Question 617 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 an e-commerce application on Cloud SQL for MySQL. They need to recover the database to a specific point in time 15 minutes ago after an accidental data deletion. What must be configured beforehand?
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCDOE exam often tests the misconception that automated backups alone are sufficient for point-in-time recovery, but candidates must recognize that binary logging and a PITR retention period are required to replay transactions beyond the last snapshot.
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
✓
Configure binary logging and set a PITR retention period
Point-in-time recovery (PITR) in Cloud SQL for MySQL relies on binary logging (binlog) to capture all write operations. To recover to a specific moment (e.g., 15 minutes ago), you must enable automated backups (which provide the base restore point) and configure binary logging with a retention period that covers the desired recovery window. Option C correctly specifies both requirements: binary logging must be enabled, and a PITR retention period (e.g., 1–7 days) must be set to retain the necessary binlog files for replay.
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 replica for failover
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region replica provides disaster recovery but not PITR capability.
- ✗
Enable automated backups only
Why it's wrong here
Automated backups provide daily snapshots but not point-in-time granularity.
- ✓
Configure binary logging and set a PITR retention period
Why this is correct
Binary logging is required for PITR, and the retention period determines how far back you can recover.
- ✗
Set up an on-demand backup every hour
Why it's wrong here
On-demand backups are snapshots at a point in time, but they don't enable PITR to an arbitrary time.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on PCDE
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company runs an e-commerce platform on Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL. They need to perform point-in-time recovery (PITR) to recover from a user error that occurred 30 minutes ago. Which configuration is required to enable PITR?
medium- ✓ A.Enable automated backups and configure a retention of 1-7 days; PITR uses WAL archiving automatically.
- B.Enable binary logging and set a backup retention of 1-7 days.
- C.Set up cross-region backup replicas and configure a retention of 1-7 days.
- D.Enable PITR by setting the 'pitr_enabled' flag to true in the database flags.
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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