Google Enhances BigQuery with Native Delta Lake Support
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Delta Lake in BigQuery
Google has recently introduced support for the Delta Lake open-source table format in BigQuery, utilizing BigLake to interface with Amazon S3 and Azure Tables. This move underscores Google's commitment to advancing its cross-cloud analytics strategy.
As previously discussed in a recent article, Google aims to further its innovative approach to cross-cloud analytics. With BigLake, users can access and query data stored in AWS or Azure. The addition of more formats aims to simplify data integration and analysis processes.
Section 1.1: Understanding Delta Lake
Delta Lake is a robust open-source table format designed to handle petabyte-scale datasets. Various data warehousing platforms, including Databricks, leverage Delta Lake, typically utilizing Amazon S3 and Azure Data Lake Storage.
Delta Lake tables can be accessed as both temporary and permanent tables, and they are compatible with BigLake.
Subsection 1.1.1: Google’s Cross-Cloud Analytics Vision
For now, the native support for the Delta Lake format on Amazon S3 and Azure tables remains in preview. This development marks another significant step in Google's highly regarded cross-cloud analytics initiative. Given Delta Lake’s popularity among businesses, Google is poised to offer potential clients enhanced analysis services through BigQuery. While this feature is still in a testing phase, it could serve as a starting point for small proof-of-concept projects.
Section 1.2: Limitations and Considerations
It's essential to note the following limitations regarding Delta Lake tables as outlined by Google:
- External table limitations apply to Delta Lake tables.
- Support for Delta Lake tables is exclusive to BigQuery Omni, alongside its associated restrictions.
- Users cannot update a table with a new JSON metadata file; an auto-detect schema table update operation is required instead. More information can be found in the Schema synchronization documentation.
- BigLake's security features only safeguard Delta Lake tables when accessed via BigQuery services.
Chapter 2: Video Insights on Delta Lake Integration
The first video delves into the latest announcement regarding BigQuery's native integration with Delta Lake, providing insights into how this integration enhances data management capabilities.
The second video explores extending Delta Sharing across Azure and Google Cloud Platform, discussing the implications for data sharing and collaboration.
For additional insights and detailed information, refer to the linked articles and resources below.
Sources and Further Readings
[1] Google, BigQuery Release Notes (2024)
[2] StreamSets, Delta Lake Architecture: A Bridge Between Data Lakes & Data Warehouses (2024)
[3] Google, Delta Lake tables (2024)