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Compare compression algorithms: Gzip vs Snappy.

Python/Codingeasy0.2 min read

Reviewed by Aditya Kumar · Last reviewed 2026-03-24

**Gzip:** Higher ratio (2–3x), slower (CPU). **Snappy:** Faster compress/decompress, lower ratio. **When:** Gzip cold storage/archival; Snappy hot/Spark. **Parquet:** Snappy default; good balance. **Why:** Match to workload. **Trade-off:** Zstd for better ratio + speed....

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Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
179
questions in Python/Coding
Difficulty Split
127E|24M|28H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
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Interview Pro Tip

Pro-Move: Zstd benchmark for your workload. Red Flag: Defaulting without profiling.

Key Concepts Tested
spark
Expert Answer
41 words

Gzip: Higher ratio (2–3x), slower (CPU). Snappy: Faster compress/decompress, lower ratio. When: Gzip cold storage/archival; Snappy hot/Spark. Parquet: Snappy default; good balance. Why: Match to workload. Trade-off: Zstd for better ratio + speed. Cost: CPU vs storage; benchmark on your data.

⚡
Pro Tip

Pro-Move: Zstd benchmark for your workload. Red Flag: Defaulting without profiling.

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