welcome

Thank you for choosing this book as your guide to Apache Kafka. Whether you’re new to Kafka or looking to deepen your understanding of its applications in modern data ecosystems, this book is designed to take you on a comprehensive journey through one of the most powerful data streaming platforms available today.

Apache Kafka has become essential for companies across diverse industries, from finance to telecommunications, retail, and beyond. Over 80% of the Fortune 100 rely on Kafka to handle real-time data, enable seamless information exchange, and support data-driven decision-making. From tracking high-frequency financial transactions to processing real-time logistics data, Kafka plays a pivotal role in meeting the demands of modern data processing and streaming solutions.

This book is divided into four parts that guide you from Kafka's fundamentals to advanced enterprise implementations. In Part 1, we’ll introduce Kafka’s core concepts, beginning with a foundational overview and helping you take your first steps with Kafka. This section sets the stage for understanding the essential role Kafka plays in today’s data-driven world.