Integration / Apache Kafka Interview questions
What is the difference between Kafka Connect source and sink connectors?
Both run inside a Kafka Connect worker and are configured declaratively rather than coded by hand, but they move data in opposite directions.
| Source Connector | Sink Connector |
| Pulls data FROM an external system INTO a Kafka topic. | Pulls data FROM a Kafka topic and pushes it INTO an external system. |
| Example: JdbcSourceConnector reading database table changes into a topic. | Example: S3SinkConnector writing topic records out as files in object storage. |
| Tracks its own 'source offset' (e.g. a database row ID or file position) to know where to resume. | Tracks Kafka consumer offsets, like any consumer group, to know what's been delivered. |
| Effectively acts as a specialized producer. | Effectively acts as a specialized consumer. |
A single Connect deployment commonly runs both kinds together to build an end-to-end pipeline — for example, a JDBC source connector streaming database changes into a topic, with an Elasticsearch sink connector on the other end indexing those same records for search, with no custom application code written for either half of that pipeline.
Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!
Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.
Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!
Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.
The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.
Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.
More Related questions...
