Top Open Source Alternatives to OLAP Query Engines TrinoDB, PrestoDB, AWS Athena and StarBurst

Albert Wong
2 min readMar 26, 2024

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Top Open Source Alternatives to OLAP Query Engines TrinoDB, PrestoDB, AWS Athena and StarBurst

TrinoDB, PrestoDB, AWS Athena and StarBurst are all popular open-source OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) query engines that allow you to analyze large datasets stored in various data sources. But they’re not the only game in town. Several other open-source options offer similar functionality and might be a better fit for your specific needs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top open-source alternatives to TrinoDB, PrestoDB, and StarBurst. We’ll discuss their key features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which option is right for you.

  1. ClickHouse:
  • A columnar database management system known for its blazing-fast query speeds and exceptional data compression capabilities.
  • ClickHouse excels at handling massive datasets, making it ideal for real-time analytics and operational intelligence.
  • It boasts a SQL-like query language that facilitates easy integration with existing workflows.

2. DuckDB:

  • A lightweight, embedded analytical database offering exceptional performance for smaller to medium-sized datasets.
  • DuckDB is particularly well-suited for data exploration and prototyping due to its in-memory processing capabilities.
  • Its familiar SQL interface makes it a breeze for developers to learn and use.

3. StarRocks:

  • A high-performance, distributed OLAP engine designed for large-scale data warehousing and analytics. It also supports all the major open table formats like Apache Iceberg, Apache Hudi, Apache Hive, Apache Paimon and Delta Lake.
  • StarRocks offers strong MPP (Massively Parallel Processing) capabilities, allowing it to handle complex queries across vast datasets efficiently.
  • It seamlessly integrates with various BI tools and provides a user-friendly web interface for managing and querying data.

Choosing the Right Alternative

The best open-source alternative to TrinoDB, PrestoDB, and StarBurst depends on your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Data Volume and Velocity: How much data do you need to handle, and how quickly does it change? ClickHouse excels at real-time analytics, while StarRocks is better suited for massive data warehouses and uses cases where performant JOINS are needed.
  • Query Complexity: The complexity of your analytical queries plays a role. DuckDB shines with simpler queries, while StarRocks handles intricate ones efficiently.
  • Technical Expertise: Consider your team’s familiarity with SQL and database management. Both ClickHouse and DuckDB offer user-friendly interfaces. StarRocks emulates the mysql wire protocol.

Conclusion

TrinoDB, PrestoDB, and StarBurst are great open-source OLAP engines, but they’re not the only options available. By considering the alternatives mentioned above and evaluating your specific requirements, you can find the perfect open-source solution for your data analysis needs.

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Albert Wong
Albert Wong

Written by Albert Wong

#eCommerce #Java #Database #k8s #Automation. Hobbies: #BoardGames #Comics #Skeet #VideoGames #Pinball #Magic #YelpElite #Travel #Candy

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