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A compute pool determines the compute resources allocated to process your queries within a data plane. When you execute a query, the compute pool controls how much processing power is available and whether those resources are shared with other users or dedicated to your workload. Compute pools are one of the four dimensions of your execution context, alongside data plane, database, and schema.

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Compute pool types

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Dedicated

Dedicated compute pools provide isolated resources reserved for your workloads. Your queries don’t compete with other users for processing power, which results in more predictable performance. Use dedicated compute pools when:
  • Running production workloads where performance consistency matters
  • Processing large or complex queries that need guaranteed resources
  • Operating time-sensitive pipelines where latency must stay predictable

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Shared

Shared compute pools use pooled resources across multiple users. This is more cost-effective but means your query performance may vary depending on current platform load. Use shared compute pools when:
  • Running exploratory queries or ad-hoc analysis
  • Developing and testing queries before promoting to production
  • Working with smaller datasets where performance variability is acceptable

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Default

Default is a Snowflake-specific compute pool type where the platform manages resource allocation through Snowflake’s native warehouse system. This is the standard option for Snowflake-based data planes.

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Which compute pools are available

The compute pool options available to you depend on your data plane’s underlying provider:
ProviderAvailable compute poolsNotes
SnowflakeDefaultPlatform-managed via Snowflake warehouses
Narrative (shared AWS)Dedicated, SharedChoose based on workload requirements
Customer AWSDedicated, SharedChoose based on workload requirements
You select your compute pool through the context selector in the platform’s top navigation.

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When to use each type

ScenarioRecommended poolWhy
Production data pipelinesDedicatedPredictable performance, no resource contention
Ad-hoc data explorationSharedCost-effective for variable, low-priority workloads
Testing queries before productionSharedSaves dedicated resources for production use
Time-sensitive audience buildsDedicatedGuaranteed resources ensure timely completion
Snowflake data planesDefaultOnly option available; Snowflake manages resources natively

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How compute pools relate to the SDK

When executing queries through the TypeScript SDK, the execution_cluster parameter maps to the compute pool concept: 
const result = await api.executeNql({
  nql: 'SELECT _nio_id, _nio_updated_at FROM company_data."my_dataset" LIMIT 100',
  data_plane_id: null,
  execution_cluster: { type: 'dedicated' },
});
The execution_cluster.type accepts 'dedicated' or 'shared', corresponding directly to the Dedicated and Shared compute pool types. If omitted, the data plane’s default compute pool is used.

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Related content

Execution Context

How data plane, compute pool, database, and schema work together

Data Planes

Where your data lives and is processed

Executing NQL Queries

Run queries programmatically with the TypeScript SDK