What problem does it solve?
This knowledge base consolidates Spark 3.1–3.5 updates not covered by the Spark 3.0 baseline book, providing targeted exam-prep material for Sec 7 obj 2 (Pandas UDF/Arrow), Sec 3 supplements (new built-ins), and Sec 4 AQE evolution.
Core Features & Use Cases
- Pandas UDF & Arrow deltas (Sec 7 obj 2) and related Pandas Function APIs, with guidance on modern type hints and Arrow transport.
- New built-in functions introduced in Spark 3.3–3.5, including array, string, date/time, and aggregate enhancements, plus misc utilities.
- AQE delta coverage (default-on AQE since Spark 3.2) and runtime config changes (maxShuffledHashJoinLocalMapThreshold, autoBroadcastJoinThreshold, skew handling, and optimizer controls) with cross-references to the original AQE narrative.
- Chapter index and supporting materials (chapters/ch01-pandas-udf-and-arrow.md, chapters/ch02-new-builtin-functions.md, chapters/ch03-aqe-delta-vs-3.0.md, cheatsheet.md, glossary.md, patterns.md) to facilitate structured study.
Quick Start
Begin with the SKILL.md overview, then study chapters ch01, ch02, and ch03 in order and finish with cheatsheet.md for a quick-reference refresher.