Databricks Managed Tables vs External Tables Pros and Cons
Advantages of Databricks Managed Tables:
Simplified Management: Managed tables automatically handle data storage and lifecycle, eliminating the need to specify external directory paths when defining Delta tables. This reduces manual effort and simplifies the process.
Data Security: With managed tables, Databricks ensures consistent security policies, including encryption and access control, helping you maintain a secure environment effortlessly.
Data Lineage: Managed tables capture comprehensive lineage information, which enhances observability and provides advanced metrics for better data governance and auditing.
Optimized Performance: These tables seamlessly integrate with Databricks’ optimization features, such as predictive optimization, resulting in better performance for queries and data processing.
Automated Data File Management: Managed tables offer features like automated backups, 30-day restore options for dropped tables, and customizable automatic vacuuming based on thresholds, ensuring data reliability and simplifying maintenance.
However, there are some drawbacks: