Description: Integration with external systems allows Apache Flink to read and write from various data sources and sinks, facilitating real-time stream processing and analysis of large volumes of information. This capability is fundamental for modern data architectures, where interoperability between different systems is crucial. Flink provides connectors for a wide variety of systems, including relational databases, messaging systems, and cloud storage platforms. Integration is achieved through APIs that allow developers to define how Flink interacts with these systems, whether to consume real-time data or to store processed results. Additionally, Flink’s flexibility allows for the customization of these connectors, adapting to the specific needs of each application. This feature not only enhances data processing efficiency but also enables organizations to leverage their existing infrastructure investments, integrating Flink into their data ecosystem without the need for drastic changes. In a world where data is constantly generated, Flink’s ability to integrate with external systems becomes a key element for data-driven decision-making and the creation of intelligent applications.