Top ELT Tools For Modern Data Stack in 2024

What are ELT Tools?

Extract, Load, Transform (ETL) tools are software programs designed to extract data from various sources, load that data into a target system, and transform the data into a format suitable for analysis or other purposes. 

ETL tools are commonly used in data warehousing and business intelligence applications to move data from operational systems into a data warehouse or data mart, where it can be stored and analyzed.

ETL tools are typically used to extract data from structured data sources such as databases and file systems and unstructured data sources such as log files, emails, and social media feeds. The extracted data is then loaded into the target system, which could be a data warehouse, data lake, or another type of data repository. 

Finally, the ETL tool transforms the data into a suitable format by applying transformations, aggregations, or other types of data manipulation. It allows the data to be used for various purposes, such as reporting, analytics, or machine learning.

ETL vs. ELT - The Difference Between ETL and ELT

Extract, Load, Transform (ETL) and Extract, Load, Transform (ELT) are processes used to move data from one system to another and transform it into a format suitable for analysis or other purposes. However, there are some critical differences between the two approaches:

• Data transformation: In ETL, data transformation is performed before the data is loaded into the target system. The information is cleaned, structured, and transformed in the ETL tool. In ELT, the transformation is performed after the data is loaded into the target system. The data is loaded into the target system and then transformed using tools and resources.
• Data volume: ETL is typically used for smaller data volumes, as the ETL tool performs the data transformation, which may have limited processing power. ELT is better suited for more extensive data volumes, as the target system performs the transformation, which may have more robust resources for handling large data sets.
• Data complexity: ETL is better suited for handling complex data transformations, as the ETL tool performs the transformations. ELT is more suitable for more straightforward changes, as the data is transformed using the resources available in the target system.
• Data latency: ETL processes can be slower, as the data transformation is performed before the data is loaded into the target system. ELT processes can be faster, as the data is loaded into the target system first and then transformed, which can reduce the time it takes to complete the process.

ETL and ELT are both practical approaches for moving and changing data. The choice between the two will depend on the project's specific needs, including the volume and complexity of the data, the resources available, and the desired speed of the process.

Top ELT Tools

Hevo Data

Hevo Data is a cloud-based data integration platform allowing organizations to collect, clean, and analyze data from various sources. It is designed to be easy to use and requires no coding, making it suitable for users needing more technical expertise.

Luigi

Luigi is an open-source Python framework for building data pipelines. It is designed to be easy to use. You can use it to manage the complete data processing lifecycle, from extracting data from various sources to loading it to a destination.

Blendo

Blendo is a cloud-based data integration platform that allows organizations to collect, clean, and analyze data from various sources. It is designed to be easy to use and set up in just a few minutes, making it suitable for users needing more technical expertise.

Matillion

Matillion is a cloud-based data integration and ETL (extract, transform, and load) platform that allows organizations to collect, clean, and analyze data from various sources. It is designed to be easy to use and set up in just a few minutes, making it suitable for users needing more technical expertise.

Talend

Talend's software is designed to help companies integrate their data in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information. Talend's software features include data profiling, cleansing, transformation, and governance.

StreamSets

StreamSets' software is designed to help companies integrate their data in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions based on accurate, up-to-date information. StreamSets' software features include data profiling, data cleansing, transformation, and governance. 

Etleap

Etleap is a data integration and management platform that allows businesses to extract, transform, and load data from various sources into a data warehouse. The platform aims to make it easy for companies to extract data from different sources, convert it into a format suitable for analysis, and load it into a data warehouse where it can be queried and visualized.

Airflow

Apache Airflow is an open-source platform to programmatically author, schedule, and monitor workflows. It is a suitable tool for managing workflows in various environments, from simple ETL (extract, transform, load) pipelines to complex multi-tier architectures. It is designed to be scalable, flexible, and extensible.

Kafka

Apache Kafka is a distributed streaming platform used to build real-time data pipelines and streaming applications. It is designed to handle high volumes of data with low latency and can process millions of messages per second.

NiFi

Apache NiFi (short for "NiagaraFiles") is a dataflow management platform designed to automate data movement between systems. It is based on the "data-in-motion" concept, which means that it is focused on the data flow between systems rather than the data storage.

Fivetran

extracting data from various sources, transforming it into a standardized format, and loading it into a central repository such as a data warehouse. The platform offers pre-built connectors for many popular data sources, including databases, cloud applications, social media platforms, and web analytics tools.

