Spark sql explode array into rows. functions import explode sqlc = SQLContext(.

Spark sql explode array into rows . Jan 30, 2024 · Splitting nested data structures is a common task in data analysis, and PySpark offers two powerful functions for handling arrays: explode() and explode_outer(). 1 DataFrame explode list of JSON objects edited May 23, 2017 at 12:10 Community Bot 1 1 Learn how to work with complex nested data in Apache Spark using explode functions to flatten arrays and structs with beginner-friendly examples. Mar 21, 2024 · Exploding Arrays: The explode(col) function explodes an array column to create multiple rows, one for each element in the array. Syntax: It can take 1 array column as parameter and returns flattened values into rows with a column named "col". 1 and earlier: explode can Oct 23, 2025 · Explode nested elements from a map or array Use the explode() function to unpack values from ARRAY and MAP type columns. Nov 21, 2024 · A set of rows composed of the elements of the array or the keys and values of the map. Simplify big data transformations and scale with ease. If input is NULL, or is not a VARIANT ARRAY or VARIANT object, no rows are produced. Please refer to the sample below. The explode functions are built-in Spark SQL functions designed to convert array columns into multiple rows. Nov 25, 2025 · In this article, I will explain how to explode an array or list and map columns to rows using different PySpark DataFrame functions explode(), Jul 23, 2025 · To split multiple array column data into rows Pyspark provides a function called explode (). Each element in the array or map becomes a separate row in the resulting DataFrame. My requ Mar 7, 2024 · 2. Check how to explode arrays in Spark and how to keep the index position of each element in SQL and Scala with examples. Based on the very first section 1 (PySpark explode array or map column to rows), it's very intuitive. withColumn("name", explodeDeptDF("department. Solution: Spark explode function can be used to explode an Array of Jun 18, 2024 · Summary In this article, I’ve introduced two of PySpark SQL’s more unusual data manipulation functions and given you some use cases where they can be invaluable. Refer official documentation here. The columns for a map are called key and value. Dec 23, 2022 · The next step I want to repack the distinct cities into one array grouped by key. Notice that for a specific Product (row) only its corresponding column has value. Using explode, we will get a new row for each element in the array. Use explode to explode this column into separate rows, one for each element in the array. Operating on these array columns can be challenging. I've tried mapping an explode accross all columns in the dataframe, but that doesn't seem to work either: The split (col ("log"), ";") creates an array, and explode generates rows for each part, useful for analyzing log components individually (Spark How to Use Split Function). Nov 20, 2024 · Learn the syntax of the explode function of the SQL language in Databricks SQL and Databricks Runtime. Fortunately, PySpark provides two handy functions – explode() and explode_outer() – to convert array columns into expanded rows to make your life easier! Jan 30, 2025 · 1 Photo by wisconsinpictures on Unsplash In my previous article, I briefly mentioned the explode function but didn’t get the chance to dig deeper into the finer details of nested array data types. Example: from pyspark. Sep 4, 2025 · Iterating over elements of an array column in a PySpark DataFrame can be done in several efficient ways, such as explode() from pyspark. Uses the default column name col for elements in the array and key and value for elements in the map unless specified otherwise. functions import explode df_exploded = df PySpark Explode Function: A Deep Dive PySpark’s DataFrame API is a powerhouse for structured data processing, offering versatile tools to handle complex data structures in a distributed environment—all orchestrated through SparkSession. Oct 13, 2025 · Solution: PySpark explode function can be used to explode an Array of Array (nested Array) ArrayType(ArrayType(StringType)) columns to rows on PySpark DataFrame using python example. Apr 7, 2020 · How can I define the schema for a json array so that I can explode it into rows? I have a UDF which returns a string (json array), I want to explode the item in array into rows and then save it. Sample DF: from pyspark import Row from pyspark. The main query then joins the original table to the CTE on id so we can combine original simple columns with exploded simple columns from the nested array. from pyspark. Below is my output t Apr 27, 2025 · The explode() family of functions converts array elements or map entries into separate rows, while the flatten() function converts nested arrays into single-level arrays. I tried using explode but I couldn't get the desired output. Returns a new row for each element in the given array or map. sql. explode # pyspark. Jun 14, 2021 · Best about Spark is that you can easily work with semi-structured data such as JSON. Solution: Spark explode function can be Apr 27, 2025 · PySpark provides several variants of explode functions to convert arrays and maps into rows. The json can contains arrays or map elements. Mar 14, 2025 · The explode function in Spark is used to transform an array or a map column into multiple rows. Why