The correct answer is that the query will benefit from both the distribution key and the sort key to minimize data scanned. This is because the DISTKEY on customer_id ensures that all rows for a specific customer are co-located on the same compute node, reducing the need to shuffle data across the cluster during the join or aggregation, while the SORTKEY on order_date allows Redshift to prune entire blocks of data that fall outside the queried date range, dramatically cutting the number of rows scanned. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Redshift sortkey and distkey optimization for query performance works together—a common trap is assuming that only one key type matters, when in fact a well-designed table uses both to minimize I/O. Remember the memory tip: “Distkey for location, sortkey for selection”—the distribution key keeps related data together, and the sort key tells Redshift exactly which blocks to skip.
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
CREATE TABLE orders (
order_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
customer_id INT,
order_date DATE,
total_amount DECIMAL(10,2)
) DISTSTYLE KEY DISTKEY (customer_id) SORTKEY (order_date);
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer creates an Amazon Redshift table with the above DDL. The engineer runs a query to find all orders for a specific customer within a date range. Which statement about query performance is correct?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The query will benefit from both the distribution key and the sort key to minimize data scanned.
Option B is correct because the DISTKEY on customer_id and SORTKEY on order_date optimize the query. Option A is wrong because the query benefits from both distribution and sorting. Option C is wrong because sort key helps. Option D is wrong because distribution is already key-based.
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.
✗
The query will be inefficient because the distribution key is not the same as the sort key.
Why it's wrong here
They serve different purposes; it's fine.
✗
The table should use DISTSTYLE EVEN to improve performance.
Why it's wrong here
EVEN would cause data shuffling.
✓
The query will benefit from both the distribution key and the sort key to minimize data scanned.
Why this is correct
Distribution reduces data movement, sort key reduces data scanned.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The sort key will not help because the query filters on customer_id first.
Why it's wrong here
Sort key can still be used if the query also filters on order_date.
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: The query will benefit from both the distribution key and the sort key to minimize data scanned. — Option B is correct because the DISTKEY on customer_id and SORTKEY on order_date optimize the query. Option A is wrong because the query benefits from both distribution and sorting. Option C is wrong because sort key helps. Option D is wrong because distribution is already key-based.
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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Question Discussion
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