Databricks-DA-Assoc Executing Queries with Databricks SQL Practice Question
A data analyst is exploring a large Delta table named sales in the Databricks SQL query editor. Before writing a detailed report, the analyst wants to quickly view the first 10 rows to understand the column names and data types. Which SQL statement should the analyst execute?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse metadata commands like DESCRIBE with data-returning queries, assuming they provide sample rows.
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
✓
SELECT * FROM sales LIMIT 10;
The analyst needs to preview actual rows from the sales table to understand its structure and content. Using SELECT * with LIMIT 10 retrieves a small sample efficiently. Other options return metadata or invalid syntax, none of which provide the required row-level data. This approach is standard for initial data exploration in Databricks SQL.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SHOW TABLES IN default LIKE 'sales';
Why it's wrong here
SHOW TABLES lists tables in a schema and can filter by name, but it returns only metadata about the table, not its contents. It does not show any rows or column values. The analyst needs to see sample data, so this command is inappropriate for the task.
- ✗
DESCRIBE EXTENDED sales;
Why it's wrong here
DESCRIBE EXTENDED returns metadata such as column names, data types, and table properties, but it does not return any data rows. The analyst wants to see actual values to understand the data, not just the schema. While useful for schema inspection, it fails to satisfy the requirement of viewing the first 10 rows.
- ✗
SELECT * FROM sales WHERE row_number <= 10;
Why it's wrong here
There is no built-in column named row_number in a Delta table unless explicitly defined. This query would fail with an unresolved column error or return no rows if such a column existed but was not populated. It does not provide a reliable way to limit rows and is not valid syntax for previewing data.
- ✓
SELECT * FROM sales LIMIT 10;
Why this is correct
This statement returns the first 10 rows from the sales table, allowing the analyst to inspect column names and sample values without scanning the entire table. LIMIT restricts the result set to 10 rows, which is efficient for a quick preview. It is the standard way to preview data in Databricks SQL and works on Delta tables without extra configuration.
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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 Databricks exam blueprint
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