Databricks-DA-Assoc Executing Queries with Databricks SQL Practice Question
Which DDL statement is used to remove a table's data and metadata permanently from the catalog?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse DROP TABLE with TRUNCATE TABLE, forgetting that DROP completely removes the table metadata and catalog entry along with the underlying files.
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
✓
DROP TABLE table_name
The DROP TABLE command is the definitive way to delete both the table metadata and the underlying data files. In a production environment, this is a destructive action that requires careful consideration. Knowing the difference between TRUNCATE (which clears data but keeps the schema) and DROP (which removes everything) is critical for maintaining data integrity and preventing the accidental loss of important organizational assets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
TRUNCATE TABLE table_name
Why it's wrong here
TRUNCATE removes all records from a table but leaves the table structure, schema, and metadata intact. It is a DDL command that resets the table to an empty state, but it does not remove the table object itself from the catalog, meaning the table is still defined and accessible.
- ✗
DELETE FROM table_name
Why it's wrong here
The DELETE command removes rows based on a WHERE clause. Without a WHERE clause, it removes all rows. However, it is a DML operation, not DDL. It does not remove the table object from the catalog. It is slower than TRUNCATE because it logs each row deletion for transaction consistency.
- ✓
DROP TABLE table_name
Why this is correct
DROP TABLE is the DDL command that permanently removes both the metadata of the table from the Unity Catalog and the underlying data files from the storage location. It is the correct operation for fully decommissioning a table that is no longer needed in the environment.
- ✗
REMOVE TABLE table_name
Why it's wrong here
The 'REMOVE' command does not exist in standard Databricks SQL. It is not a recognized DDL or DML keyword. Using this will result in a syntax error. Analysts should always use 'DROP' when the goal is to permanently delete a table object and all its associated data from the environment.
About these practice questions
One of 291 original Databricks-DA-Assoc practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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
This Databricks-DA-Assoc practice question is part of Courseiva's free Databricks 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 Databricks-DA-Assoc exam.