**OPTIMIZE**: Compacts small files in Delta table. Merges files; improves read performance. No Z-order. Run: `OPTIMIZE table_name`.
**REORG**: OPTIMIZE + Z-order. Compacts and clusters by columns. Better predicate pushdown for filtered columns. Run: `REORG TABLE table_name APPLY (ZORDER BY (col1, col2))`.
**When**: After many small writes. Before large reads. During maintenance window.
**Trade-offs**: REORG more expensive; Z-order helps reads on clustered columns....
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 PWC. The answer also includes follow-up discussion points that interviewers commonly explore.
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