.orc File Extension

Optimized Row Columnar

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What is a .orc file?

ORC (Optimized Row Columnar) is a self-describing, type-aware columnar file format designed for Hadoop workloads. It is optimized for large-scale data processing and storage, offering significant improvements in performance and storage efficiency compared to traditional row-based formats like CSV or text files. ORC files store data in a columnar format, which allows for efficient retrieval of specific columns without reading the entire row. This is particularly beneficial for analytical queries that only require a subset of the data. The format also supports various compression techniques (e.g., Zlib, Snappy, LZO) to reduce storage space and I/O overhead. Furthermore, ORC files include metadata such as statistics about the data within each column, enabling query optimizers to skip irrelevant data blocks and further improve query performance. ORC is widely used in big data ecosystems like Apache Hive, Apache Spark, and Presto for storing and processing large datasets.

.orc File

Optimized Row Columnar

Compatible Software Alternatives

Software Compatibility

Windows

  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Spark
  • Presto
  • Dremio
  • Trino

macOS

  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Spark
  • Presto
  • Dremio
  • Trino

Linux

  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Spark
  • Presto
  • Dremio
  • Trino

Mobile

No mobile app information available.

Alternative File Formats

Related Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions About .orc Files

To open a .orc file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

  • Apache Hive
  • Apache Spark

Check the "Software Compatibility" section above for a complete list of programs that can open .orc files on different operating systems.

To convert a .orc file to another format, you can:

  1. Use compatible software: Many programs that open .orc files also allow saving or exporting to different formats. For example, you might try using Apache Hive or Apache Hive.
  2. Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert can transform files between formats without installing software.
  3. Convert to recommended alternatives: For .orc files, consider converting to .Parquet, .Avro, .CSV for better compatibility.
  4. Specialized conversion tools: Search for ".orc converter" to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

Note: Converting files may result in some loss of formatting, quality, or functionality depending on the compatibility between formats.

If you're having trouble opening a .orc file, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Verify the file extension is correct: Sometimes files may be incorrectly named. Make sure the file truly is a .orc file.
  2. Update your software: Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen program.
  3. Try alternative software: If one program doesn't work, try another from our compatibility list.
  4. Check for file corruption: The file might be damaged. Try to obtain a new copy if possible.
  5. Look for file converters: Converting to a more common format might help.

Like any file type, .orc files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

  • From trusted sources: Files from reputable websites, colleagues, or friends are generally safe.
  • From unknown sources: Exercise caution with files from unfamiliar websites or emails.

Safety recommendations:

  • Always scan files with antivirus software before opening them
  • Keep your operating system and applications updated
  • Be particularly cautious with executable file types

Common issues with .orc files include:

  • Compatibility problems: Older or newer versions of software may not fully support certain .orc files
  • Missing elements: Fonts, media, or other components may not transfer correctly between systems
  • File corruption: Incomplete downloads or transfer errors can damage files
  • Format variations: Different software may implement the .orc format in slightly different ways

If you're experiencing issues with a specific .orc file, you might need to:

  • Try opening it with alternative software
  • Ask the file creator to save it in a different format
  • Look for specific patches or updates for your software

Chat with AI About .orc Files

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