What is the main difference between a dashboard and a notebook in Databricks?

The main difference between a dashboard and a notebook in Databricks lies in their primary functions and usage contexts. Dashboards are designed to consolidate and present multiple visual representations of data in a cohesive manner. They serve as high-level overviews, allowing users to monitor key performance indicators and trends at a glance. In contrast, notebooks are interactive environments primarily used for data analysis, coding, and experimentation.

Notebooks enable users to run code, manipulate data frames, visualize data, and document their findings in a step-by-step manner. This interactivity and capacity for programming make notebooks essential for data exploration and analytical tasks. While dashboards can showcase metrics derived from analyses performed in notebooks, they don’t provide the same level of coding or interactive functionality.

Thus, the correct understanding emphasizes that dashboards excel in visualizing consolidated metrics, while notebooks are tailored for deeper analytical and coding activities. This distinction is crucial for effectively utilizing both features according to specific business needs and analytical processes.