Is HDFS Required When Using MapR Converged Data Platform?

MapR offers its own file system as part of its MapR Converged Data Platform, making HDFS unnecessary. This decision is strategic, as it provides a rich set of capabilities that HDFS cannot offer. In this article, we will explore why HDFS is not required when using MapR and what benefits this choice brings to users.

Understanding HDFS

Apache Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) is a distributed file system that supports very large files and provides high throughput access to application data. However, it has certain limitations, such as limited file operations and inadequate support for traditional file system features like Posix and Native NFS. This is where HDFS falls short compared to MapR's file system.

The MapR File System

MapR's file system is designed to address these limitations and offer a more robust and flexible data storage solution. It is native to the MapR Converged Data Platform and provides a range of advanced capabilities without the need for HDFS.

Advantages of the MapR File System

Ease of Use: With the MapR File System, users can operate on files directly within the platform, eliminating the need to manually copy files to and from the system. For example, the command vi /mapr/myfile.txt allows users to modify files directly without extracts. Performance: The MapR File System is optimized for high-performance data access, providing superior read and write speeds compared to HDFS. Compatibility: The MapR File System is fully compatible with standard file system APIs, making it easy to integrate with existing applications and tools. Security: The platform includes robust security features, ensuring data integrity and compliance with strict security policies.

Comparison with HDFS

Unlike HDFS, the MapR File System supports native NFS and Posix, providing a true POSIX-compliant file system. This means it can be used directly by any application that supports standard file system operations, making it highly versatile and user-friendly.

Native NFS and Posix Support

The MapR File System provides Native NFS and Posix capabilities, which are not available in Apache HDFS. These features include:

File System Operations: The ability to perform file system operations like creating, renaming, and deleting files without the need for distributed applications or extra components. Access Control: Fine-grained access control and security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive data. User Experience: A traditional command-line interface (CLI) and graphical user interface (GUI) that are familiar to system administrators and developers.

Integration with Applications

The flexibility of the MapR File System allows applications to read and write files just like they do with any standard file system. This seamless integration means that there is no need to modify existing applications to work with the MapR File System, thus reducing the time and effort required for migration.

Conclusion

MapR delivers a powerful and flexible file system that goes beyond the limitations of HDFS. By providing a native solution that integrates seamlessly with existing applications and supporting advanced features like Posix and Native NFS, MapR sets a new standard for data management in modern data platforms.

Is HDFS required when using MapR? The answer is a clear no. MapR’s file system offers more, making it the preferred choice for organizations seeking a robust, performant, and user-friendly data storage solution.

For more information on how to get started with the MapR Converged Data Platform, visit our Resource Center.