Tutorial: 3 Free Databricks Analytics Projects You Can Do In An Afternoon

2026-02-05 · Source: Databricks · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Analytics · Depth: Novice, long

Summary

Databricks offers three beginner-friendly analytics projects using its Free Edition, which requires no credit card. These projects demonstrate how to import and analyze public datasets using Databricks' AI/BI dashboards, natural language queries, AI functions, and light machine learning forecasting. The examples include analyzing a simulated cookie bakery dataset with AI_Query() for sentiment analysis, predicting rent prices using Canadian housing data with AI_Forecast() for time-series ML, and identifying movie shoot locations from NYC film permits, including programmatic data loading with Python. Each project aims to help users build tangible, portfolio-ready analytics artifacts, complete with dashboards and code, suitable for students, job-seekers, and BI professionals.

Key takeaway

For data analysts or students seeking to build a professional portfolio, you should utilize Databricks Free Edition to complete these practical projects. This allows you to gain hands-on experience with AI/BI dashboards, SQL, Python, and AI functions like AI_Query() and AI_Forecast() without financial commitment, creating tangible artifacts that can be showcased in interviews or on resumes.

Key insights

Databricks Free Edition enables practical, AI-powered analytics projects for skill development and portfolio building.

Principles

• Public datasets offer rich analytical opportunities.
• AI functions simplify complex data analysis tasks.
• Programmatic data loading enhances enterprise relevance.

Method

Sign up for Databricks Free Edition, import public datasets (via UI or Python), create dashboards with visualizations, and apply AI functions like AI_Query() for classification or AI_Forecast() for time-series predictions.

In practice

• Use AI_Query() for sentiment analysis on customer reviews.
• Apply AI_Forecast() for quick time-series predictions.
• Automate data ingestion with Python notebooks.

Topics

• Databricks Free Edition
• AI/BI Dashboards
• AI Functions
• Machine Learning Forecasting
• Data Analytics Projects

Best for: AI Student, Data Analyst, Analytics Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Databricks.