Orchestrating Software-Defined Assets with Dagster

🔧Software-defined assets allow for a declarative approach to managing data pipelines.

📊Dagster provides a powerful orchestration platform for managing and evolving data assets.

💡Assets function as the interfaces between different teams, providing a clear understanding of data generation and maintenance.

📝Dagster enables the creation of software-defined assets using Python or SQL, making it flexible for different use cases.

🌐Dagster's web UI allows for easy visualization and management of assets, improving collaboration and productivity.

What are software-defined assets?

—Software-defined assets are objects produced by a data platform that capture some understanding of the world, such as database tables, machine learning models, or reports.

How does Dagster help with data pipeline management?

—Dagster provides an orchestration platform for organizing, managing, and evolving data assets. It allows for the definition of software-defined assets and their dependencies, ensuring reliable and trustworthy data pipelines.

What are the benefits of using a declarative approach for data management?

—A declarative approach allows for explicit stating of intentions and expectations, provides a principled way of managing change, and improves the ability to reason about data pipelines.

Can assets be defined in languages other than Python?

—Yes, Dagster supports the definition of assets using other languages, such as SQL with the help of tools like dbt. This allows for flexibility in choosing the most suitable language for different use cases.

How does Dagster's web UI enhance collaboration?

—Dagster's web UI provides a visual representation of assets, making it easier for teams to understand, manage, and collaborate on data pipelines. It offers a user-friendly interface for interacting with software-defined assets.

00:00The speaker, Sandy, introduces orchestrating software-defined assets with Dagster.

03:32Sandy explains the transition from imperative to declarative paradigms in different domains.

05:54The complexity of managing data pipelines is discussed, highlighting the need for a declarative approach.

07:38Dagster's software-defined assets are introduced, allowing for the definition and management of data assets.

09:39Different examples of software-defined assets, including Python and SQL, are explained.

10:56Dagster's web UI is demonstrated, showcasing the visualization and management of assets.