Thoughtworks Technology Podcast Data contracts: What are they and why do they matter?
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Nov 14, 2024 In this discussion, Andrew Jones, an independent data consultant and creator of the data contract concept, teams up with Ryan Collingwood, a data strategist and author-in-progress on data contracts. They dive into the significance of data contracts, likening them to APIs for stable data transfer. The conversation highlights challenges in maintaining reliable data interfaces and the importance of collaboration between data producers and consumers. Additionally, they explore how tailored data contracts can enhance data quality and adapt to future organizational needs.
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Data Contracts as APIs
- Data contracts function like APIs for data, ensuring stable and reliable transfer.
- They address the challenge of changing database schemas impacting downstream applications.
Data Contracts vs. API Documentation
- Data contracts differ from API documentation by focusing on the data interface.
- They manage larger datasets and different interactions compared to typical APIs.
Implementation Advice
- Consider the users and their existing tools when implementing data contracts.
- Prioritize what information to include, using standards like ownership, SLOs, and schemas.