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What is Avro file format & what is its significance in delta tables?

Spark/Big Dataeasy0.4 min readPremium

**Avro**: Row-based binary format; schema embedded; supports schema evolution. Common in Kafka, Hive. **Delta and Avro**: Delta primarily uses Parquet. Avro is optional for compatibility—e.g., reading from Kafka (Avro), converting to Delta. `spark.read.format("avro")` for Avro...

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Frequency
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Asked at 1 company
Category
452
questions in Spark/Big Data
Difficulty Split
88E|81M|283H
in this category
Total Bank
1,863
across 7 categories
Asked at these companies
Walmart
Key Concepts Tested
spark

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Expert Answer
88 words

Avro: Row-based binary format; schema embedded; supports schema evolution. Common in Kafka, Hive.

Delta and Avro: Delta primarily uses Parquet. Avro is optional for compatibility—e.g., reading from Kafka (Avro), converting to Delta. spark.read.format("avro") for Avro files.

Why Avro in Pipeline: Kafka Schema Registry + Avro for evolution. Land in Avro; convert to Parquet/Delta in bronze layer.

Scalability Trade-offs: Avro row-based = full row read; Parquet columnar = column prune. Prefer Parquet for analytics.

Cost Implications: Avro for ingestion flexibility; Parquet for storage and query. Convert early in pipeline.

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According to DataEngPrep.tech, this is one of the most frequently asked Spark/Big Data 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.

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