StarRocks

Sep 3, 2026 · Databases

Querying Paimon Semi-Structured Data with StarRocks: Variant, Shredding & SQL Practices

This article explains how StarRocks queries Paimon Variant data, covering the differences between regular Parquet JSON and Variant, the three-phase read architecture, Shredding optimization for hot paths, practical SQL examples using get_variant_* functions, and a decision framework for choosing between JSON, Plain Variant, Shredded Variant, and formal typed columns.