What is Apache Spark?

Apache Spark is an open-source distributed computing system specifically designed for big data processing and analytics. Its architecture allows users to process large volumes of data efficiently across a cluster of computers. With capabilities for in-memory computation, Spark significantly speeds up data processing tasks compared to older models that depend largely on disk-based processing.

Spark provides high-level APIs in various programming languages such as Scala, Python, and R, which facilitate data manipulation and support diverse applications, including batch processing, real-time streaming, machine learning, and graph processing. Its ability to handle complex data workflows makes it a popular choice in big data environments, promoting faster data analytics and insights.

In contrast, the other options refer to tools or frameworks that serve different purposes. Web development frameworks focus on building applications; data visualization libraries are aimed at creating graphical representations of data; and SQL-based query engines, while useful for querying data, do not encompass the full range of capabilities that Spark offers for big data processing and analytics.