Azure Databricks, an Apache Spark-based Big Data analytics service by Microsoft, ensures data engineers effectively construct, scale, and manage data pipelines. One of the key aspects related to working with Azure Databricks is the secure management of resources utilizing tokens. Resource tokens facilitate the delegation of access to Azure Databricks workspace objects without giving complete access to it. This article will work its way through what resource tokens are, their benefits, and how to implement them in Azure Databricks.
What are Resource Tokens?
Resource tokens, in essence, are an authorization tool. They provide granular access to Azure Databricks workspace objects such as clusters, jobs, notebooks, or tables. Instead of providing full access or capabilities, resource tokens allow limited and specific access based on the requirement.
Resource tokens prove instrumental in scenarios where third-party applications and user-defined applications (UDAs) need to interact with and manage workspace objects. Resource tokens allow these applications to do so without compromising or risking the security of the workspace.
Benefits of Using Resource Tokens
Resource Tokens in Azure Databricks come with a range of benefits.
- Access Control: Resource tokens precisely control the range of access to workspace objects.
- Limiting Scope: Tokens can limit access further by defining the scope for specific objects like clusters, jobs, and notebooks.
- Secure: The use of tokens significantly reduces the exposure level of the application as tokens delegate access, keeping the master key confidential.
- Auditable: Every operation performed using a resource token can be audited.
Implementing Resource Tokens in Azure Databricks
The following steps will navigate how to implement resource tokens in Azure Databricks.
- Create Token: The first step is to create the token by navigating towards the user settings in the Azure Databricks workspace. Click on the ‘Generate New Token’ button, provide a specified comment and lifetime value.
curl https://
--data '{ "lifetime_seconds": 86400, "comment": "Token for application A" }'
- Use Token: Once the token is generated, it can be used instead of a password to authorize requests from the applications. An example of using the token in Python is shown below:
import databricks.api as db
db_instance = db.DatabricksAPI(
host = "https://
token = "dapixxxx",
)
- Revoke Token: Tokens can be revoked as needed to stop their use. Below is an example of revoking a token:
curl https://
--data '{ "token_id": "dapixxxxxxxxxxxxx" }'
Note: Be cautious while revoking a token as it cannot be undone. Once a token is revoked, all the applications using that specific token will lose access.
- List Token: To view the created tokens and their information, use the command shown below. It does not include the actual token that was generated but shows their lifespan and descriptions.
curl https://
Conclusion
The use of resource tokens in Azure Databricks aids in managing access to workspace resources effectively and securely. Through resource tokens, it is possible to grant access to specific resources to applications without compromising security. It allows data engineering professionals to work efficiently while keeping control over their resources. The DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure exam may require this knowledge as a key aspect of data security and management. Therefore, understanding and utilizing resource tokens can be a decisive factor in your Azure data engineering tasks!
Practice Test
True or False: Resource tokens can be utilized as a form of strong identity in Azure Databricks.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Resource tokens can provide a strong identity for applications and services in Azure Databricks, which can interact with Cosmos DB.
Which of the following is NOT a step in the process of implementing resource tokens in Azure Databricks?
- A) Provision of the Databricks workspace.
- B) Creation of an Azure Cosmos account with Spark Connector.
- C) Setting a resource token to connect to a database.
- D) Creating a virtual machine in Cosmos DB.
Answer: D) Creating a virtual machine in Cosmos DB.
Explanation: Creating a virtual machine in Cosmos DB is not a part of the process when implementing resource tokens in Azure Databricks.
True or False: Using Resource tokens in Azure Databricks is a way to enable access to Azure Cosmos DB without saving any keys.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: With a resource token, you can grant access to specific parts of an Azure Cosmos account without sharing the master keys.
Which of the following Azure services can use resource tokens to connect to Azure Cosmos DB?
- A) Azure Databricks
- B) Azure Functions
- C) Azure Logic Apps
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All these services can use resource tokens to connect to Azure Cosmos DB as it provides a secure, restricted access to the data.
True or False: Resource tokens in Azure Databricks are only valid for a short time span, typically five hours after they’re issued.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Resource tokens provide a short-term, secure access to Azure Cosmos DB and are typically valid only for five hours, this is done to minimize the risk in case of token leakage.
True or False: One of the main advantages of using resource tokens in Azure Databricks is that it offers an increased level of security.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: By using resource tokens, you can grant access rights to specific resources and limit the permissions to only those resources that the client requires.
Which form of token in Azure Databricks can provide secure access to a specific container, including the ability to read, write, and delete specific items depending upon the permissions assigned to it?
- A) Master Token
- B) Partition Token
- C) Resource Token
- D) Access Token
Answer: C) Resource Token
Explanation: In Azure Databricks, a resource token provides secure access to specific collections in Cosmos DB, and permits the actions defined by its assigned permissions such as reading, writing or deleting items.
True or False: To implement resource tokens in Azure Databricks, you should first create an Azure Cosmos DB account.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Azure Cosmos DB account is the first step because resource tokens are used to provide access to Azure Cosmos DB from Azure Databricks.
Which consistency level is NOT supported by Databricks while working with Azure Cosmos DB and resource tokens?
- A) Strong
- B) Bounded staleness
- C) Eventual
- D) Single write
Answer: D) Single write
Explanation: Single write is not a consistency level provided by Azure Cosmos DB. The others: Strong, Bounded staleness, and Eventual are all valid consistency levels.
True or False: Resource tokens in Azure Databricks have a longer life span than master keys and are therefore more suitable for long-running tasks.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Resource Tokens are typically valid only for a short period (about five hours), hence they are less suitable for long-running tasks compared to master keys.
Interview Questions
What are resource tokens in Azure Databricks?
Resource tokens are a way of delegating access to resources within Databricks. They allow for fine-grained access control to Databricks REST APIs.
How long can a resource token be valid in Azure Databricks?
The lifetime of a resource token can be set anywhere from 1 minute to 90 days.
Can Resource tokens be revoked before they expire in Azure Databricks?
Yes, resource tokens can be manually revoked before their set expiration time.
What might be a common use case for implementing resource tokens in Azure Databricks?
Resource tokens can be used to allow application developers access to certain resources without giving them full access to the Azure Databricks workspace.
What privileges do resource tokens grant in Azure Databricks?
Resource tokens grant permissions to perform operations on Databricks REST APIs. The permissions delegated through resource tokens must be a subset of those of the user or service principal creating the token.
What happens to active sessions when a resource token is revoked in Azure Databricks?
When a resource token is revoked, any active sessions that use the token will immediately lose access to the Databricks REST APIs.
Can you use resource tokens to provide access to resources in different workspace?
No, resource tokens only provide access to resources within the same workspace in which it was created.
What’s the smallest duration a resource token can be valid for in Azure Databricks?
The smallest duration a resource token can be valid for in Azure Databricks is 1 minute.
Where do you configure resource tokens in Azure Databricks?
Resource tokens can be configured via the Azure Databricks CLI or the Azure Databricks REST API.
Can you use resource tokens to access Azure Data Lakes?
No, resource tokens can’t provide access to any resources outside of Azure Databricks. This includes resources such as Azure Data Lake. It is only used for Databricks REST APIs.
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