Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
ORC can speed up analytical queries by reading only the columns a query needs, compressing and encoding values efficiently, and using statistics to skip data that cannot match a filter. Those benefits depend on the reader, query, data layout, and writer settings; ORC is a file format, not a query engine, and it is not automatically faster for every workload.
How ORC’s layout reduces work
An ORC file is organized as a sequence of stripes. Each stripe contains an index section, a data section, and a stripe footer. Within those sections, streams are organized by column, while the file tail holds metadata, a footer, and a postscript with information such as the format version and compression.
Because columns are stored separately, a reader can select the streams for requested columns instead of reading every field in each row. A query that needs only a few fields from a wide table can therefore avoid reading much of the file. The exact reduction depends on the data, encoding, compression, and reader.
Stripes contain whole rows and can be read independently with the file footer and postscript. That organization allows work to be divided across tasks and lets readers target selected stripes and columns. Apache’s background documentation gives 64 MB as a stated default stripe size; the Java configuration reference lists 67,108,864 bytes. This is a configurable implementation setting, not a required size for every ORC file. See the Apache ORC background and Java configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why ORC can read less data
Column projection
Column projection means selecting only the fields a query needs. For example, an aggregate that reads a date and a sales amount from a table containing many other fields may avoid reading the streams for those other columns. This is especially useful for analytical scans over wide tables; it does not eliminate the work of reading the selected columns.
Type-aware encoding and compression
ORC can encode data according to its type and pattern. Its original specification describes dictionary encoding for repeated values, bit packing for compact integer representations, and run-length and delta encodings for suitable data. General-purpose compression can then reduce stream sizes further. Fewer stored bytes can mean less input to read, although decompression uses CPU and the most suitable codec depends on the environment and workload.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Codec defaults vary by writer and version. Apache’s Java configuration documentation lists ZSTD as the default codec for the configuration it describes; that setting should not be treated as a universal default for all ORC writers. The ORC Specification v0 describes encodings, and the Java configuration reference documents its settings.
Recommended Free Tools
Statistics, indexes, and predicate pushdown
Predicate pushdown lets a query engine use a filter earlier in the read process. ORC statistics at file, stripe, and row-group scope can indicate that a region cannot match a predicate. For instance, if a query asks for dates within a range, a stripe whose recorded minimum and maximum dates lie entirely outside that range can be skipped.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Row-index entries provide statistics and positions within streams for more targeted access. Apache’s v1 specification describes the row-index stride as writer-controlled, with a documented default maximum of 10,000 rows per entry; Apache’s background documentation also describes row groups at a 10,000-row granularity. This is a default, not an immutable format constant. The Apache ORC indexes documentation explains index levels and pruning, while the v1 specification describes the format details.
These statistics help only when the query engine translates the filter and the reader uses the available metadata. Pruning tends to be more useful when a filter is selective and the data distribution produces statistics that distinguish matching from nonmatching regions.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When ORC’s advantages matter most
- Queries read a small share of a wide schema: column projection avoids unrelated column streams.
- Values have patterns that encode or compress well: smaller streams can reduce I/O, subject to decompression costs.
- Filters exclude substantial regions: useful statistics can let a capable reader skip stripes or row groups.
- Readers and writers are configured compatibly: supported format versions and settings determine which metadata and features are available.
The gains may be smaller for full-row scans, weakly selective filters, or data whose statistics do not identify skippable regions. Codec costs, data distribution, writer settings, and engine implementation also affect performance.
ORC is a format, not the query engine
ORC defines how data and metadata are stored. The software reading the file determines whether it can exploit column selection, indexes, and pushed-down filters. Apache documents Java and C++ libraries for reading and writing ORC, and Hive documents ORC in its own context and settings. Consult the relevant Hive ORC manual and the ORC specification overview for the versions and capabilities in use.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Apache’s specification overview lists v0 and v1 as released and describes v2 as work in progress. Libraries can detect format versions, and writers can produce older versions for compatibility with older readers. Check the reader and writer versions deployed in your environment before relying on a particular version or feature.
How to judge ORC performance fairly
There is no single speed result that applies to every ORC workload. A useful comparison with another analytical format should hold constant the engine versions, hardware, storage, compression settings, file sizes, schema, and data distribution. It should also use the same selected columns, filter selectivity, and warm- or cold-cache conditions. Include write workloads when they matter, rather than judging solely by read speed.
An empirical evaluation of columnar storage formats reports that performance and space efficiency vary with workload configuration; it does not establish a universal ORC-versus-Parquet ranking. See An Empirical Evaluation of Columnar Storage Formats. Test representative queries using the versions and settings you plan to deploy.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
