Partition optimization is a critical lever for cost and performance at scale. **Why it matters**: Misaligned partitions cause full-table scans; over-partitioning creates small-file hell (each file = metadata overhead + slower I/O). **Strategies**: (1) Align partition key with query filters—date, region—so the engine prunes at scan time. (2) Target 100MB–1GB per partition; under that, compaction merges small files....
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 Fragma Data Systems. The answer also includes follow-up discussion points that interviewers commonly explore.
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