skills.rest
ivanshamaev
ivanshamaevCOMMUNITY
Explore all skills by this author →
WebsiteGitHub

starrocks-schema-evolution

Classify StarRocks ALTER TABLE column changes as DIRECT, LINKED, or SORT.

14|1|Updated May 5, 2026
Search Tags:#dbt#data migration#schema evolution#zero downtime#starrocks#alter table#type widening
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ivanshamaev/de-agent-skills --skill starrocks-schema-evolution
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: starrocks-schema-evolution
Source: https://github.com/ivanshamaev/de-agent-skills/tree/main/group_skills/starrocks_group_skills/starrocks_schema_evolution
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ivanshamaev/de-agent-skills --skill starrocks-schema-evolution

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

StarRocks schema evolution often risks breaking downstream queries, causing downtime, or triggering unintended full rewrites when changing columns in production.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • DIRECT / LINKED / SORT change guidance: classifies ALTER TABLE COLUMN operations by whether they are metadata-only, background backfilled, or require full tablet rewrites.
  • Safe ALTER patterns for ADD/DROP/MODIFY/REORDER: covers nullable vs defaulted columns, allowed type widenings, restrictions for key columns, and safe drop constraints.
  • Operational monitoring and rollback safety: explains how to track progress via SHOW ALTER TABLE COLUMN, when to cancel jobs safely, and how to use expand-contract patterns for breaking changes and dbt model evolution.

Quick Start

Use the skill to plan and execute a zero-downtime StarRocks schema change by adding a new nullable column to a production table, monitoring the job state until FINISHED, and updating dbt settings to append new columns without dropping existing ones.

Frequently Asked Questions about starrocks-schema-evolution

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I safely alter a table in StarRocks without downtime?▼

StarRocks schema evolution minimizes downtime by classifying ALTER TABLE operations as DIRECT, LINKED, or SORT changes. Using safe patterns like adding nullable columns and monitoring with SHOW ALTER TABLE COLUMN ensures queries remain online during metadata updates or background backfills.

What are DIRECT, LINKED, and SORT changes in StarRocks column evolution?▼

DIRECT changes are metadata-only updates, LINKED changes involve background data backfillting, and SORT changes require full tablet rewrites. Classifying StarRocks ALTER TABLE COLUMN operations this way predicts operational impact and prevents unintended full rewrites in production environments.

Does StarRocks schema evolution work with dbt model workflows?▼

StarRocks schema evolution applies to dbt-managed workflows by using expand-contract patterns. This allows you to append new columns without dropping existing ones, ensuring rollback safety and preventing breaking query failures during dbt model evolution.

How do I monitor and cancel a StarRocks ALTER TABLE job?▼

Monitor StarRocks schema evolution jobs using the SHOW ALTER TABLE COLUMN command to track progress until FINISHED. You can safely cancel background jobs based on the job state, preventing disruptions during schema modifications.

What are the limitations when widening column types in StarRocks key tables?▼

StarRocks type widening is restricted for key columns across Primary Key, Unique Key, Duplicate Key, and Aggregate Key tables. Allowed widenings must follow explicit SQL patterns to avoid breaking constraints and triggering unintended full tablet rewrites.

Related Skills

Explore More Software Engineering Skills→
AltimateAIAltimateAI
792

schema-migration

Compare old and new DDL to identify data-loss risks in schema migrations.

Official
Advanced
chmonitorchmonitor
255

migration-patterns

Plan zero-downtime ClickHouse schema and data migrations withALTER TABLE, engine swaps, and batch backfills.

Official
Intermediate
RUSHYOPRUSHYOP

database-migrations

Manage database schema changes and data migrations across multiple engines and ORMs.

Community
Advanced
ivanshamaevivanshamaev
14

starrocks-ddl-table-types

Select StarRocks table key types and generate CREATE TABLE DDL.

Community
Intermediate