Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PCDE Practice Question: Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies
A Cloud Bigtable cluster is currently using HDD storage. The team wants to switch to SSD for better performance. What is the correct approach?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common misconception is that you can update storage type on an existing cluster or that deleting a cluster preserves data in the instance. However, in Cloud Bigtable, storage type is immutable per cluster and data is tied to the cluster's existence.
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
✓
Create a new cluster in the same instance with SSD, then delete the old HDD cluster.
In Cloud Bigtable, storage type is a property of the cluster, not the instance. You cannot change the storage type of an existing cluster. The correct approach is to add a new cluster with SSD storage to the same instance, then delete the original HDD cluster. This allows you to migrate without data loss or downtime, as data is replicated across clusters in the same instance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a new cluster in the same instance with SSD, then delete the old HDD cluster.
Why this is correct
Correct. A Bigtable instance can have multiple clusters; add a new SSD cluster, replicate data, then remove the HDD cluster.
- ✗
Use the gcloud bigtable clusters update command with the --storage-type flag.
Why it's wrong here
The storage type cannot be updated; a new cluster must be created.
- ✗
Export the table to Cloud Storage, delete the instance, create a new one with SSD, and import.
Why it's wrong here
This approach works but is more disruptive. The recommended method is to add a new cluster to the same instance.
- ✗
Delete the existing cluster and recreate it with SSD. Data is retained in the instance.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting a cluster removes the data; you need a new cluster in the same instance or a new instance.
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This PCDE 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 PCDE exam.