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How can you delete partitions from a table in Hive using a command?

SQLmedium0.2 min read

ALTER TABLE table_name DROP PARTITION (partition_col='value'); **Multiple**: DROP PARTITION for each. **IF EXISTS**: ALTER TABLE ... DROP PARTITION (dt='2024-01-01') PURGE; (PURGE deletes files). **MSCK REPAIR**: Syncs metastore with S3; doesn't drop. **Cascade**: Some systems...

🤖 Analyze Your Answer
Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
487
questions in SQL
Difficulty Split
130E|271M|86H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
Dunnhumby
Key Concepts Tested
partition

Why This Question Matters

This medium-level SQL question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like Dunnhumby. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates. Mastering the underlying concepts (partition) will help you answer variations of this question confidently.

How to Approach This

Break this problem into components. Identify the core trade-offs involved, then walk the interviewer through your reasoning step by step. Demonstrate awareness of edge cases and production considerations - this is what separates good answers from great ones.

Expert Answer
41 words

ALTER TABLE table_name DROP PARTITION (partition_col='value'); Multiple: DROP PARTITION for each. IF EXISTS: ALTER TABLE ... DROP PARTITION (dt='2024-01-01') PURGE; (PURGE deletes files). MSCK REPAIR: Syncs metastore with S3; doesn't drop. Cascade: Some systems support DROP PARTITION ... CASCADE for nested.

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