Apache Drill vs Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio: What are the differences?
## Introduction
Apache Drill and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio are two distinct tools used for data querying and analysis. However, they differ in their functionalities and features.
1. **Query Language**:
Apache Drill uses SQL syntax for querying various types of data sources including relational databases, NoSQL databases, and cloud storage systems without the need for pre-defined schemas, allowing for schema-less queries. On the other hand, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio primarily focuses on querying traditional SQL Server databases with structured schemas and supports T-SQL queries.
2. **Scalability**:
Apache Drill is designed for distributed processing and can scale across a large number of nodes, enabling it to handle big data processing and analysis efficiently. In contrast, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio is more suited for smaller-scale deployments and may face limitations when dealing with extensive amounts of data across multiple nodes.
3. **Compatibility**:
Apache Drill provides seamless compatibility with a wide range of data sources such as Hadoop, MongoDB, and cloud storage like Amazon S3, making it versatile for querying different types of data sources. Conversely, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio is primarily intended for SQL Server databases and may have limited compatibility with other non-SQL sources out of the box.
4. **Real-time Data Processing**:
Apache Drill supports real-time data processing and querying, allowing users to analyze and derive insights from live data streams. In contrast, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio may have limitations in real-time data processing capabilities and is more suitable for batch processing and scheduled queries.
5. **Community Support**:
Apache Drill is an open-source project supported by a vibrant community of developers and contributors, providing frequent updates, bug fixes, and enhancements. While Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio benefits from Microsoft's support and updates, the community-driven aspect may lack in comparison to the open-source nature of Apache Drill.
6. **Cost**:
Apache Drill is free to use as it is an open-source project, making it cost-effective for organizations looking to leverage its querying capabilities. On the other hand, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio may require licensing fees for certain advanced features and functionalities, potentially adding to the overall cost of using the tool.
In Summary, Apache Drill and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio differ in their query languages, scalability, compatibility, real-time data processing capabilities, community support, and cost implications.
