CGI Group Data Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Q1. How do you optimize SQL queries?
Ans. 
Optimizing SQL queries involves using indexes, avoiding unnecessary joins, and optimizing the query structure.
• Use indexes on columns frequently used in WHERE clauses

• Avoid using SELECT * and only retrieve necessary columns

• Optimize joins by using INNER JOIN instead of OUTER JOIN when possible

• Use EXPLAIN to analyze query performance and make necessary adjustments
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Q2. How do you do performance optimization in Spark. Tell how you did it in you project.
Ans. 
Performance optimization in Spark involves tuning configurations, optimizing code, and utilizing caching.
• Tune Spark configurations such as executor memory, number of executors, and shuffle partitions.

• Optimize code by reducing unnecessary shuffles, using efficient transformations, and avoiding unnecessary data movements.

• Utilize caching to store intermediate results in memory and avoid recomputation.

• Example: In my projec...read more
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Q3. What is SparkContext and SparkSession?
Ans. 
SparkContext is the main entry point for Spark functionality, while SparkSession is the entry point for Spark SQL.
• SparkContext is the entry point for low-level API functionality in Spark.

• SparkSession is the entry point for Spark SQL functionality.

• SparkContext is used to create RDDs (Resilient Distributed Datasets) in Spark.

• SparkSession provides a unified entry point for reading data from various sources and performing
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Q4. When a spark job is submitted, what happens at backend. Explain the flow.
Ans. 
When a spark job is submitted, various steps are executed at the backend to process the job.
• The job is submitted to the Spark driver program.

• The driver program communicates with the cluster manager to request resources.

• The cluster manager allocates resources (CPU, memory) to the job.

• The driver program creates DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) of the job stages and tasks.

• Tasks are then scheduled and executed on worker nodes ...read more
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Q5. Calculate second highest salary using SQL as well as pyspark.
Ans. 
Calculate second highest salary using SQL and pyspark
• Use SQL query with ORDER BY and LIMIT to get the second highest salary

• In pyspark, use orderBy() and take() functions to achieve the same result
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Q6. 2 types of modes for Spark architecture ?
Ans. 
The two types of modes for Spark architecture are standalone mode and cluster mode.
• Standalone mode: Spark runs on a single machine with a single JVM and is suitable for development and testing.

• Cluster mode: Spark runs on a cluster of machines managed by a cluster manager like YARN or Mesos for production workloads.
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Q7. If you want very less latency - which is better standalone or client mode?
Ans. 
Client mode is better for very less latency due to direct communication with the cluster.
• Client mode allows direct communication with the cluster, reducing latency.

• Standalone mode requires an additional layer of communication, increasing latency.

• Client mode is preferred for real-time applications where low latency is crucial.
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Q1. Scenario based. Write SQL and pyspark code for a dataset.
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Q2. If you have to find latest record based on latest timestamp in a table for a particular customer(table is having history) , how will you do it. Self join and nested query will be expensive. Optimized query...read more
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Q1. What are different type of joins available in Databricks?
Ans. 
Different types of joins available in Databricks include inner join, outer join, left join, right join, and cross join.
• Inner join: Returns only the rows that have matching values in both tables.

• Outer join: Returns all rows when there is a match in either table.

• Left join: Returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table.

• Right join: Returns all rows from the right table and the matched rows ...read more
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Q2. How do you make your data pipeline fault tolerant?
Ans. 
Implementing fault tolerance in a data pipeline involves redundancy, monitoring, and error handling.
• Use redundant components to ensure continuous data flow

• Implement monitoring tools to detect failures and bottlenecks

• Set up automated alerts for immediate response to issues

• Design error handling mechanisms to gracefully handle failures

• Use checkpoints and retries to ensure data integrity
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Q3. What is AutoLoader?
Ans. 
AutoLoader is a feature in data engineering that automatically loads data from various sources into a data warehouse or database.
• Automates the process of loading data from different sources

• Reduces manual effort and human error

• Can be scheduled to run at specific intervals

• Examples: Apache Nifi, AWS Glue
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Q1. How do you connect to different services in Azure?
Ans. 
To connect to different services in Azure, you can use Azure SDKs, REST APIs, Azure Portal, Azure CLI, and Azure PowerShell.
• Use Azure SDKs for programming languages like Python, Java, C#, etc.

• Utilize REST APIs to interact with Azure services programmatically.

• Access and manage services through the Azure Portal.

• Leverage Azure CLI for command-line interface interactions.

• Automate tasks using Azure PowerShell scripts.
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Q2. What are linked Services?
Ans. 
Linked Services are connections to external data sources or destinations in Azure Data Factory.
• Linked Services define the connection information needed to connect to external data sources or destinations.

• They can be used in Data Factory pipelines to read from or write to external systems.

• Examples of Linked Services include Azure Blob Storage, Azure SQL Database, and Amazon S3.
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Q1. Explain adf questions in detail
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ADF questions refer to Azure Data Factory questions which are related to data integration and data transformation processes.
• ADF questions are related to Azure Data Factory, a cloud-based data integration service.

• These questions may involve data pipelines, data flows, activities, triggers, and data movement.

• Candidates may be asked about their experience with designing, monitoring, and managing data pipelines in ADF.

• Exam...read more
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Q2. Project related questions
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Q1. Project data related questions
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Q2. Databricks and SQL interview questions
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Q1. What are the optimization techniques used in Apache Spark?
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Q2. 2 SQL queries , 1 PySpark code and 1 Python Code .
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Q3. 2-3 Scenario Based questions from ADF and databricks .
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Aptitude test involved with quantative aptitude, logical reasoning and reading comprehensions.

Q1. Tell me your introduction.
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Q2. Tell me about your skills.
Ans. 
I have strong skills in data processing, ETL, data modeling, and programming languages like Python and SQL.
• Proficient in data processing and ETL techniques

• Strong knowledge of data modeling and database design

• Experience with programming languages like Python and SQL

• Familiarity with big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark
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Q1. Are you ready relocate,?
Ans. 
Yes, I am open to relocating for the right opportunity.
• I am willing to relocate for the right job opportunity.

• I have experience moving for previous roles.

• I am flexible and adaptable to new locations.

• I am excited about the possibility of exploring a new city or country.
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Q2. Document verification
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Q1. Python SQL question
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Q1. More on Project side
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Q1. Salary Discussion
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