🎯 What You’ll Learn
In this module, you’ll:
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Understand what Data Flows are in Synapse
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Create a new Data Flow and link it to a pipeline
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Add transformations like filters, derived columns, joins
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Test and monitor the transformation step
🧠What Are Data Flows in Synapse?
Data Flows are like the "Power Query" of Azure Synapse. They let you:
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Clean, shape, and enrich data visually (no code needed)
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Apply logic like filters, joins, conditional columns
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Transform big data at scale using Spark behind the scenes
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Build Your First Data Flow
🔹 Step 1: Go to Synapse Studio → Orchestration
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Navigate to "Integrate" → + New → Data Flow
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Name it
TransformCustomerData
📸 Image Tip: Show blank data flow canvas
🔹 Step 2: Add a Source
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Click + Add Source
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Choose or create a dataset (e.g., Blob, SQL Table)
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Configure schema and sampling
🔹 Step 3: Add Transformations
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From the top bar:
➕ Click Add transformation
Choose one of the following:
| Transformation | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Filter | Remove unwanted rows |
| Derived Column | Add a calculated field |
| Select | Drop columns |
| Join | Merge with another dataset |
| Conditional Split | Apply logic like IF-ELSE |
| Aggregate | Group by and summarize data |
📸 Image Tip: Transformation path visual (source → filter → sink)
🔹 Step 4: Add a Sink (Destination)
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Choose or create a new dataset (e.g., SQL table, CSV, etc.)
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Map columns from source to sink
🔹 Step 5: Debug and Preview
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Use the Debug button to run and preview rows
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Check how transformations affect your data
🔹 Step 6: Add This Data Flow to Your Pipeline
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Go back to your existing pipeline
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Drag in the Data Flow Activity
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Link it to the data flow you just created
✅ Now your pipeline includes transformation logic before loading data!
💡 Pro Tips
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You can chain multiple transformations
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Use expressions (like
iif(condition, result1, result2)) for custom logic -
Use caching to test small batches without rerunning the full flow