> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blockdb.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Databricks Delta Share

> Consume BlockDB blockchain datasets natively in Delta format via Databricks Unity Catalog — no ETL or file handling required.

## Benefits

* Zero-copy sharing: BlockDB exposes tables through Delta Sharing so you query them from any Databricks workspace (or other compatible client).
* Unity Catalog integration: Access is enforced via share-level permissions, keeping audits centralized.
* Supports both archive snapshots and incremental change data (`table_changes()`), ideal for lakehouse pipelines.

## Getting Connected

1. Provide your Unity Catalog metastore ID and share invite email to [support@blockdb.io](mailto:support@blockdb.io).
2. BlockDB sends a Delta Share invitation (e.g., `blockdb_archive`).
3. Accept the share in Databricks:

```sql theme={null}
CREATE SHARE IF NOT EXISTS blockdb_archive SHARE_ID 'xxxxxxxx-xxxx';
CREATE RECIPIENT IF NOT EXISTS blockdb_team USING IDENTITY 'your-uc-principal';
GRANT USAGE ON SHARE blockdb_archive TO RECIPIENT blockdb_team;
```

4. Create a catalog in your workspace to expose the shared tables.

## Table Layout

* Each dataset (blocks, transactions, pricing, etc.) appears as a Delta table with the same schema as `/BlockDb.Postgres.Tables.Public`.
  -, `_tracing_id`, `_created_at`, `_updated_at`, and verification columns are preserved.
* Change data can be accessed via:

```sql theme={null}
SELECT * FROM table_changes(blockdb_archive.blocks_0101, 'latest');
```

## Operational Guidance

* Use Auto Loader or streaming jobs to merge the shared tables into your production catalogs if you need custom partitioning.
* Monitor `_updated_at` and compare against [Data Freshness](/data-catalog/overview/data-freshness) commitments.
* Keep an eye on Unity Catalog grants to ensure only intended principals can read the shared datasets.

<Callout icon="lightbulb" color="#3B82F6" iconType="regular">
  If you also rely on cloud buckets (S3/Azure/GCS), Delta Share can coexist—use it for analytics while buckets feed downstream archival storage.
</Callout>