do we need these functions? Spark SQL is a powerful tool that can help you do just that. *, as shown below: Feb 25, 2024 · 3. outer explode: This function is similar to explode, but it preserves the outer row even if the array is empty or null. While it do not work directly with strings, you will have to first split the string column into an array using the split function and then apply the explode function to the resulting array column. name")) which you helped me into and these questions: Flattening Rows in Spark Spark 1. Combining rows into an array in pyspark Yeah, I know how to explode in Spark, but what is the opposite and how do I do it? HINT (collect_list) Apr 24, 2024 · Problem: How to explode & flatten the Array of Array (Nested Array) DataFrame columns into rows using Spark. Introduction to Explode Functions The explode() function in PySpark takes in an array (or map) column, and outputs a row for each element of the array. Understanding their syntax and parameters is key to using them effectively. If collection is NULL no rows are produced. Sep 26, 2020 · I am new to pyspark and I want to explode array values in such a way that each value gets assigned to a new column. Oct 10, 2025 · Problem: How to explode Array of StructType DataFrame columns to rows using Spark. The schema and DataFrame table are: Oct 30, 2020 · Now I want to parse this into a table the elements of the outer array as each row. To return a single row with NULL s for the array or map values use the explode_outer () function. To produce a single row of NULL values in this case, use the variant_explode_outer function. sql import SQLContext from pyspark. withColumn("id", explodeDF("department. Jun 9, 2024 · For instance, if we have two array columns “fruits” and “quantities”, the fruit at index 0 in the “fruits” array corresponds to the quantity at index 0 in the “quantities” array. Before we start, let’s create a DataFrame with a nested array column. Feb 27, 2024 · I need a databricks sql query to explode an array column and then pivot into dynamic number of columns based on the number of values in the array Asked 1 year, 9 months ago Modified 1 year, 9 months ago Viewed 3k times Aug 7, 2025 · The explode function in PySpark is a transformation that takes a column containing arrays or maps and creates a new row for each element in the array or key-value pair in the map. functions transforms each element of an array into a new row, effectively “flattening” the array column. It helps flatten nested structures by generating a new row for each element in the array or each key May 24, 2025 · In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about four important PySpark functions: explode(), explode_outer(), posexplode(), and posexplode_outer(). When applied to an array, it generates a new default column (usually named “col1”) containing all the array elements. Jun 8, 2017 · Explode array data into rows in spark [duplicate] Asked 8 years, 5 months ago Modified 6 years, 3 months ago Viewed 133k times pyspark. You can parse the array as using ArrayType data structure: Spark: explode function The explode() function in Spark is used to transform an array or map column into multiple rows. Nov 8, 2023 · This tutorial explains how to explode an array in PySpark into rows, including an example. , arrays or maps) and want to flatten them for analysis or processing. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Spark SQL explode array function. For detailed coverage, see Explode and Flatten Operations, but here's a summary: Apr 25, 2019 · Hi, I am trying to split a record in a table to 2 records based on a column value. 3 I am new to Python a Spark, currently working through this tutorial on Spark's explode operation for array/map fields of a DataFrame. functions. Apr 25, 2023 · PySpark’s explode and pivot functions. Examples SQL Dec 20, 2022 · I need to explode date range into multiple rows with new start and end dates so the exploded rows have a range of one day only. Jun 28, 2018 · As long as you are using Spark version 2. Use the explode function if you need to transform array or dictionary data fields in a dataframe into their constituent parts and put them in separate records in a dataframe. When an array is passed to this function, it creates a new default column, and it contains all array elements as its rows, and the null values present in the array will be ignored. Jul 8, 2025 · Learn how to master the EXPLODE function in PySpark using Microsoft Fabric Notebooks. Sep 1, 2016 · var explodeDF = explodeDF. Feb 4, 2025 · When exploding a VARIANT array, the output key is always NULL, and the output value column represents the elements of the array. functions import explode_outer explode_outer(array_column) Example: explode_outer function will take array column as input and return column named "col" if not aliased with required column name for flattened column. These functions help you convert array or map columns into multiple rows, which is essential when working with nested data. Among these tools, the explode function stands out as a key utility for flattening nested or array-type data, transforming it into individual rows for Aug 15, 2023 · Apache Spark built-in function that takes input as an column object (array or map type) and returns a new row for each element in the given array or map type column. The input table displays the 3 types of