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Apache Kudu

kudu.apache.org

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Spec score 8.1 #11 of 27 in Columnar Databases

What it is

Apache Kudu is an open-source distributed storage engine for analytics on rapidly changing data. It combines fast inserts and updates with efficient columnar scans in one storage layer. Tables use strongly typed columns and primary keys, allowing reads, updates, and deletes by key, with millisecond-scale access to individual rows. Java, C++, and Python APIs are provided, and frequently used integrations include Apache Impala, Apache NiFi, Apache Spark SQL, and Presto. Kudu runs on Linux, stores data in the Linux filesystem, and recommends ext4 or XFS for storage directories. Raft replicates tablet operations, while clients can use strict snapshot consistency. Security options include Kerberos authentication, TLS for authenticated internal connections, and fine-grained Apache Ranger authorization. It is self-hosted, supports Parquet, and is free under the Apache 2.0 license. Kudu is not designed as an OLTP system and does not currently support automatic record deletion through a time-to-live property. The listed latest release is 1.18.1, released January 9, 2026.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Apache Kudu is an open source distributed data storage engine for fast analytics on rapidly changing data.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Deployment
Kudu stores data on the Linux filesystem and recommends ext4 or XFS for storage directories.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Integrations
The project lists Apache Impala, Apache NiFi, Apache Spark SQL, and Presto among its frequently used integrations.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Security
Kudu supports Kerberos authentication, TLS for authenticated internal connections, and fine-grained authorization using Apache Ranger policies.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Support
The project points users to documentation, mailing lists, and its chat room for help; training may be offered by third-party vendors.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Founded
2015Read 28 Sep 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Access
Kudu supports millisecond-scale access to individual rows and provides Java, C++, and Python APIs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Consistency
Kudu uses Raft consensus to replicate tablet operations and provides strict snapshot consistency to clients that require it.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Data model
Kudu stores tables with strongly typed columns and primary keys, and supports reading, updating, or deleting rows by primary key.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Not an OLTP system
The overview says Kudu is not designed as an OLTP system.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Notable limitation
The FAQ says Kudu does not currently support automatic record deletion through a time-to-live property.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Release
The releases page lists Kudu 1.18.1, released January 9, 2026, as the latest release.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org
Storage model
Kudu combines fast inserts and updates with efficient columnar scans in one storage layer.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org

Plans and prices

Apache Kudu Free Apache 2.0 licensed open source Read 8 Oct 2026 · kudu.apache.org

Every Apache Kudu plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Fast inserts and updates with columnar scans
  • Millisecond-scale individual-row access
  • Java, C++, and Python APIs
  • Raft replication and snapshot consistency
  • Apache 2.0 open-source licensing

Limits

  • Not designed for OLTP workloads
  • No automatic TTL-based record deletion
  • Requires self-hosted Linux deployment
  • Storage directories require filesystem planning

Who it suits

Kudu suits teams building self-hosted Linux analytics systems for data that changes frequently. It is intended for workloads needing keyed row access alongside columnar analytical scans.

Verdict

Kudu provides a focused storage layer for mutable analytical data, with typed tables, keyed operations, integrations, and security controls. Its self-hosted Linux model and lack of TTL deletion make workload and operations fit important considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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