apache / apache/parquet-format

[Format] Specify VARIABLE_SIZE_LIST Logical type

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Description

Arrow recently introduced [FixedShapeTensor](https://arrow.apache.org/docs/format/CanonicalExtensions.html#fixed-shape-tensor) and [VariableShapeTensor](https://arrow.apache.org/docs/format/CanonicalExtensions.html#variable-shape-tensor) canonical extension types that use FixedSizeList and StructArray(List, FixedSizeList) as storage respectfully. These are targeted at machine learning and scientific applications that deal with large datasets and would benefit from using Parquet as on disk storage.

If Arrow's List was stored as BYTE_ARRAY we would likely see reduced overhead due to reading and writing definition and repetition levels. See [discussion here](https://github.com/apache/arrow/issues/34510). It would therefore be beneficial to introduce a VARIABLE_SIZE_LIST logical type to Parquet.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reading Arrow's FixedShapeTensor and VariableShapeTensor canonical extension documentation, then review the linked Arrow discussion about BYTE_ARRAY storage and definition and repetition levels. A complete contribution would define and document the proposed VARIABLE_SIZE_LIST Parquet logical type sufficiently for format review and agreement.

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Assessment

Domain
data-engineering
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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