Core Programming Model
Module Duration: 3-4 hours
Focus: Fundamental Beam abstractions and transformations
Prerequisites: Java or Python, basic data processing concepts
Overview
Apache Beam’s core programming model provides a unified abstraction for both batch and streaming data processing. This module covers the fundamental concepts that make Beam portable across different execution engines.Key Concepts
- PCollection: Immutable, distributed dataset
- Pipeline: DAG of transformations
- PTransform: Data transformation operation
- ParDo: Parallel element-wise processing
- DoFn: User-defined function for ParDo
Understanding PCollections
A PCollection (Parallel Collection) represents a distributed dataset that your Beam pipeline operates on. PCollections are immutable and can be bounded (batch) or unbounded (streaming).PCollection Characteristics
Immutability: Once created, a PCollection cannot be modified. Transformations create new PCollections. Distributed: Elements are distributed across multiple workers for parallel processing. Timestamped: Each element has an associated timestamp (critical for streaming). Windowed: Elements are organized into windows for grouping operations.Creating PCollections
PCollection Types
Bounded PCollection: Finite dataset with a known end (batch processing)- Reading from files
- Database queries
- Fixed in-memory collections
- Kafka topics
- Pub/Sub subscriptions
- Real-time sensor data
Pipeline Construction
A Pipeline represents the entire data processing workflow as a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) of transformations.Pipeline Creation and Configuration
Pipeline Options
PTransforms: Data Transformations
PTransforms are operations that transform PCollections. They represent the nodes in your pipeline DAG.Core Transform Types
Element-wise: Process each element independently (Map, FlatMap, Filter) Aggregating: Combine elements (GroupByKey, Combine, Count) Composite: Combine multiple transforms into reusable unitsMap Transform
Apply a 1:1 function to each element.FlatMap Transform
Apply a 1:N function (each input produces zero or more outputs).Filter Transform
Keep only elements matching a predicate.ParDo and DoFn
ParDo is the most fundamental and flexible transform in Beam. It allows you to implement custom processing logic through DoFn (Do Function).Basic DoFn
DoFn Lifecycle Methods
DoFn provides lifecycle methods for setup and teardown operations.Multiple Outputs (Side Outputs)
DoFn can emit elements to multiple output PCollections using tagged outputs.Side Inputs
Side inputs allow you to use additional data alongside the main input in a ParDo.Composite Transforms
Composite transforms encapsulate multiple transforms into reusable components.Creating Composite Transforms
Aggregation Operations
Beam provides several built-in transforms for aggregating data.GroupByKey
Groups elements by key. Requires input PCollection of key-value pairs.Combine
Efficiently aggregates all values for each key using associative and commutative operations.CoGroupByKey
Joins multiple PCollections with the same key type.Real-World Use Cases
Log Processing Pipeline
ETL Pipeline
Best Practices
Performance Optimization
1. Minimize data serializationTesting
Summary
In this module, you learned:- PCollections as the fundamental data abstraction in Beam
- How to construct and configure pipelines
- Core transforms: Map, FlatMap, Filter, GroupByKey, Combine
- ParDo and DoFn for custom processing logic
- DoFn lifecycle methods and advanced features
- Side outputs and side inputs
- Creating reusable composite transforms
- Best practices for performance and testing
Key Takeaways
- PCollections are immutable and distributed
- Transforms create new PCollections rather than modifying existing ones
- ParDo is the most flexible transform for custom logic
- Use Combine instead of GroupByKey for aggregations
- Leverage DoFn lifecycle methods for resource management
- Write testable code using composite transforms