The correct actions are to run VACUUM to reclaim space and re-sort data, and to run ANALYZE to update table statistics for the query optimizer. VACUUM directly addresses performance degradation caused by data fragmentation and unsorted rows after heavy INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE operations, while ANALYZE ensures the Redshift query planner has accurate distribution and sort key statistics to generate efficient execution plans. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that performance tuning in Redshift begins with maintenance operations, not scaling or encryption changes—a common trap is confusing scaling actions like adding nodes with optimization actions. Remember that VACUUM sorts and reclaims, while ANALYZE updates stats for the planner; a useful mnemonic is “VACUUM for space, ANALYZE for pace.”
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. 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 is using Amazon Redshift for data warehousing. The database administrator needs to optimize query performance. Which TWO actions should the administrator take? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Analyze the tables to update statistics for the query optimizer.
Options B and D are correct. Running VACUUM reclaims space and re-sorts data, improving performance. Analyzing tables updates statistics for the query optimizer. Option A is incorrect because increasing the number of nodes improves performance but is not an optimization action; it's a scaling action. Option C is incorrect because disabling compression reduces performance. Option E is incorrect because enabling encryption does not directly affect query performance.
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.
✗
Increase the number of nodes in the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling up improves performance but is not an optimization action; it increases cost.
✓
Analyze the tables to update statistics for the query optimizer.
Why this is correct
Updated statistics help the optimizer choose efficient query plans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable encryption for the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not improve query performance.
✗
Disable compression on the tables to reduce CPU overhead.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling compression can degrade performance and increase storage costs.
✓
Run the VACUUM command to reclaim space and re-sort data.
Why this is correct
VACUUM improves performance by reorganizing data and reclaiming space.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 DBS-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.
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Analyze the tables to update statistics for the query optimizer. — Options B and D are correct. Running VACUUM reclaims space and re-sorts data, improving performance. Analyzing tables updates statistics for the query optimizer. Option A is incorrect because increasing the number of nodes improves performance but is not an optimization action; it's a scaling action. Option C is incorrect because disabling compression reduces performance. Option E is incorrect because enabling encryption does not directly affect query performance.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-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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