Question 255 of 1,446
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 runs a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance that is nearing its storage limit of 500 GB. The database administrator needs to increase storage capacity online without any downtime. What should they do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google often tests the misconception that storage increases require a restart or downtime, but Cloud SQL supports online storage scaling via the gcloud command, making options that involve shutdown or recreation incorrect.
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 the gcloud sql instances patch command with --storage-size flag
The `gcloud sql instances patch` command with the `--storage-size` flag allows you to increase the storage capacity of a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL instance online without any downtime. Cloud SQL supports live storage increases by automatically resizing the underlying persistent disk while the instance remains available, so no restart or maintenance window is required.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use the gcloud sql instances patch command with --storage-size flag
Why this is correct
Correct. The gcloud sql instances patch command can resize storage online.
- ✗
Enable automatic storage increase and wait for it to trigger
Why it's wrong here
Automatic storage increase is not a real feature; manual resize is required.
- ✗
Delete and recreate the instance with a larger disk
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary and causes downtime.
- ✗
Shut down the instance, increase the disk size, and restart
Why it's wrong here
Downtime is not required; online resize is supported.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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