Learn how to work inside Azure Databricks with Nick Lee. This hands-on course shows you how to use notebooks, clusters, and data tools to process and analyze data in a collaborative, cloud-based environment.
Take your Databricks skills to the next level in Utilizing Azure Databricks, where instructor Nick Lee guides you through the practical side of working with data in this powerful cloud-based platform. Building on the fundamentals, this course focuses on applying Azure Databricks in real-world scenarios—helping you understand how to manipulate data, run code, and collaborate efficiently within notebooks and clusters.
You'll learn how to create and manage notebooks, write and execute code in different languages, and use key features like clusters, libraries, and the workspace UI. Nick also demonstrates how to work with structured data and integrate with other Azure services. Whether you're an analyst, data engineer, or just ready to start building with Databricks, this course will give you the hands-on knowledge you need to get started quickly and confidently.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 00 - What You Need to Get Started
Get everything set up to follow along with the course. Nick walks you through accessing your Azure Databricks workspace, checking permissions, and preparing any resources or data files you’ll need for hands-on practice.
Module 01 - Introduction
In this module, Nick gives an overview of what you’ll be learning and how Azure Databricks fits into the data lifecycle. You’ll get a refresher on the platform’s key features and learn what to expect as you move from setup to real data interaction.
Module 02 - Notebooks119 min.
Explore the core workspace of Azure Databricks—the notebook. Learn how to create, organize, and run notebooks using a combination of code, text, and visual outputs. Nick demonstrates how notebooks support collaboration and reproducibility in a data team environment.
Module 03 - Languages and Libraries
Discover how Azure Databricks supports multiple programming languages including Python, SQL, and Scala. You’ll also learn how to install and manage libraries to extend your functionality and bring in the tools you need for data analysis or machine learning.
Module 04 - Scheduling Jobs49 min.
Automate your workflows with scheduled jobs. This module shows how to set up jobs to run notebooks on a schedule, pass parameters, monitor performance, and ensure tasks complete successfully—even when you're offline.
Module 05 - Administration39 min.
Get a high-level view of managing users, clusters, and resources in your Databricks environment. Nick covers important admin tasks such as setting permissions, configuring cluster policies, and optimizing costs and performance.
Nick Lee is a Consultant and Trainer at Pragmatic Works specializing in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, data engineering, and modern DevOps practices for analytics solutions. Since 2018, he has helped organizations across a wide range of industries, including Fortune 200 companies, professional sports organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial services firms, modernize their data platforms and drive more informed decision-making.
Nick works closely with clients to design and implement scalable analytics architectures that support everything from data ingestion and transformation to reporting, governance, and operational excellence. His expertise spans Microsoft Fabric workloads, data engineering, Power BI, CI/CD implementation, and modern development practices that help organizations improve reliability, accelerate delivery, and maximize the value of their data investments.
In addition to his consulting work, Nick is a passionate educator who helps technical teams develop the skills and confidence needed to successfully adopt modern data technologies. Known for his practical approach and deep technical knowledge, he specializes in breaking down complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance that enables clients to move quickly from strategy to execution. Whether leading a Fabric implementation, building enterprise analytics solutions, or delivering technical training, Nick focuses on helping organizations create sustainable, scalable data ecosystems that support long-term business success.
