DA0-002 Data Concepts and Environments Practice Question
A data analyst wants to retrieve data from a REST API that returns JSON. Which step is part of the data lifecycle for this activity?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse data ingestion with other lifecycle stages like data sharing or archival, especially when the question mentions retrieving data from an API, which might sound like sharing. Candidates must remember that ingestion is about bringing data in, not sending it out or storing it long-term.
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
✓
Data ingestion
Retrieving data from a REST API that returns JSON is a classic example of data ingestion, where data is acquired from an external source and brought into a system for processing or storage. This step is part of the data lifecycle's initial phase, often called data acquisition or ingestion. The other options—archival, sharing, and deletion—occur later in the lifecycle after data has been ingested and processed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Data archival
Why it's wrong here
Archival moves data to long-term storage after active use, which is not the retrieval step described. It is tempting because archival is a genuine lifecycle stage, and it would be the correct choice if the analyst were retiring inactive datasets rather than ingesting them.
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Data sharing
Why it's wrong here
Sharing distributes data to other parties after it has been collected and processed, not the act of pulling it from an API. It is tempting because sharing is a real lifecycle stage, and it would be correct if the analyst were exposing a curated dataset to external consumers.
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Data deletion
Why it's wrong here
Deletion removes data at end of life, which occurs after the retrieval described. It is tempting because deletion is a legitimate lifecycle stage, and it would be the correct choice if the analyst were purging records to satisfy retention or privacy obligations.
- ✓
Data ingestion
Why this is correct
Fetching JSON from a REST API is data acquisition into the analytics pipeline, which is the ingestion stage of the data lifecycle. The analyst is moving raw data from an external source into a repository for subsequent storage, transformation and analysis, so ingestion is the lifecycle step being performed.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This DA0-002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 DA0-002 exam.