Product and their price. Jun 28, 2018 · I've used the very elegant solution from @Nasty but if you have a lot of columns to explode, the scheduler on server side might run into issues if you generate lots of new dataframes with "withColumn ()". This article delves into their Oct 5, 2022 · If Input_array is string then you need to parse this string as a JSON and then explode it into rows and expand the keys to columns. The fields of each json object is parsed as each column, while still keeping inner list as string: Sep 3, 2018 · 3 You can first make all columns struct -type by explode -ing any Array(struct) columns into struct columns via foldLeft, then use map to interpolate each of the struct column names into col. Jan 17, 2022 · Spark Scala - How to explode a column into multiple rows in spark scala Asked 3 years, 10 months ago Modified 3 years, 10 months ago Viewed 6k times Feb 13, 2025 · Learn how to use Spark SQL functions like Explode, Collect_Set and Pivot in Databricks. The minimum working example DataFrame is created the Annex below. The column produced by explode of an array is named col. I also need a new unique userId and need to retain start times and end times. This is particularly useful when you have nested data structures (e. In this article, we will check how to use Pyspark explode function to create a row for each array element. explode function: The explode function in PySpark is used to transform a column with an array of values into multiple rows. May 24, 2017 · Spark SQL also supports generators (explode, pos_explode and inline) that allow you to combine the input row with the array elements, and the collect_list aggregate. One of the most useful features of Spark SQL is the ability to explode arrays. These functions are invaluable when you need to analyze each item in an array column separately. Connect with beginners and experts alike to kickstart your Databricks experience. I can do this easily in pyspark using two dataframes, first by doing an explode on the array column of the first dataframe and then doing a collect_set on the same column in the next dataframe. Sep 28, 2021 · The approach uses explode to expand the list of string elements in array_column before splitting each string element using : into two different columns col_name and col_val respectively. This allows you to convert a single array column into multiple rows, making it easier to analyze the data. Applies to: Databricks Runtime 12. functions import explode sqlc = SQLContext( Oct 5, 2020 · explode column with comma separated string in Spark SQL Asked 5 years, 1 month ago Modified 4 years, 4 months ago Viewed 10k times Jul 30, 2009 · explode (expr) - Separates the elements of array expr into multiple rows, or the elements of map expr into multiple rows and columns. When unpacked with explode(), each value becomes a row in the output. Applying the Explode Function in a Real-World Scenario Let’s build a pipeline to process customer interaction data with nested arrays and maps for a CRM system. g. You may get requirement to create a row for each array or map elements. Unless specified otherwise, uses the default column name col for elements of the array or key and value for the elements of the map. functions import col, explode_outer Mar 5, 2024 · Start your journey with Databricks by joining discussions on getting started guides, tutorials, and introductory topics. explode(col) [source] # Returns a new row for each element in the given array or map. id")) explodeDeptDF = explodeDeptDF. The column holding the array of multiple records is exploded into multiple rows by using the LATERAL VIEW clause with the explode () function. The explode_outer() function does the same, but handles null values differently. 4. Iteratively process nested structures: Identify the top-level nested column you want to flatten. Jul 16, 2019 · I have a dataframe (with more rows and columns) as shown below. What I want is - for each column, take the nth element of the array in that column and add that to a new row. Any suggestions how I can do this just using Databricks SQL? Apr 24, 2024 · In this article, I will explain how to explode array or list and map DataFrame columns to rows using different Spark explode functions (explode, Sep 28, 2016 · The explode function is used to create a new row for each element within an array or map column. Splitting Multiple Array Columns into Rows To split multiple array columns into rows, we can use the PySpark function “explode”. 1 or higher, pyspark. May 10, 2023 · The explode function in Spark SQL can be used to split an array or map column into multiple rows. Oct 21, 2024 · Master Spark Functions for Data Engineering Interviews: Learn collect_set, concat_ws, collect_list, explode, and array_union with Examples Sometimes your PySpark DataFrame will contain array-typed columns. The other columns have Null. ARRAY columns store values as a list. From below example column “subjects” is an array of ArraType which holds subjects learned. from_json should get you your desired result, but you would need to first define the required schema Dec 29, 2023 · Let’s Put It into Action! 🎬 Using exploded on the column make it as object / break its structure from array to object, turns those arrays into a friendlier, more workable format. This guide simplifies how to transform nested arrays or maps into separate rows for easier analysis.