It helps query performance, and doesn't hurt load performance. Sorting the data is a way to keep all the data relevant to a query in the same place, like a clustered index, but even better. If the projection is sorted well, Vertica can quickly grab the data relevant to a query, without reading the rest. All data in Vertica is sorted by something; this is important to the efficiency of housekeeping, just like how you keep your personal possessions in places you can easily find. So, you might as well make your sort order one that is good for predicates first, joins and grouping second, and compression third. Or let the database designer do it for you!
Answers
It helps query performance, and doesn't hurt load performance. Sorting the data is a way to keep all the data relevant to a query in the same place, like a clustered index, but even better. If the projection is sorted well, Vertica can quickly grab the data relevant to a query, without reading the rest. All data in Vertica is sorted by something; this is important to the efficiency of housekeeping, just like how you keep your personal possessions in places you can easily find. So, you might as well make your sort order one that is good for predicates first, joins and grouping second, and compression third. Or let the database designer do it for you!