Source connectors in Kafka - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Source Connector in Kafka Connect?

A Source Connector is a component that imports data from an external system into Kafka topics. It acts like a bridge, continuously pulling data from the source and pushing it into Kafka.

beginner

Name two common external systems from which Kafka Source Connectors can import data.

Common external systems include databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL) and file systems (like CSV files or logs). Source connectors read data from these and send it to Kafka.

intermediate

How does a Source Connector handle data format conversion?

Source Connectors convert the external data into Kafka's message format, often using serializers like JSON or Avro, so Kafka can store and process the data efficiently.

intermediate

What is the role of Kafka Connect in managing Source Connectors?

Kafka Connect manages the lifecycle of Source Connectors, including starting, stopping, and scaling them. It also handles fault tolerance and configuration management.

beginner

Explain the difference between a Source Connector and a Sink Connector.

A Source Connector imports data into Kafka from external systems, while a Sink Connector exports data from Kafka to external systems. They work in opposite directions.

What does a Kafka Source Connector do?

A Imports data from external systems into Kafka

B Exports data from Kafka to external systems

C Manages Kafka cluster nodes

D Monitors Kafka topic sizes

A Source Connector imports data from external systems into Kafka topics.

Which of these is NOT typically a source for a Kafka Source Connector?

A Relational databases

B File systems

C Kafka topics

D Message queues

Kafka topics are the destination, not a source, for Source Connectors.

How does Kafka Connect help with Source Connectors?

A By storing data permanently

B By managing their lifecycle and configuration

C By encrypting Kafka messages

D By creating Kafka topics automatically

Kafka Connect manages starting, stopping, and configuring Source Connectors.

What data format might a Source Connector use to send data to Kafka?

A Markdown

B HTML

C CSS

D JSON

JSON is a common data format used by Source Connectors to serialize data for Kafka.

Which statement is true about Source and Sink Connectors?

A Source Connectors send data into Kafka; Sink Connectors send data out

B Both send data into Kafka

C Both send data out of Kafka

D They perform the same function

Source Connectors bring data into Kafka; Sink Connectors export data from Kafka.

Describe what a Kafka Source Connector is and how it works in simple terms.

Think of it as a data pipeline from outside systems into Kafka.

Explain the difference between Source Connectors and Sink Connectors in Kafka Connect.

One brings data in, the other sends data out.