The best questions to ask and how to answer them at a Hive interview
If you want a job that uses Hive software, the best way to show that you know how to use it is to be ready to answer questions about how it works in a clear and effective way.
This article looks at eight of the most common Hive interview questions and gives you tips and sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.
Top interview questions for Hive and how to answer them
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions in hive interviews:
- What is Apache Hive? How do you use it?
- What programs can Hive be used with?
- What is dynamic partitioning, and why would you want to use it?
- What’s the difference between managed tables and unmanaged tables?
- How and when would you change a setting with Hive commands?
- Where does Hive data get stored?
- Does the HDFS directory hold metadata as well?
- Explain how data is moved using Hive.
1.What does Apache Hive mean? How does it work?
You can talk about what you know about databases and Hive in this two-part question. When you write your answer, be sure to explain what Apache Hive is and give an example of how you would use it. This could be something you did at work or something you made up where Apache Hive was used a lot.
Consider using the STAR method to describe the situation, including what you had to do, what you did, and what happened as a result. This will help you give a full answer that shows how much you know.
“Apache Hive is a data warehouse tool that works with SQL servers to give you data and analysis on the Hadoop platform.” For one project at my old job as an engineer, I had to quickly look at information from a big graph. I used the built-in tools of the platform to sort and look for data. Apache Hive made it easy for me to share data with my team, which sped up our work.
2. What kinds of programs can be used with Hive?
This question gives you a chance to show how well you know the Hive language and how long you’ve been using it. A good answer lists the programs you can use Hive with and gives an example of when you used it with one or two of those programs.
“Hive can be used with Java, PHP, C++, Ruby, and Python. At my last job, I did a lot of different things with Java and Ruby. I found that the data I was using worked better with Ruby and Hive for one project, so I started to use that application more in Hive. After using Ruby and Hive to improve my project, I kept using them with Java because they are often still needed.
3. What is dynamic partitioning, and when would you use it?
This two-part question tests your knowledge of a certain Hive feature and asks you to connect it to a professional experience you’ve had in the past. When you practice your answer, make sure to explain what dynamic partitioning is and how you have used it before.
“Dynamic partitioning is a tool that lets you change how a program works without having to close it down first.” It is often used to fix technical problems that can be caused by fixed partitioning. At my last job, I used dynamic partitioning a lot when I had to move data and information that didn’t change from one server to another. This method helped me get fewer errors and move data quickly without being slowed down by fixed partitioning.
4.What’s the difference between managed tables and unmanaged tables?
This question also checks how well you know two commonly used Hive functions. You can explain what these terms mean and give an example of when you would use each type of table to support your answer.
“Data and schema are in charge of managed tables, but schema is in charge of external tables by itself.” When I make data tables, I often use both types of tables so that data doesn’t get lost. In one project, I changed the metadata without changing the content of the managed table by using external tables. My team and I were able to finish the project without having to re-enter all of the metadata.”
5. How and when would you change a setting with Hive commands?
This question also wants you to show what you know by using it in a certain situation. In the first part of your answer, you should answer the question about Hive commands. In the second part, you can talk about a situation from your past job or make up a situation where you would use Hive commands to change the settings.
“You can change settings in Hive by using the SET command. With this feature, you can change all kinds of settings, like write and run scripts, make tables, and delete data. I had to make a new database as part of my internship. I used the SET command to change the Hive settings because I wanted to set the properties of each graph so I could add data tables.
6. Where does Hive data get stored?
When answering this question, think about how and where Hive data is stored and why it’s important to know where it is. Your answer will have a reason behind it, and it can help to relate it to work you’ve done in the past.
Example: “By default, Hive data is stored in an HDFS directory, which stands for Hadoop Distributed File System. But, as I did a lot at my last job, you can better organize your data by telling the configuration parameter feature where it should be stored. Using this feature, my team and I were able to organize our data in a way that made it easy for employees who aren’t tech-savvy to get to it.
7. Does the database also hold metadata?
This question about a database is related to the last one. It tests how well you understand how the Hive system for storing database information works. In the first part of your answer, answer the question. In the second part, give an example of when you have used metadata storage before.
Example: “Metadata are not stored in the HDFS directory because this directory is meant to have low latency.” Instead, the metadata is kept in the RDBMS directory, also called the MetaStore, where it can be retrieved later if needed. My team and I made sure that the metadata was sent to the RDBMS director by default. This kept our data stored and organized.
8. Explain how data is moved using Hive.
This question wants you to explain from a technical point of view how Hive moves data from one place to another. In the same way as the other questions, explain the process and then give an example of when you used it in your work to show that you understand it.
When using Hive to move data from HDFS to Hive, the data is moved with a single command. When I do this task, I often use a table from somewhere else. I tell the computer what the table is and then move it. This makes it easy to move data between programs, which improves efficiency and shortens the time it takes to enter data.
How to get a job interview
Here are some more tips to help you prepare for your upcoming Hive interview:
Look over your work for college.
At a Hive interview, you’ll be asked a lot of technical questions based on what you’ve learned in college. Reviewing your college work can help you remember what you learned about the Hive.
Find out about the job before you apply for it.
Knowing the job’s specific requirements and duties can also help you get ready for your interview. Connecting your answers to important parts of the job can show that you are even more interested in the role.
Say your answers out loud.
You can hear how your interview answers sound if you say them out loud before the big day. This step can help you feel more sure of yourself and get your answers in order at the same time.
Hive will give you something new to try.
It can also help to get better at using the Hive. Spend a few hours with the program and try out as many commands as you can.
