Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Apache Drill VS StarRocks

Compare Apache Drill VS StarRocks and see what are their differences

Apache Drill logo Apache Drill

Schema-Free SQL Query Engine for Hadoop and NoSQL

StarRocks logo StarRocks

StarRocks offers the next generation of real-time SQL engines for enterprise-scale analytics. Learn how we make it easy to deliver real-time analytics.
  • Apache Drill Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-17
  • StarRocks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

Apache Drill features and specs

  • Schema-Free JSON Querying
    Apache Drill is designed to handle schema-less data, allowing users to query JSON and other flexible schemas without needing pre-defined structures. This flexibility makes it ideal for exploring semi-structured data on the fly.
  • SQL Interface
    Drill offers a user-friendly SQL interface, making it accessible for users familiar with traditional SQL databases. This allows professionals to leverage their existing SQL skills to interact with big data ecosystems.
  • High Performance
    With its ability to efficiently process queries on large datasets, Apache Drill is optimized for high-performance analytics and interactive queries, making it suitable for rapid insights and data exploration.
  • Integration with Multiple Data Sources
    Apache Drill can natively connect to a wide variety of data sources, including Hadoop, NoSQL databases, and cloud storage systems. This integration provides a unified view of diverse datasets without extensive ETL processes.
  • Dynamic Query Optimization
    Drill performs on-the-fly query optimization based on the available data and resource conditions, helping ensure efficient query execution and reduced latency.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Drill

  • Memory Intensive
    Apache Drill can be memory-intensive, especially when handling complex queries or very large datasets. This requires substantial hardware resources for optimal performance, which can be cost-prohibitive.
  • Lack of Mature Support and Community
    Compared to some other open-source projects, Apache Drill does not have as extensive a support network or community. This can make troubleshooting and finding community-driven solutions more challenging.
  • Limited Built-in Security Features
    While Apache Drill supports authentication and encryption, it lacks more granular access controls and advanced security features found in some competing platforms, posing potential risks in highly regulated environments.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Modifications
    For users wanting to extend or modify Apache Drill's capabilities beyond its core functions, the learning curve can be steep due to its architecture and the need for in-depth technical knowledge.
  • Updates and Active Development
    Although Apache Drill is actively developed, the pace of updates may not be as rapid or extensive as newer systems, which might delay the adoption of the latest data processing features and technologies.

StarRocks features and specs

  • High Performance
    StarRocks is built for speed and efficiency, providing high-performance OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) capabilities. It is optimized for large-scale data analysis and can handle rapid query responses.
  • Real-time Analytics
    The platform supports real-time data analytics, allowing users to gain immediate insights from streaming data sources, which is ideal for time-sensitive business intelligence applications.
  • Scalability
    StarRocks offers horizontal scalability, allowing it to efficiently handle growing data volumes and increasing workloads without significant degradation in performance.
  • Flexibility
    It supports various data types and can integrate with diverse data sources, providing flexibility in managing and analyzing different types of datasets.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, StarRocks encourages community contributions and collaboration. This nature allows for customization and adaptation, which might benefit organizations looking for tailored solutions.

Possible disadvantages of StarRocks

  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring a certain level of expertise to optimize and properly deploy StarRocks for specific use cases.
  • Resource Intensive
    Due to its high performance and real-time capabilities, StarRocks can be resource-intensive, necessitating adequate hardware and infrastructure investment to operate efficiently.
  • Limited Ecosystem
    Compared to some more established platforms, StarRocks might have a smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations and plugins, which could limit extended functionality.
  • Maturity
    As a relatively newer entrant in the OLAP space, StarRocks might undergo more frequent updates and changes, potentially affecting stability or requiring continuous adaptation by its users.

Apache Drill videos

Using Apache Drill

More videos:

  • Review - Drilling into Data with Apache Drill
  • Review - Apache Drill and the Coolness of Big JSON - Jonathan Janos (MapR)

StarRocks videos

The Secrets Behind StarRocks' Blazing-Fast Query Performance

More videos:

  • Review - How can StarRocks outperform ClickHouse, Apache Druid® and Trino?
  • Review - Achieving real-time analytics using Apache Kafka®, Apache Flink® and StarRocks

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Apache Drill and StarRocks)
Databases
30 30%
70% 70
Relational Databases
23 23%
77% 77
Database Management
100 100%
0% 0
Data Warehousing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apache Drill seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Apache Drill mentions (3)

  • Git Query Language (GQL) Aggregation Functions, Groups, Alias
    Also are you familiar with apache drill . The idea is to put an SQL interpreter in front of any kind of database just like you are doing for git here. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Roapi: An API Server for Static Datasets
    Looks super interesting and potentially useful. Curious how it compares with Apache Drill (https://drill.apache.org/). - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Does Java have an open source package that can execute SQL on txt/csv?
    Check out Apache Drill: https://drill.apache.org/. Source: over 3 years ago

StarRocks mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of StarRocks yet. Tracking of StarRocks recommendations started around Jun 2023.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Apache Drill and StarRocks, you can also consider the following products

Apache Doris - Apache Doris is an open-source real-time data warehouse for big data analytics.

Open PostgreSQL Monitoring - Oversee and Manage Your PostgreSQL Servers

ClickHouse - ClickHouse is an open-source column-oriented database management system that allows generating analytical data reports in real time.

ReactiveMongo - Non-blocking, Reactive MongoDB Driver for Scala

OceanBase - Unlimited scalable distributed database for data intensive transaction & real-time operational analytics workload, with ultra fast performance of maintaining the world record of both TPC-C and TPC-H benchmark tests.

MySQL - The world's most popular open source database