How do you specify the programming language used in a cell within Azure Databricks?

In Azure Databricks, to specify the programming language used in a cell, it is necessary to include '%language' at the beginning of the cell. This directive allows the notebook to interpret the code that follows according to the specified programming language, such as Python, Scala, SQL, or R. While there are other methods for setting cell language or notebook behavior, placing the language directive at the start of the cell is a standard and effective way to ensure that the code is executed in the correct context.

This method is particularly useful in notebooks that involve multiple programming languages, allowing users to clearly define the language for each respective code cell. By ensuring that the programming language is specified right at the start, it helps eliminate any potential confusion or errors during execution.

In summary, the inclusion of the language directive at the beginning of the cell is the correct approach for specifying how the code within that cell should be interpreted and executed in Azure Databricks.