Object tagging in Snowflake is a powerful metadata management feature that enables organizations to classify, organize, and govern their data assets effectively. Tags are schema-level objects that can be assigned to various Snowflake objects including databases, schemas, tables, views, columns, war…Object tagging in Snowflake is a powerful metadata management feature that enables organizations to classify, organize, and govern their data assets effectively. Tags are schema-level objects that can be assigned to various Snowflake objects including databases, schemas, tables, views, columns, warehouses, and more.
Tags consist of a tag name and an associated string value, allowing users to create meaningful classifications for their data. For example, you might create tags like 'sensitivity_level' with values such as 'public', 'confidential', or 'restricted' to categorize data based on its sensitivity.
One of the most significant benefits of object tagging is its support for data governance and compliance requirements. Organizations can track sensitive data across their Snowflake environment by applying tags that identify PII (Personally Identifiable Information), PHI (Protected Health Information), or other regulated data types. This makes it easier to maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.
Tag lineage is another valuable feature where tags applied to parent objects automatically propagate to child objects. For instance, a tag applied to a table will be inherited by all columns within that table, ensuring consistent classification throughout the hierarchy.
Tags integrate seamlessly with Snowflake's access control mechanisms. You can create tag-based masking policies that automatically apply data masking based on tag values, providing dynamic data protection. Row access policies can also leverage tags to control which rows users can access.
To create and manage tags, users need appropriate privileges including CREATE TAG, APPLY TAG, and the ability to query tag references through the TAG_REFERENCES and TAG_REFERENCES_ALL_COLUMNS functions in the Account Usage schema.
Object tagging supports data sharing scenarios by helping organizations understand what data classifications exist before sharing with other accounts. This ensures proper governance when exposing data externally through secure data sharing features.
Object Tagging in Snowflake - Complete Guide
What is Object Tagging?
Object tagging in Snowflake is a metadata management feature that allows you to assign custom key-value pairs (tags) to Snowflake objects. Tags help organizations classify, track, and govern their data assets by associating meaningful business context with database objects.
Why is Object Tagging Important?
1. Data Governance: Tags enable organizations to classify sensitive data, track compliance requirements, and implement consistent policies across the data platform.
2. Cost Management: By tagging objects, you can track resource consumption and allocate costs to specific departments, projects, or business units.
3. Data Discovery: Tags make it easier to find and understand data assets by adding business context and searchable metadata.
4. Security and Compliance: Tags can be used with tag-based masking policies to automatically protect sensitive data based on classification.
5. Lineage and Auditing: Tags propagate through lineage, helping track data as it moves through transformations.
How Object Tagging Works
Creating Tags: Tags are schema-level objects created using the CREATE TAG command: CREATE TAG cost_center ALLOWED_VALUES 'finance', 'marketing', 'engineering';
Applying Tags: Tags can be applied to objects using ALTER commands: ALTER TABLE my_table SET TAG cost_center = 'finance';
Supported Objects: Tags can be applied to: warehouses, databases, schemas, tables, views, columns, stages, pipes, streams, tasks, and more.
Tag Lineage: Tags automatically propagate from parent objects to child objects. For example, a tag on a database can be inherited by schemas and tables within it.
Querying Tags: Use the TAG_REFERENCES and TAG_REFERENCES_ALL_COLUMNS functions to find tagged objects.
Key Concepts to Remember
• Tags are schema-level objects and require a schema to exist • A single object can have multiple tags assigned • Tags support allowed values to restrict what values can be assigned • Tag-based masking policies can automatically apply data protection based on tags • The ACCOUNTADMIN role or users with CREATE TAG privilege can create tags • Use SYSTEM$GET_TAG function to retrieve tag values programmatically
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Object Tagging
1. Know the Hierarchy: Remember that tags are schema-level objects. Questions may test whether you understand where tags exist in the object hierarchy.
2. Understand Propagation: Be prepared for questions about how tags propagate through lineage. Tags flow from source columns to target columns during transformations.
3. Integration with Masking: Expect questions linking object tagging with masking policies. Tag-based masking is a powerful combination for data protection.
4. Privileges Matter: Know that creating tags requires specific privileges (CREATE TAG on the schema or higher-level privileges).
5. Allowed Values: Remember that tags can optionally have allowed values defined, which restricts what values users can assign.
6. Common Scenarios: Questions often present scenarios about compliance (PII classification), cost allocation, or data governance - connect these to tagging use cases.
7. Functions to Know: Memorize key functions: SYSTEM$GET_TAG, TAG_REFERENCES, TAG_REFERENCES_ALL_COLUMNS, and SYSTEM$GET_TAG_ON_CURRENT_COLUMN.
8. Watch for Distractors: Some answers may confuse tags with labels or comments. Tags are distinct objects with governance capabilities that comments lack.