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Fundamentals of Apache Kafka

Master Apache Kafka fundamentals from the ground up and learn how to build robust, real-time data pipelines. This course covers Kafka architecture, producers and consumers, stream processing reliability, delivery semantics, ecosystem tools like Kafka Connect and Schema Registry and more.

3 Days

Average time students take to complete this course.

instructor
Taught by: Ivan Mushketyk
Last updated: September 2025

Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot

What you'll learn

  • Understand Kafka’s architecture and design principles
  • Build Kafka producers and consumers from scratch
  • Implement reliable stream processing applications
  • Master delivery semantics including exactly-once processing
  • Enforce schema compatibility with Confluent Registry
  • Integrate Kafka Connect for seamless data integration
  • Work with Schema Registry for data consistency
  • Apply Kafka to real-world streaming use cases

Apache Kafka powers the real-time data systems behind many of today’s most innovative apps. If you’ve ever wondered how companies process massive streams of data in real time, this is your starting point.

This course gives you a practical, hands-on introduction to Kafka’s architecture and why it matters. You'll learn how to build reliable producers and consumers, tackle real-world stream processing challenges, and explore the trade-offs of different delivery semantics.

By the end, you’ll not only know how Kafka works...you’ll know how to use it to build data systems that can scale and handle real-world complexity.

Wait... What's a Byte?

Bytes are shorter courses that allow you to upgrade your skills and knowledge in a single day!

Learning is hard. And sometimes you just need a quick learning fix, right? To learn something awesome, interesting, and relevant to your career goals.

That's why we've created Bytes.

What's The Bottom Line?

This course is not about superficial fluff.

Instead, this course will take you from a complete beginner to understanding how to use Apache Kafka on a deeper level. 🚀

And... you have nothing to lose.

You can start learning right now and if this course isn't everything you expected, we'll refund you 100% within 30 days. No hassles and no questions asked.

When's the best time to get started? Today!

There's never a bad time to learn in-demand skills. But the sooner, the better. So start learning Apache Kafka today by joining the ZTM Academy. You'll have a clear roadmap to developing the skills to build your own projects, get hired, and advance your career.

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Course curriculum

To make sure this course is a good fit for you, you can start learning Apache Kafka for free right now by clicking any of the PREVIEW links below.

Introduction

4 lectures

Introduction8:20

PREVIEW

What Is Apache Kafka?6:59

PREVIEW

Exercise: Meet Your Classmates and Instructor

PREVIEW

Course Resources

PREVIEW

Setup and Useful Resources

5 lectures

Apache Kafka Fundamentals

21 lectures

Where To Go From Here?

2 lectures

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Meet your instructor

Your Data Engineering instructor (Ivan) isn't just an expert with years of real-world professional experience. He has been in your shoes. He makes learning fun. He makes complex topics feel simple. He will motivate you. He will push you. And he will go above and beyond to help you succeed.

Ivan Mushketyk

Hi, I'm Ivan Mushketyk!

Ivan is a data & software engineer with 12+ years of experience designing and scaling distributed systems. His career spans early-stage startups and industry leaders, including AWS and Stripe, where he built production-grade cloud and data applications.

SEE MY BIO & COURSES

Ivan Mushketyk

Data Engineer

Frequently asked questions

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

  • Basic Python knowledge is required. If you don't have that we recommend taking the first few sections of our Python Bootcamp course, which is included in your ZTM Academy membership.

Do you provide a certificate of completion?

We definitely do and they are quite nice. You will also be able to add Zero To Mastery Academy to the education section of your LinkedIn profile as well.

Are there subtitles?

Yes! We have high quality subtitles in 6 different languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and Hindi.

You can even adjust the text size, color, background and more so that the subtitles are perfect just for you!

Still have more questions about the Academy?

Still have more questions specific to the Academy membership? No problem, we answer some more here.

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