Quick Answer
The correct answer is to run a deep copy to re-sort and reclaim disk space. A deep copy works by creating a new table with the same structure, inserting data in sort key order, then renaming the tables, which physically reorganizes the data blocks and eliminates the fragmentation that causes high disk usage—all without deleting a single row. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of Redshift’s storage mechanics versus its maintenance commands; a common trap is choosing VACUUM, which only reclaims space from deleted rows and does not reorganize existing data, or mistakenly thinking you must add nodes or change sort keys. Remember the key distinction: VACUUM cleans up dead rows, but a deep copy is the only way to fully defragment and reclaim space when no deletions have occurred. A helpful memory tip is “Deep copy digs out the dirt; VACUUM just sweeps the floor.”
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company uses Amazon Redshift for data warehousing. The data team notices that queries are slow due to high disk usage on the cluster. They need to free up space without deleting any data. What should they do?
Change the table's sort keys
Why wrong: Changing sort keys requires recreating tables and does not immediately free space.
Run a deep copy to re-sort and reclaim space
Deep copy reorganizes data and reclaims disk space effectively.
Run VACUUM command
Why wrong: VACUUM reclaims space from deleted rows but may not be sufficient.
Add more nodes to the cluster
Why wrong: This increases capacity but does not free space on existing nodes.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Run a deep copy to re-sort and reclaim space
Option B is correct because deep copy reorganizes data and reclaims disk space. Option A (VACUUM) reclaims space from deleted rows but does not reorganize. Option C (increasing node count) adds cost. Option D (changing sort keys) requires a table redesign.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Change the table's sort keys
Why it's wrong here
Changing sort keys requires recreating tables and does not immediately free space.
Run a deep copy to re-sort and reclaim space
Why this is correct
Deep copy reorganizes data and reclaims disk space effectively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Run VACUUM command
Why it's wrong here
VACUUM reclaims space from deleted rows but may not be sufficient.
Add more nodes to the cluster
Why it's wrong here
This increases capacity but does not free space on existing nodes.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Run a deep copy to re-sort and reclaim space — Option B is correct because deep copy reorganizes data and reclaims disk space. Option A (VACUUM) reclaims space from deleted rows but does not reorganize. Option C (increasing node count) adds cost. Option D (changing sort keys) requires a table redesign.
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DEA-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DEA-C01 exam.
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