Databricks-Spark-Assoc Spark Architecture and Components Practice Question
A Spark application is submitted to a Databricks cluster. The application uses a broadcast variable to distribute a small lookup table to all Executors. Which component is responsible for broadcasting this variable?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that Executors or the Cluster Manager handle broadcasting, but the Driver is the component that initiates and manages broadcast variables.
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
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The Driver
Broadcast variables are created on the Driver via the SparkContext. The Driver serializes the variable and distributes it to all Executors, where it is cached. This mechanism reduces data transfer by avoiding sending the variable with each task. The Driver is the initiator and manager of this process, while Executors are recipients. The Cluster Manager and DAG Scheduler are not involved in broadcasting data.
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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The Driver
Why this is correct
Broadcast variables are created on the Driver and then distributed to Executors. The Driver serializes the variable and sends it to each Executor, where it is cached for read-only use. This avoids shipping a copy with every task. The Driver initiates the broadcast and manages its distribution, making it the correct component.
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The DAG Scheduler
Why it's wrong here
The DAG Scheduler creates stages and tasks but does not manage broadcast variables. Broadcast variables are handled by the SparkContext's broadcast manager. The DAG Scheduler's focus is on task scheduling and stage division, not data distribution. Thus, this option is incorrect.
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The Cluster Manager
Why it's wrong here
The Cluster Manager allocates resources and launches Executors, but it does not handle data distribution like broadcast variables. Broadcast variables are managed by the SparkContext on the Driver and sent directly to Executors. The Cluster Manager has no role in broadcasting data, so this option is incorrect.
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The Executors
Why it's wrong here
Executors receive broadcast variables but do not initiate the broadcast. They cache the variable locally for tasks to access. The Driver is responsible for creating and distributing the broadcast variable. Executors simply use it. Therefore, this option is incorrect because it reverses the roles.
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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-Spark-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-Spark-Assoc exam.