apache / apache/datafusion

Introduce version-specific behavior in Spark expressions

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#21,698 2 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
enhancement
Dominant language
Rust
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Description

### Is your feature request related to a problem or challenge?

Many Spark expressions have different behavior across Spark versions. This is especially the case when comparing Spark `3.x` and `4.x` where there are many breaking changes.

I think it is important to start addressing this in the Spark-compatible expressions in DataFusion.

fwiw, the approach we take in Comet is that each expression has a `getSupportLevel` method that can return `Compatible`, `Incompatible(reason)`, or `Unsupported`. These methods are context-aware based on Spark version, Spark configuration (e.g. ANSI mode enabled/disabled), and the specific arguments being passed to the expression. Here is an example:

```scala
override def getSupportLevel(expr: Reverse): SupportLevel = {
if (containsBinary(expr.child.dataType)) {
Incompatible(Some("reverse on array containing binary is not supported"))
} else {
Compatible(None)
}
}
```

We also have a shim layer where we can implement different code per Spark version. This was necessary for Comet because there are API changes in Spark between versions and we need to compile per-version. It is simpler for DataFusion because we can just pass the Spark version (or some other flags) into the expression constructor.

### Describe the solution you'd like

_No response_

### Describe alternatives you've considered

_No response_

### Additional context

_No response_

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reading DataFusion’s Spark-compatible expressions and the Comet getSupportLevel example described in the issue. Map how Spark version, configuration, and expression arguments would reach expression constructors, then define the affected behavior and support levels. Done means the version-specific behavior is implemented consistently for the selected expressions.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
rust, spark
Domain
data
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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