Introduction

In my years as a cloud data architect, I’ve seen firsthand how cumbersome data processes can hinder progress. I challenge my teams and my clients to not let cloud platforms (or the IT teams that support them!) be a bottleneck for adoption of said platform. That’s why I’m so excited about the transformative potential of Streamlit in Snowflake. In this article, we’ll explore its benefits and key features.

What is Streamlit in Snowflake?

Streamlit, an open-source Python framework, enables rapid development of interactive data applications. Streamlit in Snowflake integrates this capability directly into the Snowflake platform, empowering users to build web apps within their data ecosystem.

We have found that Streamlit in Snowflake is a great tool to:

• Easily build data applications that empower end users.
• Reduce dependence on IT for data-related tasks.
• Bring self-service capabilities to businesses.

Streamlining Data Workflows with File Uploads in Streamlit

I recently sat down with Chicago-based Solution Architect Poonit Mistry to talk about how Streamlit in Snowflake is transforming business workflows.

Bill: Thanks for taking the time, Poonit! How have you been leveraging Streamlit in Snowflake apps for your clients?

Poonit: We’ve been using Streamlit in Snowflake to enable self-service data applications for business users across a range of use cases. Whether it is reimagining old data workflows or extending the reach of Snowflake to additional users, Streamlit in Snowflake is a powerful tool that should be utilized by any organization with data driven aspirations!

Bill: Yes, that’s a great way to frame it. Let’s talk about the recently enabled “file upload” feature in Streamlit in Snowflake. I see this as a major extension of Streamlit app functionality.

Previously, getting data into Snowflake required more technical involvement. Now, we can build a lightweight data loader app for end users. With a few clicks, they can easily upload files into the Snowflake cloud. Once uploaded, the power of the platform is unlocked—opening up a wide range of possibilities, right?

Poonit: Absolutely. There will always be a need for users to bring data to a cloud platform like Snowflake. Organizations need to make that as easy as possible for their users. But doesn’t that open up some quality and security concerns?

Bill: Great point, and I am glad you bring that up. With data democratization comes the need for checks and balances. Here’s an example:

A client was interested in moving their annual goal process to Snowflake. Their old method was cumbersome, involving spreadsheets, a third-party application, and significant developer effort.

We recently prototyped a Streamlit in Snowflake application that allows department heads to input their own goal data. The differentiator with this tool is a series of review steps within the Streamlit app, as shown below:

1. File Upload → Select a file and press a button to upload to a staging table in Snowflake.
2. Data Review → Review uploaded data via Streamlit’s charting and graphing tools.
3. Approval or Rejection → Click a button to approve or reject the data.
4. Final Processing → Trigger data workflow to push approved data to Snowflake consumption layer; record audit trail information.

These “gates” enhance data governance without adding undue complexity.

Poonit: I like that a lot! It’s really just a streamlined data review workflow to ensure quality control while still empowering business users.

Bill: And the best part? It’s a low-code, low-cost solution that fits natively into Snowflake.

Poonit: Exactly. The ease of use has been a game-changer. The intuitive UI of Streamlit, coupled with Snowflake’s security and scalability, means that business users don’t need advanced technical knowledge to manage their data efficiently. And since it’s built on serverless infrastructure, there’s much less that IT has to worry about. Just build and deploy!

Bill: I can tell you that infrastructure which doesn’t break the bank is exactly what our clients are looking for—especially when they’re already using Snowflake.

Upcoming Features in Streamlit in Snowflake

Bill: Any other notable features coming soon? I’m sure our partners at Snowflake have given you a sneak peek at what’s coming, right?

Poonit: [1] Yes, there is one feature I am particularly excited about: Parameters for Building Related Apps. Instead of maintaining separate app versions for different departments, parameters enable users to dynamically adjust views—enhancing both flexibility and reusability. We’re eager to see how this feature evolves and how it will further enhance self-service data applications. Currently in private preview, it’s undergoing testing and refinement by the Snowflake development team.

Final Thoughts

Snowflake and Streamlit together allow businesses to create interactive solutions without complex infrastructure. Plus, these applications leverage the existing role-based access controls in Snowflake, keeping data secure while still empowering users.

We hope this article has provided a useful overview of this functionality and the doors it can open for your organization.

If you’d like to hear more about the Snowflake platform and its dynamic capabilities—or our perspectives on other platforms—please reach out!

Share: