DataEngPrep.tech
QuestionsPracticeAI CoachDashboardPacksBlog
ProLogin
Home/Questions/System Design/Architecture/How would you handle a schema change when new files arrive?

How would you handle a schema change when new files arrive?

System Design/Architectureeasy0.2 min read

**Approach**: (1) Evolution—additive; new columns default; (2) Validation—quarantine unknowns; (3) Versioning—tag files; (4) mergeSchema=True for Parquet; (5) Migration—support old+new; update consumers. Schema registry for contracts; coordinate with producers....

🤖 Analyze Your Answer
Frequency
Low
Asked at 1 company
Category
179
questions in System Design/Architecture
Difficulty Split
15E|6M|158H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
Delivery Hero
Interview Pro Tip

Pro-Move: 'New column "region" arrived. Pipeline added with default null. Backfill job for historical. Both versions supported for 2 weeks.'

Why This Question Matters

This easy-level System Design/Architecture question appears frequently in data engineering interviews at companies like Delivery Hero. While less common, it tests deeper understanding that distinguishes strong candidates.

How to Approach This

Start by clearly defining the core concept being asked about. Interviewers want to see that you understand the fundamentals before diving into implementation details. Structure your answer with a definition, then explain the practical application with a concise example.

Expert Answer
34 words

Approach: (1) Evolution—additive; new columns default; (2) Validation—quarantine unknowns; (3) Versioning—tag files; (4) mergeSchema=True for Parquet; (5) Migration—support old+new; update consumers. Schema registry for contracts; coordinate with producers. Delivery Hero: event schema evolution common.

dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech
dataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.techdataengprep.tech

Want feedback on your answer?

Paste your answer to this question and our AI Coach scores it, finds gaps, and shows you the FAANG-level version.

Try Answer Analyzer →
Want all answers as a PDF for offline study?
1,863 questions across 7 categories — Interview Packs →

Related System Design/Architecture Questions

hardWhat architecture are you following in your current project, and why?FreeeasyCDC During Migration - explain approaches for real-time Change Data CaptureFreehardBriefly explain the architecture of Kafka.FreehardDescribe the data pipeline architecture you've worked with.FreehardExplain the trade-offs between batch and real-time data processing. Provide examples of when each is appropriate.Free

Companies that ask this System Design/Architecture question

Delivery Hero interview questions →

Want to know if YOUR answer is good enough?

Paste your answer and get instant AI feedback with a FAANG-level improved version.

Analyze My Answer — Free

According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked System Design/Architecture 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.

← Back to all questionsMore System Design/Architecture questions →