Stitch

Stitch is a cloud-based data integration platform that allows businesses to extract data from various sources, transform it into a standardized format, and load it into a data warehouse. It allows users to set up and schedule data extractions using a simple interface. The platform provides a range of pre-built connectors for popular data sources, including databases, cloud applications, and SaaS tools.

Weld

Weld is a system for combining and executing data processing tasks written in various programming languages. It is designed to enable the creation of large-scale data processing pipelines that can run on distributed systems such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark.

Mozart Data

Mozart Data is a data integration and management platform that helps businesses extract, transform, and load data from various sources into a data warehouse. The platform includes a range of pre-built connectors for popular data sources and tools for creating custom connectors and defining data transformations.

Adeptia

Adeptia is a data integration and management platform that helps businesses extract, transform, and load data from various sources into a central repository, such as a data warehouse. The platform includes a range of pre-built connectors for popular data sources and tools for creating custom connectors and defining data transformations.

Xplenty

Xplenty is a cloud-based data integration and management platform that helps businesses extract, transform, and load data from various sources into a data warehouse. The platform includes a range of pre-built connectors for popular data sources and tools for creating custom connectors and defining data transformations.

Skyvia

Skyvia is designed to be easy to use and requires minimal setup, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. The platform includes tools for monitoring and managing the data pipeline, including a dashboard for tracking the status of data loads and alerts for identifying and troubleshooting issues. It is often used when companies need to extract and integrate data from various sources to analyze and understand their operations, customers, and markets.

CData Software

CData Software's product offerings include drivers, connectors, and data integration platforms that support a variety of data sources, including popular databases, like MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle, as well as a range of web APIs and cloud services like Salesforce, Google Sheets, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) is a data integration tool that allows users to extract data from various sources, load it into a target system, and transform the data as needed. ELT tools are used to facilitate the movement and transformation of data between systems, and can be useful for tasks such as data migration, data integration, and data warehousing.

Keboola

Keboola offers a range of data integration tools, including data connectors, pipelines, and transformation tools. These tools allow users to extract data from various sources, such as databases, web APIs, and cloud-based services and load it into a target system for further analysis or integration with other data. The company's products also include data transformation and cleansing features to help users prepare the data for further analysis or reporting.

Simplilearn's Professional Certificate Program in Data Engineering, aligned with AWS and Azure certifications, will help all master crucial Data Engineering skills. Explore now to know more about the program.

Conclusion

Don't let the Data Engineering certificate program pass you by.

This program is a must-have for any professional who wants to build their career.

Simplilearn's Data Engineering certification course, in partnership with Purdue University & IBM, is the ideal program for professional exposure. All participants who complete this program will master crucial Data Engineering skills aligned with AWS and Azure certifications.

With the rise of big data and machine learning, the demand for data engineers has increased exponentially. Companies need qualified professionals who can keep up with the technology and apply it to their business needs. This certification course will help you become one of those people!

FAQs

1. What are ETL Tools?

ETL tools are used to transfer data from one system to another. They are often used by data scientists in the process of transforming data into a format that's useful for analytics and analysis.

ETL tools are also used by companies that want to ensure valuable data is consistent and accurate across all systems, which helps with data governance.

2. Why Use ETL Tools?

ETL tools are essential for data integration. They allow you to move your data from different sources into one central location, where it can be integrated with other data and analyzed.

With an ETL tool, you can automate the process of moving your data, which saves time and eliminates errors. It also gives you more time to focus on analyzing the data once it's in one place.

3. What is ELT software?

Extract Load Transform (ELT) is a software program that allows you to transform data from one format into another. It is done by extracting the data from its current location, loading it into a new table or other storage location, and finally transforming it into a different format.

4. What is ELT vs. ETL?

ELT and ETL are two terms that are often confused with each other.

ELT stands for Extract, Load, and Transform. ELT moves data from one system to another, usually between two databases.

ETL stands for Extract, Transform and Load. In contrast to ELT, which is about moving data from one database to another, ETL is about preparing data for analysis or reporting purposes.

5. What is the best ETL tool?

No "best" ETL (extract, transform, and load) tool is suitable for all situations. The best ETL tool for a particular organization will depend on several factors, including the type and amount of data being processed, the resources available, and the specific requirements and goals of the organization.

6. What are ETL technologies?

ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load. It refers to a set of technologies that transform data from one system into another. ETL technologies are used in data warehousing and business intelligence applications to move data between databases and formats.