Snowflake SnowPro Certification Practice Test

Is there a difference in storage cost allocation between structured and semi-structured data in Snowflake?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in large datasets

4. Dependent on the region

The correct answer is: False

In Snowflake, there is no difference in storage cost allocation between structured and semi-structured data. Both types of data are stored using the same underlying architecture, and Snowflake uses a columnar storage format for all data types, whether structured (like tables with well-defined schemas) or semi-structured (like JSON, Avro, or Parquet). This unified storage approach allows Snowflake to optimize data storage costs effectively, regardless of the data format or structure. The costs incurred are based on the total amount of data stored rather than the type of data, meaning there is uniform pricing for storage regardless of whether the data is structured or semi-structured. While performance, querying capabilities, and other aspects may differ between these data types, the cost allocation specifically for storage remains consistent. This enables organizations to manage their budgets more effectively without needing to factor in different costs for various data formats.