics customers like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and the USGA on architecting and proving out big data and advanced analytics solutions in Azure. Introduction xxvi

Assessment Test xvii

Answers to the Assessment Test xxxix

CHAPTER 1 CORE DATA CONCEPTS 1

Describe Types of Core Data Workloads 2

Data Value 3

Data Volume 10

Data Variety 11

Data Velocity 14

Describe Data Analytics Core Concepts 21

Data Processing Techniques 21

Describe Analytics Techniques 32

Describe Data Visualization Techniques 34

Summary 40

Exam Essentials 41

Review Questions 44

CHAPTER 2 RELATIONAL DATABASES IN AZURE 49

Relational Database Features 51

Relational Database Design Considerations 51

Relational Database Offerings in Azure 61

Azure SQL 63

Azure Synapse Analytics Dedicated SQL Pools 90

Open- Source Databases in Azure 92

Management Tasks for Relational Databases in Azure 96

Deployment Scripting and Automation 96

Migrating to Azure SQL 105

Database Security 106

Common Connectivity Issues 113

Management Tools 115

Query Techniques for SQL 119

DDL vs. DML Commands 120

Query Relational Data in Azure SQL, MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL 125

Summary 129

Exam Essentials 130

Review Questions 132

CHAPTER 3 NONRELATIONAL DATABASES IN AZURE 139

Nonrelational Database Features 140

Key- Value Store 141

Document Database 142

Columnar Database 143

Graph Database 144

Azure Cosmos DB 145

High Availability 146

Request Units 148

Azure Cosmos DB APIs 150

Management Tasks for Azure Cosmos DB 154

Deployment Options 154

Azure Cosmos DB Security 165

Azure Cosmos DB Common Connectivity Issues 167

Management Tools 169

Summary 170

Exam Essentials 171

Review Questions 174

CHAPTER 4 FILE, OBJECT, AND DATA LAKE STORAGE 177

File and Object Storage Features 178

Azure Storage 179

Performance Tiers 180

Data Redundancy 181

Deploying through the Azure Portal 182

Azure Storage Services 187

Management Tasks for Azure Storage 198

Deployment Scripting and Automation 198

Azure Storage Security 201

Azure Storage Common Connectivity Issues 212

Management Tools 213

Summary 217

Exam Essentials 218

Review Questions 221

CHAPTER 5 MODERN DATA WAREHOUSES IN AZURE 225

Analytical Workload Features 226

Transactional vs. Analytical Workloads 226

Data Processing Techniques 229

Modern Data Warehouse Components 233

Data Modeling Best Practices for Data Warehouses 233

Azure Services for Modern Data Warehouses 234

End- to- End Analytics with Azure Synapse Analytics 268

Deploying an Azure Synapse Analytics Workspace 270

Contents xv

Navigating the Synapse Studio UI 271

Dedicated SQL Pools 275

Serverless SQL Pools 287

Summary 292

Exam Essentials 293

Review Questions 295

CHAPTER 6 REPORTING WITH POWER BI 301

Power BI at a Glance 302

Working with Power BI 303

Summary 324

Exam Essentials 325

Review Questions 326

Appendix Answers to the Review Questions 329

Chapter 1: Core Data Concepts 330

Chapter 2: Relational Databases in Azure 331

Chapter 3: Nonrelational Databases in Azure 333

Chapter 4: File, Object, and Data Lake Storage 334

Chapter 5: Modern Data Warehouses in Azure 335

Chapter 6: Reporting with Power BI 337

Index 339