Flex Code

Flex Code in Ascend allows you to code directly in Python and SQL files when you want to, and leverage a friendly forms UI when you don't. This makes it easy for analysts and engineers alike to share the same unified platform.

Understanding Flex Code

Ascend's Flex Code approach accommodates different skill levels and preferences across your organization, ensuring both technical and non-technical users can contribute to data workflows within the same environment.

Forms

Flex Code enables this flexibility in practice. Users can create YAML Components using either UI forms or the Files panel for a code-forward experience. This same dual approach applies to Python and SQL Component types throughout the platform.

Form

Files panel

Benefits of Flex Code

The Flex Code approach democratizes data pipeline development by making it accessible to teams with varying technical expertise:

• SQL-focused analysts can work alongside Python developers
• New team members can contribute quickly using the UI
• Advanced users can dive deep with code when needed
• Knowledge transfer becomes easier with visible implementation details

For data engineers

As a data engineer, you can leverage the full power of code-first development:

• Write complex Python transformations in-platform
• Develop SQL queries with advanced window functions and custom logic
• Use native version control and automatic commit messages
• Customize Components with advanced configurations

For data analysts

As a data analyst, you can use the intuitive UI to:

• Configure Python, SQL, and YAML Components through user-friendly forms
• Preview data and transformations in real-time
• Build pipeline Automations without writing code
• Collaborate with engineers in the same platform

Integration with data sources

Flex Code works seamlessly with all supported Data Planes in Ascend:

• BigQuery: Connect to Google's enterprise data warehouse
• Snowflake: Integrate with the Snowflake Data Cloud
• Databricks: Work directly with Databricks workspaces

This flexibility applies whether you're reading from these sources, transforming data, or writing results back to them.

Getting started with Flex Code

To experience Flex Code:

1. Create a new Component in your Flow
2. Switch between form view and code view
3. Make changes in either interface and see them reflected in the other
4. Collaborate with team members using their preferred interface

This dual-interface approach positions Ascend as a unified platform for all your data teams, regardless of their technical backgrounds or preferences.