Exciting Enhancements for Data Scientists Using Snowflake
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Introduction to Recent Snowflake Developments
Recently, Snowflake has rolled out a series of intriguing features and data types that are particularly beneficial for Data Scientists and Analysts. Announced at the Snowflake Summit, these updates aim to empower Data Engineers and Scientists with advanced functionalities like User Defined Functions (UDFs) and improved integration with Anaconda.
Section 1.1: New Data Type - GEOMETRY
One of the standout features is the introduction of the GEOMETRY data type. This enhancement enables users to handle geographic data effectively. For instance, you can now compute geospatial attributes such as points, lines, and polygons across the Earth's surface, making it ideal for various analytical applications like transportation routes and traffic analysis.
Section 1.2: Stored Procedures in Java
Another exciting update is the capability to create stored procedures in Java using the Snowpark API. This feature expands the possibilities for developers, particularly those who prefer Java. It is currently available for use on both AWS and Azure, while users on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) can test it in preview mode.
The video "Building a Comprehensive Data Science Platform on Snowflake" explores how these new features can be integrated into a complete data science ecosystem.
Section 1.3: Stored Procedures in Scala
In addition to Java, Snowflake now supports the implementation of stored procedures in Scala. This language, which extends Java, is widely used by Data Scientists and Engineers, making it a valuable addition to Snowflake's offerings.
The video "An Introduction to Data Science Using Snowflake" provides insights into how these updates can benefit data professionals.
Conclusion: A Positive Step for Snowflake Users
In my view, these updates represent a significant advancement for Snowflake, promising to delight developers, Data Engineers, and Data Scientists alike. For those interested in Snowflake's capabilities, you may want to check out a comparative analysis between Google BigQuery and Snowflake.
Sources and Further Readings
[1] Snowflake, Geospatial Data Types (2022)
[2] Snowflake, August 2022 (2022)