What is difference between _RAW tables and _APPEND_RAW tables of Bronze-Layer of Azure Databricks

Devsql
New Contributor III

Hi Team,

I would like to know difference between _RAW tables and _APPEND_RAW tables of Bronze-Layer.

As both are STREAMING Tables then why we need 2 separate tables.

Note: we are following Medalion Architecture. Also above tables are created via Delta Live Tables pipeline. so they are basically DLT Tables.

Thanks
Devsql

Witold
Databricks Partner

I don't exactly understand your question, so let me try to give you a generic answer. You don't need to do anything, if you're fine with working with one table, then just go with one.

An append-only table, as the name suggests, will only contain insert operations. By using the table property "delta.appendOnly" you can also force it.

And "a not-only append" table, obviously, might contain next to inserts, also updates and deletes.

In general, there's no right or wrong answer, as it highly depends on your use case/architecture.

Devsql
New Contributor III

Hi @Witold , I updated last line of my above post, added below lines: Also above tables are created via Delta Live Tables pipeline. so they are basically DLT Tables. Hope this gives you proper idea.

Devsql
New Contributor III

Hi @Retired_mod , I saw your replies to other posts, so thought to ask you....would you like to help me on this...!!!

Devsql
New Contributor III

Thank you very much @Retired_mod for this excellent answer.