Databricks
Language: PySpark + Python
Pipeline: Spark + Delta Lake + Unity Catalog
Orchestration: Lakeflow Jobs
Governance: Unity Catalog
AI: MLflow + Genie + Assistant
Cost: Cluster-based billing
Best for: ML-heavy workloads, complex streaming
VS
Snowflake
Language: SQL + Snowpark Python
Pipeline: Streams + Tasks + External Stages
Orchestration: Snowflake Tasks
Governance: Snowflake Horizon
AI: Cortex LLM functions
Cost: Warehouse credits + storage
Best for: SQL-first teams, BI dashboards