Introduction to Cassandra 1.2, CQL 3 and the Datastax Java Driver

The Cassandra (C*) NoSQL database is one of the most powerful and widely used non-relational databases available today. It is a fault tolerant, highly scalable database with tunable consistency that meets the demanding requirements of the "can't fail, must scale" systems driving growth for many of the most successful enterprises of today. However, along with that capability comes a new data and programming model that many organizations lack the expertise to use in an optimal fashion. This course provides a technical introduction to all the conceptual and practical areas needed to use Cassandra successfully. It is written expressly for the new capabilities in the recent versions of C*, including CQL3 and the new DataStax Java driver. The course provides a solid foundation in the architecture and data model of C* and how to work with it. It covers CQL3 in detail, as well as important data modeling techniques to optimize your usage of the database. It includes in-depth coverage of the new Java driver for C*, as well as a full-scale application based on a stock-trading system (StockWatcher) that uses the driver. After taking this course, you will be ready to work with Cassandra in an informed and productive manner, including using CQL3 and the new Java driver. You will be aware of some common pitfalls as well as best practices for creating your data model and applications. You will gain a clear understanding of how C* works, and be fully prepared to use it in production systems.