**Why Challenging**: Micro-batch (Structured Streaming) has inherent latency (trigger interval); true real-time requires sub-ms. State and exactly-once add complexity.
**Challenges**: (1) **Latency**—micro-batch = seconds; continuous processing still limited. (2) **Backpressure**—slow sink causes backlog; configure `maxOffsetsPerTrigger`. (3) **Checkpoint**—required for exactly-once; deleted checkpoint = full reprocess or offset reset. (4) **State**—windowed agg state grows; use state timeout....
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