Presto Encountering the UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE error in Presto.

The data type used is not supported by Presto.

Resolving the UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE Error in Presto

Understanding Presto

Presto is a distributed SQL query engine designed for running interactive analytic queries against data sources of all sizes. It is widely used for its ability to query data where it lives, including Hive, Cassandra, relational databases, or even proprietary data stores. Presto is optimized for high performance and scalability, making it a popular choice for data analysis tasks.

Identifying the Symptom

When working with Presto, you might encounter the UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE error. This error typically occurs when you attempt to use a data type that Presto does not recognize or support. The error message might look something like this:

Query failed: Unsupported data type: XYZ_TYPE

Common Scenarios

This error often arises when integrating with external systems or when migrating data from other databases that use proprietary or uncommon data types.

Exploring the Issue

The UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE error indicates that Presto's SQL engine does not support the data type specified in your query. Presto has a defined set of supported data types, and using any type outside this set will result in an error. This can be particularly challenging when dealing with complex data structures or custom types from other systems.

Why It Happens

Presto is designed to be extensible, but it still has limitations on the data types it can process. This is often due to the underlying architecture and the need to maintain compatibility and performance across different data sources.

Steps to Resolve the Issue

To resolve the UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE error, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Unsupported Data Type

Review your query and identify the data type causing the issue. Check the data type definitions in your source system and compare them with Presto's supported data types.

2. Modify the Data Type

If possible, modify the data type in your query to a supported type. For example, if you're using a custom type, consider converting it to a standard type like VARCHAR or INTEGER.

3. Update Presto

Ensure that you are using the latest version of Presto, as newer versions may include support for additional data types. Check the release notes for updates.

4. Use a Custom Connector

If the data type is essential and cannot be changed, consider developing a custom connector or UDF (User Defined Function) to handle the data type. This requires advanced knowledge of Presto's plugin architecture.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively address the UNSUPPORTED_DATA_TYPE error in Presto. Always ensure that your data types are compatible with Presto's capabilities, and stay updated with the latest developments in Presto's data type support.

For further assistance, consider reaching out to the Presto community or consulting the official documentation.

Never debug

Presto

manually again

Let Dr. Droid create custom investigation plans for your infrastructure.

Book Demo
Automate Debugging for
Presto
See how Dr. Droid creates investigation plans for your infrastructure.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid