Snowflake - Build and Architect Data Pipelines Using AWS - Introduction to External Functions

The video tutorial explains external functions in Snowflake, which execute code outside of Snowflake using a remote service. It covers the setup of external functions with API integration, specifically using AWS Lambda functions via an HTTP proxy service like API Gateway. The tutorial also includes a practical section on writing and deploying a Lambda function to make remote API calls.

What is the primary characteristic of an external function in Snowflake?

• It is a type of stored procedure.

• It is defined in Snowflake but executes code outside of it.

• It is defined and executed within Snowflake.

• It does not require any external services.

How does Snowflake interact with AWS Lambda functions?

• Via an HTTP proxy service using an API gateway.

• Directly through Snowflake's built-in functions.

• By embedding the Lambda code within Snowflake.

• Through a direct database connection.

What is the role of the API gateway in the context of external functions?

• It provides a user interface for managing functions.

• It compiles the external function's code.

• It acts as a proxy to relay requests to AWS Lambda.

• It stores the external function's code.

Which of the following can be used as a remote service for an external function?

• Any service, including Python jobs on EC2 or AWS Glue jobs.

• Only services that do not require an API gateway.

• Only services running on AWS.

• Only AWS Lambda functions.

In the course section, what will students specifically write as a remote service?

• A Snowflake stored procedure.

• An AWS Lambda function.

• A Python job on an EC2 instance.

• An AWS Glue job.