Apache Hadoop is a software library operated by the Apache Software Foundation, an open-source software publisher. Hadoop is a framework used for distributed processing of big data, especially across a clustered network of computers. It uses simple programming models and can be used with a single server as well as with installations that involve hundreds or even thousands of machines with their own computation and storage capabilities. The Hadoop software is used to deliver services across a network of computers, any one of which could crash. This is important in data management, machine learning, data warehousing, and other machine-intensive programming applications.‎

Careers that use Hadoop include computer engineering, computer programming, computer science, and data analysis. Hadoop is typically used in programming and data analysis positions that work with big data. Hence, more and more careers call for an understanding of it. Data management, machine learning, and cloud storage systems run on Hadoop. As more work involves big data, the ability to use Hadoop to collect and analyze it becomes more important. Learning Hadoop will prepare you to use data or to communicate with colleagues who are managing it. Structuring data warehouses and designing management dashboards can improve operations in many types of organizations. Hadoop is specialized, but its use is becoming more widespread.‎

Online courses can help you learn Hadoop by introducing you to the basics of it, having you work through exercises and create programs that use it, and seeing how it connects to other parts of the data warehouse. Some courses require no programming experience. Others assume that you understand programming but need specific experience with Hadoop. Some courses are practical, offering hands-on experience and leading to the creations of programs that can be used right away. Others are theoretical and explain the nature of Hadoop and the underlying principles of big data. The courses build on each other, with some leading to Specializations and online degrees.‎