I am not able to access the delta path after creating the delta table in the Azure databricks.

Question

I am using Pay-as-you-go subscription and I am working on Azure databricks. In Databricks, when Delta table crated , we could see the storage location from the catalog explorer. But, when trying to see the details by accessing path, I am coming across the following error message.

"AnalysisException: INVALID_PARAMETER_VALUE: Invalid input: RPC CheckPathAccess Field managedcatalog.CheckPathAccess.path: Input URI is not a valid UC Path"

I see the storage location as Managed Identity's storage account. This will gets created when creating the Azure data bricks service. can't we access these locations?

Thanks in advance!, Appreciate your help.

Answer 1

@Sudarsan Akula - Thanks for the question and using MS Q&A forum.

You're encountering a permissions issue when trying to access the Delta table's storage location directly. This is often due to the nature of Azure Databricks' managed storage and security controls. Here are some steps to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Managed Identity: The storage account associated with your Delta table is often accessed through a managed identity. This identity has specific permissions and might not allow direct access.
2. Security Restrictions: Azure Databricks implements security measures to protect data. Direct access to storage locations might be restricted to prevent unauthorized access.

Recommended Approaches:

While direct access might be limited, here are effective ways to work with your Delta table:

1. Use Databricks SQL or Python API:
   • Querying: Use SQL queries or Python commands to directly query the Delta table.
   • Data Ingestion/Extraction: Employ Databricks' built-in data ingestion and extraction tools to interact with the table.
2. Leverage Unity Catalog:
   • Centralized Management: Use Unity Catalog to manage access control and data governance for your Delta table. Define external locations to access the storage location, but ensure appropriate permissions are granted.
3. Consider Azure Storage Explorer:
   • Visual Interface: Use Azure Storage Explorer to visualize and manage storage accounts. While it might provide some visibility, direct data manipulation might still be restricted.

By following these approaches and leveraging the capabilities of Databricks, you can effectively work with your Delta table without compromising security or encountering access issues.

Hope this helps. Do let us know if you any further queries.

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