Apache Iceberg Query Performance: A Practical Guide

Apache Iceberg query performance can be improved by addressing physical table degradation over time, which causes engines to scan more data than necessary, leading to slower query planning and increased costs. This guide covers two paths to optimization: intelligent continuous optimization through a control plane and the manual approach with SQL and cron. Understanding the performance machinery is essential for both approaches. To improve performance, focus on manifest list pruning, file-level data skipping, and row group pruning. Regular maintenance is key to maintaining optimal performance.