Apache Cassandra

Website

cassandra.apache.org

$ Details

-

Categories

#Databases #NoSQL Databases #Relational Databases #Big Data

Apache Avro

Website

avro.apache.org

$ Details

Categories

#Development #OS & Utilities #Tool #Data Dashboard #Databases

Apache Cassandra features and specs

• Scalability
  Apache Cassandra is designed for linear scalability and can handle large volumes of data across many commodity servers without a single point of failure.
• High Availability
  Cassandra ensures high availability by replicating data across multiple nodes. Even if some nodes fail, the system remains operational.
• Performance
  It provides fast writes and reads by using a peer-to-peer architecture, making it highly suitable for applications requiring quick data access.
• Flexible Data Model
  Cassandra supports a flexible schema, allowing users to add new columns to a table at any time, making it adaptable for various use cases.
• Geographical Distribution
  Data can be distributed across multiple data centers, ensuring low-latency access for geographically distributed users.
• No Single Point of Failure
  Its decentralized nature ensures there is no single point of failure, which enhances resilience and fault-tolerance.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Cassandra

• Complexity
  Managing and configuring Cassandra can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and skills for optimal performance.
• Eventual Consistency
  Cassandra follows an eventual consistency model, meaning that there might be a delay before all nodes have the latest data, which may not be suitable for all use cases.
• Write-heavy Operations
  Although Cassandra handles writes efficiently, write-heavy workloads can lead to compaction issues and increased read latency.
• Limited Query Capabilities
  Cassandra's query capabilities are relatively limited compared to traditional RDBMS, lacking support for complex joins and aggregations.
• Maintenance Overhead
  Regular maintenance tasks such as node repair and compaction are necessary to ensure optimal performance, adding to the administrative overhead.
• Tooling and Ecosystem
  While the ecosystem for Cassandra is growing, it is still not as extensive or mature as those for some other database technologies.

Apache Avro features and specs

• Schema Evolution
  Avro supports seamless schema evolution, allowing you to add fields and change data types without impacting existing data. This flexibility is advantageous in environments where data structures frequently change.
• Compact Binary Format
  Avro uses a compact binary format for data serialization, leading to efficient storage and faster data transmission compared to text-based formats like JSON or XML.
• Language Agnostic
  Avro is designed to be language agnostic, with support for multiple programming languages, including Java, Python, C++, and more. This makes it easier to integrate with various systems.
• No Code Generation Required
  Unlike other serialization frameworks such as Protocol Buffers and Thrift, Avro does not require generating code from the schema, simplifying the development process.
• Self Describing
  Each Avro data file contains its schema, making the data self-describing. This helps maintain consistency between data producers and consumers.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Avro

• Lack of Human Readability
  Avro's binary format is not human-readable, making it challenging to debug or inspect data without specialized tools.
• Schema Management Overhead
  While Avro supports schema evolution, managing and maintaining these schemas across multiple services can become complex and require additional coordination.
• Limited Support for Complex Data Types
  Avro has limitations when it comes to the representation of certain complex data types, which might necessitate workarounds or transformations that add complexity.
• Learning Curve
  Users who are new to Apache Avro may face a learning curve to understand schema creation, evolution, and integration within their data pipelines.
• Dependency on Schema Registry
  Using Avro effectively often requires integrating with a schema registry, adding an extra layer of infrastructure and potential points of failure.

Course Intro | DS101: Introduction to Apache Cassandra™

More videos:

CCA 175 : Apache Avro Introduction

More videos: