Data Lake
A data lake is a centralized repository that allows you to store all your structured and unstructured data at any scale. It enables organizations to store raw data in its native format until it is needed for analysis, without having to define a schema upfront. This approach supports big data analytics, machine learning, and real-time processing by providing a flexible and scalable storage solution.
Developers should learn about data lakes when working with large volumes of diverse data types, such as logs, IoT data, or social media feeds, where traditional databases are insufficient. They are essential for building data pipelines, enabling advanced analytics, and supporting AI/ML projects in industries like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. Understanding data lakes helps in designing scalable data architectures that can handle both batch and real-time processing.