Q: Why was delta lake named as delta lake?
The name “Delta Lake” is a combination of two key aspects of its functionality:
Delta: Refers to the incremental changes recorded in the transaction log. Each update, insert, or delete is a small “delta” change to the overall dataset. The name highlights the fact that Delta Lake efficiently manages these incremental changes without rewriting the entire dataset.
Lake: Indicates that Delta Lake is designed for use in data lakes. Data lakes are repositories for large volumes of diverse data, often in various formats. Delta Lake enhances data lakes by providing ACID transactions, schema enforcement, and other features that improve data reliability and performance within the data lake environment.
Therefore, “Delta Lake” aptly describes the technology’s core function: managing incremental changes (delta) within a data lake environment. The name is concise, memorable, and accurately reflects its purpose and capabilities.