Apply partitioning and change clustering for replicated data base to BQ with DataFusion

[Trand]

I replicate data from MySQL data base to BigQuery using DataFusion.

My original table in MySQL is not partitioned but I want it to be partitioned by a column when it is replicated to BQ.

Additionally BQ assigns a column for clustering by default on its own for PK column when I run replication job in DataFusion.

Questions:

- Is it possible at the very beginning of replication job in DataFusion (MySQL -> BQ) to set some tables to become partitioned by specific columns, while the rest of replicated table leave replicating as they are?
- And is it possible to change or set cluster columns on start of the replication process to BQ?

[ms4446 · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is possible to set specific tables to be partitioned by specific columns and to change or set cluster columns at the start of the replication process from MySQL to BigQuery using DataFusion. However, the process involves a few important considerations:

Partitioning Tables:

1. Define Partitioning Scheme: Identify the columns you want to use for partitioning in each table. This step is crucial for optimizing query performance in BigQuery.

2. DataFusion Configuration: In DataFusion, configure your replication job to handle partitioning. This is typically done through the pipeline setup interface rather than SQL statements. Specify the partitioning scheme for each table within this configuration.

3. Automatic Table Creation: DataFusion often automatically creates and manages the schema of the destination tables in BigQuery. Therefore, manually pre-creating partitioned tables in BigQuery might not be necessary unless you have specific schema customizations.

Clustering Columns:

1. Identify Clustering Columns: Determine which columns should be used for clustering in BigQuery. Clustering organizes data to improve the efficiency of certain types of queries.

2. DataFusion Configuration: As of the last update, direct specification of clustering columns in DataFusion was not a standard feature. Therefore, you might need to configure clustering as a post-replication step in BigQuery. This involves altering the table to specify the clustering columns.

General Considerations:

• Automation vs. Customization: While DataFusion provides a high degree of automation for data replication, advanced configurations like specific partitioning and clustering might require additional manual setup or adjustments post-replication.
• Up-to-Date Practices: Google Cloud services are frequently updated. It's recommended to consult the latest DataFusion and BigQuery documentation for current features and best practices.

By understanding these details, you can effectively manage the partitioning and clustering of your tables in BigQuery during the replication process using DataFusion, thereby optimizing your data organization and query performance.