What command should be executed regularly to remove unused files in a lakehouse?

Running the VACUUM command is essential for maintaining an efficient lakehouse environment. This command is specifically designed to remove unused files that may have accumulated over time. In data management systems, especially those dealing with large datasets like the lakehouse architecture, files can often become obsolete due to data deletions or updates. The VACUUM command helps reclaim storage space by cleaning up these unnecessary files, ensuring that your data storage remains optimized.

Regularly executing the VACUUM command not only aids in managing disk space but can also improve query performance by reducing the amount of data that needs to be scanned during operations. This is particularly critical in data environments where continuous data ingestion and deletion occur, as it helps maintain overall system performance and efficiency.

While the other commands mentioned may have their own roles—like COMPACT for merging files and managing storage, DELETE for removing specific data entries, and CLEANUP, which may refer to various cleanup tasks depending on context—they do not specifically target the removal of unused files in the same way that VACUUM does. Thus, for the particular task of regularly deleting unused files, VACUUM is the most appropriate and effective choice.