PCDE Migrate data solutions Practice Question
A company is migrating an on-premises PostgreSQL database to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL. They need to ensure minimal downtime and maintain ongoing replication until cutover. Which approach should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud tests the distinction between one-time export/import tools (pg_dump, pg_basebackup) and managed continuous replication services (DMS), trapping candidates who assume any backup tool can be adapted for ongoing sync without understanding Cloud SQL's connectivity and managed service limitations.
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
✓
Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job.
Database Migration Service (DMS) with a continuous migration job is the correct approach because it supports minimal-downtime migrations from on-premises PostgreSQL to Cloud SQL by using PostgreSQL's native logical replication. DMS handles the initial one-time data load and then continuously replicates ongoing changes until you are ready to cut over, meeting the requirement for minimal downtime and ongoing replication.
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 replica of the on-premises PostgreSQL and use pg_basebackup to stream to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
pg_basebackup is for physical replication, not supported for Cloud SQL PostgreSQL.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job.
Why this is correct
DMS automates migration with continuous CDC replication, reducing downtime and providing monitoring.
- ✗
Export using pg_dump with --no-owner and --no-acl flags, then manually configure logical replication slots.
Why it's wrong here
Manually configuring logical replication slots is complex and error-prone; DMS simplifies this.
- ✗
Use pg_dump to export the database and import it into Cloud SQL, then set up application-level dual writes.
Why it's wrong here
This approach involves manual steps and longer downtime during initial load and cutover.
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