Connectors/Java

Module 1: Introduction to BigID Connectors and SDK

Welcome to the BigID Connector Development course! This module will introduce you to the world of BigID connectors and the SDK that empowers you to build them. We'll cover the fundamentals, setting the stage for your journey into connector development.

1.1 What are BigID Connectors?

BigID connectors are the bridges that connect the BigID platform to various data sources across your organization. They enable BigID to discover, classify, and analyze data residing in diverse systems, from databases and cloud storage to applications and mainframes.

Purpose of BigID Connectors:

Data Discovery: Connectors allow BigID to scan and identify data sources, providing a comprehensive inventory of your data landscape. Data Classification: Connectors facilitate the classification of data based on sensitivity, enabling you to understand the types of data you hold and where it resides. Data Analysis: Connectors enable BigID to analyze data for various purposes, such as identifying personal information, detecting anomalies, and assessing risk. Data Remediation: Connectors can support data remediation actions, such as deleting or anonymizing sensitive data.

1.2 Overview of the BigID Connector SDK

The BigID Connector SDK is a powerful toolkit that provides a structured and efficient way to develop connectors. It offers a set of interfaces, data models, and utilities that streamline the development process and ensure consistency across connectors.

Key Capabilities of the SDK:

Standardized Interfaces: The SDK defines a set of interfaces that represent common connector functionalities, such as connecting to a data source, enumerating objects, scanning data, and searching for information. Data Object Model: The SDK provides a data object model that represents data source entities in a standardized format, facilitating interoperability with the BigID platform. Utilities: The SDK includes utility classes that simplify common tasks, such as data object conversion, iterator chaining, and pagination handling. Testing Framework: The SDK offers a testing framework that enables you to simulate the BigID runtime environment and validate your connector's functionality.

1.3 Benefits of Using the SDK

Developing connectors with the BigID Connector SDK offers several advantages:

Faster Development: The SDK provides a structured framework and pre-built components, accelerating the development process. Improved Consistency: The standardized interfaces and data model ensure consistency across connectors, making them easier to maintain and integrate. Enhanced Performance: The SDK incorporates best practices for performance optimization, helping you build efficient connectors. Simplified Testing: The testing framework facilitates thorough testing and validation of your connectors. Reduced Errors: The structured approach and clear guidelines minimize the risk of errors and ensure connector quality. This concludes Module 1. You now have a foundational understanding of BigID connectors, the SDK. In the next module, we'll delve deeper into the SDK structure and data model.