Implementing soft delete functionality in Azure Table Storage presents challenges due to its schema-less design and lack of built-in support for this feature. Key strategies to address these challenges include:
1. Adding a “Deleted” property: Introduce a boolean property, such as “IsDeleted,” to flag deleted records without removing them from the table. This requires updating queries to filter out soft-deleted records.
2. Timestamp-based approach: Use a nullable “DeletedAt” timestamp property instead of a boolean flag. This provides additional information about when the record was deleted and allows for time-based retention policies.
3. Partition key considerations: Ensure that partition keys remain unique even after soft deletion. One option is appending a GUID or timestamp to the original partition key upon deletion.
4. Garbage collection: Periodically remove soft-deleted records based on business requirements or retention policies. Implement a background process or Azure Function to perform this task.
5. Indexing and performance: Soft-deleted records can impact query performance and storage costs. Monitor and optimize indexing strategies accordingly.
6. Backup and restore: Consider backup and restore scenarios when implementing soft delete, ensuring that both active and soft-deleted records are included in backups if necessary.
