**Architectural Logic**: Distribution determines data placement—affects join and aggregation performance. **EVEN**: Round-robin; default; when no clear join key. **KEY**: By distribution key; co-locates same key; use for join key. **ALL**: Full copy on each node; for small dimension tables. **Choose KEY**: Large fact–fact or fact–dimension joins on same key. **Choose ALL**: Small dimensions joined to large facts (avoids broadcast). **Choose EVEN**: No join benefit....
The complete answer continues with detailed implementation patterns, architectural trade-offs, and production-grade considerations. It covers performance optimization strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and real-world examples from companies like Impetus. The answer also includes follow-up discussion points that interviewers commonly explore.
Continue Reading the Full Answer
Unlock the complete expert answer with code examples, trade-offs, and pro tips - plus 1,863+ more.
Or upgrade to Platform Pro - $39
Engineers who used these answers got offers at
AmazonDatabricksSnowflakeGoogleMeta
According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked SQL interview questions, reported at 1 company. DataEngPrep.tech maintains a curated database of 1,863+ real data engineering interview questions across 7 categories, verified by industry professionals.