Data Architecture Flashcards
What are the three layers of Snowflake architecture?
- Database storage layer
- Query processing layer
- Cloud services layer
What is the primary function of the database storage layer in Snowflake?
Concerned with the physical layout of the data and optimizations therein
What is the role of the query processing layer in Snowflake?
Takes queries, figures out the right query execution plans, and executes them
What does the cloud services layer in Snowflake manage?
Interactions with cloud platforms, including authentication and access control
What is a virtual warehouse in Snowflake?
An abstraction for compute resources used for query processing
True or False: Snowflake has an upper limit on the size or type of data stored.
False
What are some examples of modules included in Snowflake’s cloud services?
- Infrastructure manager
- Optimizer
- Metadata manager
- Security
What type of architecture does Snowflake rely on?
A hybrid of shared-disk and shared-nothing architectures
What is the nature of the database storage layer in Snowflake?
Shared-disk architecture serving as a centralized data repository
What kind of architecture is employed in the query processing layer?
Shared-nothing architecture
What is unique about Snowflake’s internal data format?
It is compressed, columnar, and highly optimized
How do users access data in Snowflake?
Through SQL queries run on the Snowflake platform
True or False: Users have direct access to the data in Snowflake.
False
What does MPP stand for in the context of Snowflake?
Massively Parallel Processing
What is a key feature of warehouses in Snowflake?
Warehouses do not share resources
