File formats (CSV, JSON, Parquet, Avro) in Snowflake - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is CSV file format?

CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values. It stores data in plain text where each line is a row and columns are separated by commas. It's simple and easy to read but does not support complex data types.

beginner

How does JSON format differ from CSV?

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) stores data as nested objects and arrays. It supports complex and hierarchical data unlike CSV which is flat. JSON is human-readable and widely used for data exchange.

intermediate

What is Parquet file format and why is it used?

Parquet is a columnar storage file format optimized for big data processing. It stores data by columns which makes queries faster and reduces storage space. It is efficient for analytics workloads.

intermediate

Explain Avro file format in simple terms.

Avro is a compact, fast binary file format that stores data with its schema. It is good for data serialization and supports schema evolution, meaning the data structure can change over time without breaking compatibility.

intermediate

Which file formats are best suited for analytics in Snowflake?

Parquet and Avro are best for analytics because they are efficient and support complex data types. CSV and JSON are easier to use but less efficient for large-scale analytics.

Which file format stores data in plain text with columns separated by commas?

A CSV

B JSON

C Parquet

D Avro

CSV files store data as plain text with commas separating columns.

Which file format supports nested objects and arrays?

A CSV

B Parquet

C JSON

D Avro

JSON supports nested objects and arrays, unlike CSV.

What is a key advantage of Parquet format?

A It is columnar and efficient for analytics

B It stores data in rows

C It is human-readable

D It uses XML schema

Parquet stores data by columns, making it efficient for analytics.

Which file format includes its schema with the data for compatibility?

A JSON

B Avro

C Parquet

D CSV

Avro stores data with its schema, supporting schema evolution.

For large-scale analytics in Snowflake, which formats are preferred?

A CSV and JSON

B Only JSON

C Only CSV

D Parquet and Avro

Parquet and Avro are preferred for analytics due to efficiency and support for complex data.

Describe the main differences between CSV, JSON, Parquet, and Avro file formats.

Think about data structure, readability, and efficiency.

Explain why Parquet and Avro are better choices than CSV and JSON for analytics in Snowflake.

Focus on performance and data complexity.