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 company is running a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance for an e-commerce application. They need to enable point-in-time recovery (PITR) with a 7-day retention period. What configuration steps must be taken?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often mistakenly think that enabling automated backups in Cloud SQL automatically sets the retention period for point-in-time recovery (PITR) to 7 days. However, you must explicitly configure backup retention using the gcloud command to retain WAL logs for the desired duration. Additionally, some confuse the process with MySQL binary logging, but PostgreSQL uses WAL archiving for PITR.
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
✓
Enable WAL archiving and configure backup retention to 7 days using gcloud sql instances patch --backup-retention-days 7.
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL uses Write-Ahead Log (WAL) archiving to enable point-in-time recovery (PITR). You must enable automated backups (which automatically enables WAL archiving) and then set the backup retention period to 7 days using the `gcloud sql instances patch --backup-retention-days 7` command. This ensures that WAL logs are retained for the specified duration, allowing PITR within that window.
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 cross-region backup replica with a 7-day retention.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region replicas provide disaster recovery but do not enable PITR.
- ✓
Enable WAL archiving and configure backup retention to 7 days using gcloud sql instances patch --backup-retention-days 7.
Why this is correct
Correct. WAL archiving is needed for PITR, and backup retention is set via the flag.
- ✗
Enable binary logging and set backup retention to 7 days.
Why it's wrong here
Binary logging is for MySQL, not PostgreSQL.
- ✗
Enable automated backups with a 7-day retention; WAL archiving is automatic.
Why it's wrong here
WAL archiving is not automatic; it must be explicitly enabled via the flag.
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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.