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September 16, 2024

Redshift Vacuum Overview

Learn about Redshift Vacuum, a crucial maintenance process in Amazon Redshift that optimizes query performance and reduces storage costs through space reclamation and data sorting.
Dexter Chu
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What is Redshift Vacuum and why is it important?

Redshift Vacuum is a maintenance process in Amazon Redshift that helps in reclaiming space and sorting data in tables. It plays a crucial role in improving query performance and reducing storage costs. The VACUUM command is a vital tool for database administrators as it provides a sustainable solution to common database issues such as long-running queries and updates.

  • Reclaiming Space: The Vacuum process helps in reclaiming space that is wasted by deleted or updated rows. This can significantly reduce storage costs.
  • Sorting Data: Vacuum sorts the data in the tables which can improve the performance of queries that rely on sorted data.
  • Improving Query Performance: By sorting data and reclaiming space, Vacuum can significantly improve the performance of queries.

When should Redshift Vacuum be used?

The frequency of using Redshift Vacuum depends on the type of queries. For instance, AWS recommends using VACUUM RECLUSTER for large tables with frequent data ingestion and queries that access only the most recent data. It is best to run VACUUM during periods of minimal activity on the cluster, such as evenings or during designated database administration windows.

  • VACUUM RECLUSTER: This is recommended for large tables with frequent data ingestion and queries that access only the most recent data.
  • Minimal Activity Periods: Running VACUUM during periods of minimal activity can help avoid performance degradation.
  • Database Administration Windows: These are designated periods when administrative tasks like Vacuuming are performed to ensure optimal database performance.

What are some best practices for using Redshift Vacuum?

Some of the best practices for using Redshift Vacuum include running VACUUM during periods of minimal cluster activity, inserting data in sortkey order, arranging sort keys of large tables for new data, and avoiding deletion or update of rows if possible. Also, it is advisable not to use interleaved sort keys when adding data to large tables.

  • Sortkey Order: Inserting data in sortkey order can improve the efficiency of the Vacuum process.
  • Arranging Sort Keys: This can help in improving the performance of queries that rely on sorted data.
  • Avoiding Deletion or Update of Rows: This can help in reducing the amount of space that needs to be reclaimed by the Vacuum process.

How does Redshift Vacuum affect performance?

The vacuuming process can affect the performance of the database while it runs. It can slow down ETL jobs and analytical queries by as much as 80%. Therefore, it is recommended to run the vacuum process during periods of minimal activity on the cluster.

  • ETL Jobs: The vacuum process can slow down ETL jobs, which are crucial for data integration.
  • Analytical Queries: These queries can also be slowed down by the vacuum process, affecting the speed of data analysis.
  • Minimal Activity Periods: Running the vacuum process during these periods can help in mitigating the performance impact.

What is the default configuration of Redshift Vacuum?

The default configuration of Redshift Vacuum is Vacuum Full. This configuration reclaims space and sorts the remaining data in the tables. The frequency of vacuuming depends on the type of queries and the size of the tables.

  • Vacuum Full: This is the default configuration that reclaims space and sorts the remaining data.
  • Frequency of Vacuuming: This depends on the type of queries and the size of the tables.
  • Type of Queries: Different types of queries may require different frequencies of vacuuming.

What is the impact of Redshift Vacuum on storage costs?

Redshift Vacuum can significantly reduce storage costs by reclaiming space that is wasted by deleted or updated rows. By sorting data and reclaiming space, Vacuum can also improve the performance of queries, thereby reducing the computational resources required and further reducing costs.

  • Reclaiming Space: This can significantly reduce storage costs by eliminating wasted space.
  • Improving Query Performance: By improving the performance of queries, Vacuum can reduce the computational resources required, thereby reducing costs.
  • Reducing Computational Resources: By improving query performance, Vacuum can reduce the need for additional computational resources, further reducing costs.
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