The correct answer is to apply column compression encoding to reduce data size. This works because Redshift compression encoding uses algorithms like AZ64 or ZSTD to shrink the amount of disk space each column occupies, which directly reduces the I/O needed when scanning large intermediate results during query execution. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that compression is a storage-level optimization that improves performance by minimizing the data read from disk, unlike sort keys which only affect data ordering or distribution keys which control data placement across nodes. A common trap is confusing compression with sort keys or WLM queues, but remember that high disk usage from intermediate results is a storage footprint issue, not a concurrency or data layout problem. Memory tip: think “compress to impress” — compression cuts disk usage and I/O, making queries faster without adding nodes.
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
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 has an Amazon Redshift cluster that stores petabytes of data. Queries are experiencing high disk usage due to large intermediate results. The data engineer needs to improve query performance without adding more nodes. Which action should the engineer take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply column compression encoding to reduce data size.
Option C is correct because compression reduces data size on disk and can improve query performance by reducing I/O. Option A is wrong because sort keys affect order, not intermediate result size. Option B is wrong because distribution keys affect data distribution, not intermediate results directly. Option D is wrong because WLM queues manage concurrency, not disk usage.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Set appropriate distribution keys to minimize data movement.
Why it's wrong here
Distribution keys reduce data shuffling but not intermediate results.
✗
Configure workload management (WLM) queues to limit concurrency.
Why it's wrong here
WLM queues manage query slots, not disk usage.
✓
Apply column compression encoding to reduce data size.
Why this is correct
Compression reduces disk footprint and I/O, improving performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Define sort keys on all columns used in WHERE clauses.
Why it's wrong here
Sort keys improve scan efficiency but not intermediate result size.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply column compression encoding to reduce data size. — Option C is correct because compression reduces data size on disk and can improve query performance by reducing I/O. Option A is wrong because sort keys affect order, not intermediate result size. Option B is wrong because distribution keys affect data distribution, not intermediate results directly. Option D is wrong because WLM queues manage concurrency, not disk usage.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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