Topics | Apache Kafka 101 (2025 Edition)
Get started: https://cnfl.io/apache-kafka-101-lear... | Learn all about Kafka topics in Confluent's flagship course, Apache Kafka® 101.
In this episode, Tim Berglund introduces us to the Kafka topic—a fundamental component that developers need to understand before building real-time applications and pipelines. Using temperature readings as an example, you’ll learn how storing data in Kafka topics works quite differently than the traditional data table you’re used to.
Once you understand how topics log, organize, and retain your data, you’ll be ready to move on to Kafka’s storage and compute model.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction to Kafka Topics
01:03 - The Problem of Lost Context
01:35 - Kafka's Log Abstraction
02:30 - Thermostat Readings in Kafka
04:20 - Filtering Immutable Data
04:48 - Misunderstanding Kafka as Queues
06:10 - Kafka Message Structure Overview
08:00 - Timestamps in Kafka Messages
09:50 - Configurable Retention Periods
LEARN MORE
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