Glossary
Open table format
Definition
An open table format is a public specification for organising data files on object storage as tables, with schemas, transactions and version history, so different engines can share them.
Why it matters when you’re buying
Open table formats are what make a lakehouse portable between vendors and engines. Ask which formats a platform reads and writes natively, and whether its catalogue works with tools from other vendors.
How it relates to other terms
Open table formats sit on top of object storage and are the building block of a data lakehouse.
Where to go next
- Data & Analytics: news, companies and community questions
- How to evaluate Data & Analytics vendors: criteria, questions to ask and red flags
- Lakehouses and warehouses: the latest stories and threads on this topic
Written by Techarda editors · Updated . Think a definition is wrong or missing something? Email engage@techarda.com. All terms.