Delta Detection of Source Data for Snowflake

The detection of changes (often referred to as "delta detection") is essential for effectively managing updates in Snowflake. This method involves using Amazon S3 as an interim staging area, where CSV files are updated by the source system. These CSV files serve as the foundation for delta detection and for making subsequent updates in Snowflake tables.

Implementation Steps

Step 1: EazyDI Pipeline Configuration

1. Source Connector:

   • Choose a source connector and configure the Connection Object

2. S3 Connector as Target:

   • Define an S3 connector as the target in your pipeline.

   • Specify the Connection object (CSV File) where we will store the data from the source

3. Continue with the field mapping and save the pipeline

Step 2: Staging for Delta Detection in Snowflake

1. CSV Files in S3:

   • CSV files updated by the source systems are deposited into the designated S3 bucket and folder.

   • These files serve as the staging area for delta detection.

Step 3: Snowflake Integration

1. Create Snowflake Tables:

   • Define Snowflake tables that mirror the structure of the CSV files stored in S3.

   • Ensure that primary keys or unique identifiers are established to facilitate delta detection.

2. Load Data from S3 to Snowflake:

   • Use Snowflake's COPY INTO command to load data from the S3 staging area into Snowflake tables.

   • Specify the S3 path and file format (e.g., CSV) in the command.

   • see https://docs.snowflake.com/en/user-guide/data-load-s3-copy

Step 4: Delta Detection and Updates

1. SQL for Delta Detection:

   • Implement SQL scripts in Snowflake to detect and apply deltas:

   • Adjust the SQL script based on your table structure and primary key columns.

   • see https://docs.snowflake.com/en/sql-reference/sql/merge

MERGE INTO snowflake_table AS target
USING (
    SELECT * FROM @s3_stage_path/csv_file
) AS source
ON target.primary_key = source.primary_key
WHEN MATCHED THEN
    UPDATE SET target.column1 = source.column1, target.column2 = source.column2
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
    INSERT (primary_key, column1, column2)
    VALUES (source.primary_key, source.column1, source.column2);

Considerations

• Automation: Set up automated scheduled pipelines in EazyDI and Snowflake workflows to regularly execute the pipeline and delta detection process..

Implementing delta detection using S3 as a Snowflake stage and merging statements in Snowflake provides an efficient method for managing data updates. This approach ensures data integrity and accuracy while leveraging Snowflake's capabilities for handling large datasets.

By leveraging an EazyDI to extract data from source systems, depositing updated CSV files into an S3 staging area, and implementing delta detection in Snowflake, you can efficiently manage data updates and ensure accuracy in your analytical processes. This approach provides a scalable and robust solution for integrating disparate data sources into Snowflake for analysis and reporting.