Which storage type is optimized for analytical queries in SAP HANA?

The column store is optimized for analytical queries in SAP HANA due to its ability to efficiently handle large volumes of data and perform complex calculations. Unlike the row store, which organizes data in rows, the column store organizes data in columns. This format allows for better compression and minimizes the amount of data read during query execution, particularly for analytical workloads that often involve aggregations and scanning through large datasets.

When executing analytical queries, data is typically accessed in a way that favors reading specific columns rather than entire rows. The columnar storage allows for quick access to the relevant columns, leveraging techniques such as vectorized processing and parallel execution. This results in more efficient CPU usage and faster query performance.

In contrast, the other storage types like row store, object store, and file store serve different purposes. The row store is more suited for transactional workloads where fast, single record access is important, while object and file stores are generally used for storing unstructured or semi-structured data rather than for conducting high-performance analytical queries. Thus, the column store is the optimal choice for analytics in SAP HANA.