**LOAD DATA**: `LOAD DATA INPATH '/user/hdfs/file' INTO TABLE tab` — moves file to Hive warehouse.
**External Table**: `CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE tab (...) LOCATION '/user/hdfs/path'` — data stays in place; Hive references it.
**Partitioned**: `LOAD DATA INPATH '/path' INTO TABLE tab PARTITION (dt='2024-01-01')`.
**Why External**: Data shared across systems; LOAD moves (destructive). External for raw, staged. Managed for Hive-only derived.
**Scalability Trade-offs**: LOAD for small, one-time....
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 Coforge. The answer also includes follow-up discussion points that interviewers commonly explore.
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