Episode 8: Data transformations - when to reach for SQL, Python, or Databricks
“SQL vs Python” is the debate that sets every data team on fire. Data transformations are the beating heart of any data platform – they’re what turn raw operational data into the analytical insights your business actually makes decisions on. So which language should you use to write them?
In this episode, Mike digs into the history, the trade-offs, and the (opinionated) reality of when to reach for SQL and when to reach for Python. He covers:
- What “declarative” and “imperative” actually mean in practice
- Why the SQL-vs-Python holy war is a false dichotomy
- How modern platforms like Databricks let you use both side by side
If you’ve ever been told “this is a SQL shop” or “we only do Python here”, this one’s for you.