Apache Drill vs Presto: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Apache Drill and Presto are both open-source distributed SQL query engines that support querying and analyzing large datasets in real-time. While they have some similarities, there are key differences between them that make them suitable for different use cases.

1. Architecture and Data Sources:

   • Apache Drill is based on a schema-free JSON-like model, allowing it to explore and query various types of data sources, including nested data and self-describing data formats like Parquet, Avro, and JSON.
   • Presto, on the other hand, follows a traditional query engine model where data is organized into tables and columns. It primarily focuses on querying structured data stored in sources like Hive, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and others.

2. Query Optimization and Execution:

   • Apache Drill utilizes a "schema-free" execution model, where it dynamically determines the query plan based on the data at hand during runtime. It leverages distributed query execution for faster processing.
   • Presto takes a different approach by leveraging a cost-based query optimizer that uses statistics to estimate costs and plan the most efficient query execution path. This optimizer allows Presto to optimize queries more effectively based on the characteristics of the underlying data.

3. Ecosystem Integration:

   • Apache Drill offers native integration with Apache Hadoop, YARN, and HBase, making it well-suited for big data environments that require integration with these technologies. It also provides easy integration with BI tools like Tableau and Qlik.
   • Presto, on the other hand, has extensive ecosystem integration and supports various data sources like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra, and more. It provides a pluggable connector architecture that allows users to add support for new data sources.

4. SQL Support and ANSI Compliance:

   • Apache Drill supports a broad range of SQL functionality but may have limitations in complex joins, subqueries, and optimization for specific databases. It aims to provide a consistent SQL interface across different data sources.
   • Presto, on the other hand, places a higher emphasis on SQL compliance and aims to support most SQL standards. It offers advanced SQL features like window functions, query optimization, and joins optimization.

5. Community and Development:

   • Apache Drill has a relatively smaller community compared to Presto. It is primarily developed and maintained by the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) and benefits from the resources and support provided by ASF.
   • Presto, on the other hand, has a larger and more active community of contributors, including Facebook, where it originated. The larger community ensures the continuous development and improvement of Presto.

6. Maturity and Production Readiness:

   • Apache Drill has been in development since 2012 and has reached a stable version. However, some users may still consider it less mature compared to other query engines due to its relatively shorter history.
   • Presto is more established and widely used in production environments by companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Netflix. It has been battle-tested and proven to be scalable and robust in handling large datasets.

In summary, Apache Drill and Presto are both powerful SQL query engines with their own strengths and use cases. Apache Drill is a versatile choice for exploring diverse data sources, while Presto offers advanced SQL features, extensive ecosystem integration, and a mature production-ready solution.