- A
Monitor the WLM queue metrics for the query.
Why wrong: WLM metrics show queuing, not the execution plan.
- B
Check the SVV_TABLE_INFO view for table distribution and sort keys.
Why wrong: This provides table structure, not the query plan.
- C
Run the EXPLAIN command on the query to review the execution plan.
EXPLAIN reveals how Redshift will execute the query.
- D
Query the STL_QUERY system table to review the query text.
Why wrong: This shows the query but not the execution plan.
Question 1,428 of 1,730
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 data engineer is troubleshooting a slow-running query on an Amazon Redshift cluster. The query involves large table joins and aggregations. Which diagnostic step should be taken FIRST to understand the query execution plan and identify bottlenecks?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run the EXPLAIN command on the query to review the execution plan.
The EXPLAIN command is the first and most direct step to understand how Redshift plans to execute a query, including join types, data distribution, and aggregation strategies. It reveals the execution plan without running the query, allowing the engineer to identify bottlenecks like nested loop joins or missing sort key optimization before any other diagnostic step.
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.
- ✗
Monitor the WLM queue metrics for the query.
Why it's wrong here
WLM metrics show queuing, not the execution plan.
- ✗
Check the SVV_TABLE_INFO view for table distribution and sort keys.
Why it's wrong here
This provides table structure, not the query plan.
- ✓
Run the EXPLAIN command on the query to review the execution plan.
Why this is correct
EXPLAIN reveals how Redshift will execute the query.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Query the STL_QUERY system table to review the query text.
Why it's wrong here
This shows the query but not the execution plan.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often jump to checking table design (Option B) or historical logs (Option D) first, but the EXPLAIN command is the fastest way to see the actual query execution plan and pinpoint join or aggregation bottlenecks.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
WLM metrics show queuing, not the execution plan.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The EXPLAIN command outputs a plan with node types such as Hash Join, Merge Join, or Nested Loop, and shows data flow between slices. A common subtlety is that Redshift's EXPLAIN may show a 'DS_DIST_ALL_NONE' or 'DS_DIST_INNER' distribution style, which directly indicates whether large table joins will cause data redistribution across nodes—a primary cause of slow queries. In real-world scenarios, an EXPLAIN revealing a 'Nested Loop' join on large tables is a clear red flag that the query will be slow, prompting immediate redesign.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Management and Operations — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Run the EXPLAIN command on the query to review the execution plan. — The EXPLAIN command is the first and most direct step to understand how Redshift plans to execute a query, including join types, data distribution, and aggregation strategies. It reveals the execution plan without running the query, allowing the engineer to identify bottlenecks like nested loop joins or missing sort key optimization before any other diagnostic step.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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