Cloud Digital Leader Google Cloud Products and Services Practice Question
A team wants to use a managed MySQL database that offers automatic failover, backups, and read replicas. They also need to connect from Compute Engine instances in the same region. Which service should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing managed MySQL with other Google Cloud databases; candidates may pick Cloud Spanner for its relational features, but it is not MySQL-compatible and has different scaling characteristics.
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
✓
Cloud SQL for MySQL
Cloud SQL for MySQL is a fully managed relational database service that supports MySQL, automatic failover, backups, and read replicas. It integrates natively with Compute Engine instances in the same region via private IP or Cloud SQL Auth Proxy. This matches all stated requirements.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Bigtable
Why it's wrong here
Bigtable is Google Cloud's fully managed, scalable NoSQL wide-column database designed for large analytical and operational workloads. It does not speak the MySQL protocol nor support relational constructs like joins and foreign keys. Therefore, it cannot serve as a drop-in managed MySQL database.
- ✓
Cloud SQL for MySQL
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL for MySQL is a fully managed relational database service that provides automated backups, failover, read replicas, and vertical/horizontal scaling. It is specifically engineered to be compatible with standard MySQL clients and tools, offering a familiar SQL interface and transactional guarantees. This makes it the ideal choice for teams that want a managed MySQL database without operational overhead.
- ✗
Cloud Spanner
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Spanner is a globally distributed relational database that offers external consistency and multi-region replication, which are far beyond the needs of a typical MySQL workload. It does not support the MySQL wire protocol or MySQL-specific features, so existing applications would require significant modifications. While it is relational, its breadth and cost make it overkill for a standard managed MySQL requirement.
- ✗
Firestore
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Firestore is a flexible, horizontally scaling NoSQL document database that stores data in documents and collections rather than tables with rows and columns. It lacks the SQL query language and relational constraints that applications relying on MySQL expect. Consequently, it is not a managed MySQL database but rather a serverless document store for mobile and web apps.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Choosing the Right Database on GCP
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
Cloud SQL
Cloud SQL is a fully managed relational database service that lets you set up, maintain, and scale SQL databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server) in the cloud without managing the underlying infrastructure.
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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 Google Cloud exam blueprint
This GCDL practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 GCDL exam.