Data Engineering Associate with Databricks Practice Exam

What does the AvailableNow trigger parameter do in Databricks?

1. Processes data in real-time

2. Processes all data available and then stops

3. Processes data at a fixed interval

4. Processes data once and exits

The correct answer is: Processes all data available and then stops

The AvailableNow trigger parameter in Databricks is designed to process all data that is currently available in a given source when the streaming job is initiated. This means that when you use the AvailableNow trigger, the system scans for any existing data in the specified source and processes it all before the streaming job concludes. After it processes all the available data, the job stops running, as indicated by the parameter's intent to handle existing data only once at the moment of execution. This behavior is particularly useful in scenarios where there is a need to perform a batch-like operation on previously accumulated data rather than continuously listening for new data. This approach is different from other triggers, such as those that process data in real-time or at regular intervals. Real-time processing would imply that the system remains active and continuously processes incoming data, while fixed interval processing would suggest a recurring schedule for data processing.