Indirection for SQL Schema Evolution in Iceberg

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Iceberg utilizes a unique approach by assigning a brand new ID to data whenever a new column or field is created, providing a level of indirection from names to IDs and then IDs to data. This indirection enables SQL schema evolution semantics where dropping a column and adding a new one with the same name results in a completely different data representation. This method ensures that changes in the schema are reflected accurately, ensuring SQL compatibility and efficient data versioning and time travel.

Apache Iceberg is an open source high-performance format for huge data tables. Iceberg enables the use of SQL tables for big data, while making it possible for engines like Spark and Hive to safely work with the same tables, at the same time.

Iceberg was started at Netflix by Ryan Blue and Dan Weeks, and was open-sourced and donated to the Apache Software Foundation in November 2018. It has now been adopted at many other companies including Airbnb, Apple, and Lyft.

Ryan Blue joins the podcast to describe the origins of Iceberg, how it works, the problems it solves, collaborating with Apple and others to open-source it, and more.

This episode is hosted by Lee Atchison. Lee Atchison is a software architect, author, and thought leader on cloud computing and application modernization. His best-selling book, Architecting for Scale (O’Reilly Media), is an essential resource for technical teams looking to maintain high availability and manage risk in their cloud environments.

Lee is the host of his podcast, Modern Digital Business, an engaging and informative podcast produced for people looking to build and grow their digital business with the help of modern applications and processes developed for today’s fast-moving business environment. Listen at mdb.fm. Follow Lee at softwarearchitectureinsights.com, and see all his content at leeatchison.com.

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