What capability does Delta Lake provide regarding data processing?

Delta Lake uniquely offers the capability to unify streaming and batch data processing, enhancing the versatility of data workflows. By allowing both types of data to be processed in a consistent manner, Delta Lake addresses the common challenges of managing real-time and historical data together. This unification means users can seamlessly process and analyze data as it arrives (streaming) and also handle larger, historical datasets simultaneously (batch), all within the same architecture.

Furthermore, this capability is crucial for modern data applications where timely insights are essential, as it enables organizations to streamline their data pipelines and reduce complexity. The integration of streaming and batch processing helps maintain data integrity and allows for more efficient data handling, minimizing the need for separate systems or frameworks for each processing mode.

The other options do not accurately reflect the advantages of Delta Lake. For instance, the notion that it only supports batch processing is incorrect since it actively combines both streaming and batch. Additionally, Delta Lake does not simply replace traditional databases; rather, it enhances and provides additional capabilities on data lakes. Lastly, the assertion that it does not support ACID transactions is false, as Delta Lake is well-known for providing these critical guarantees, ensuring reliable data handling and consistency.