- A
Store each JSON field as a separate column.
Why wrong: This defeats the purpose of JSON flexibility and leads to schema changes.
- B
Store JSON in an nvarchar(max) column and use JSON_VALUE in queries.
SQL Server's JSON support allows querying inside nvarchar(max) columns.
- C
Use a TEXT column with no indexing.
Why wrong: TEXT columns cannot be indexed efficiently for JSON queries.
- D
Store JSON as a binary column and parse in application.
Why wrong: This adds application complexity and doesn't leverage database JSON functions.
Question 744 of 1,000
PCDE Design and implement database schemas Practice Question
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of design and implement database schemas. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company uses Cloud SQL for SQL Server. They want to store JSON data in a column and query it efficiently. What should they do?
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
✓
Store JSON in an nvarchar(max) column and use JSON_VALUE in queries.
Cloud SQL for SQL Server supports JSON functions like JSON_VALUE to extract and query data from JSON stored in nvarchar(max) columns. This allows efficient querying without schema changes, leveraging SQL Server's built-in JSON support. Option B is correct because it uses the recommended data type and function for JSON storage and querying in SQL Server.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store each JSON field as a separate column.
Why it's wrong here
This defeats the purpose of JSON flexibility and leads to schema changes.
- ✓
Store JSON in an nvarchar(max) column and use JSON_VALUE in queries.
Why this is correct
SQL Server's JSON support allows querying inside nvarchar(max) columns.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a TEXT column with no indexing.
Why it's wrong here
TEXT columns cannot be indexed efficiently for JSON queries.
- ✗
Store JSON as a binary column and parse in application.
Why it's wrong here
This adds application complexity and doesn't leverage database JSON functions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may mistakenly think Cloud SQL for SQL Server requires a separate JSON column type (like MySQL's JSON), but SQL Server stores JSON in nvarchar(max) and uses JSON_VALUE for querying. TEXT columns lack JSON function support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SQL Server's JSON functions (JSON_VALUE, JSON_QUERY, OPENJSON) work directly on nvarchar(max) columns, enabling indexing via computed columns or full-text indexes for faster queries. A subtle behavior is that JSON_VALUE returns NULL if the path is invalid, which can lead to silent failures if not handled with ISNULL or JSON_QUERY for objects/arrays. In real-world scenarios, this approach allows partial updates using JSON_MODIFY without rewriting the entire JSON string.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDE question test?
Design and implement database schemas — This question tests Design and implement database schemas — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store JSON in an nvarchar(max) column and use JSON_VALUE in queries. — Cloud SQL for SQL Server supports JSON functions like JSON_VALUE to extract and query data from JSON stored in nvarchar(max) columns. This allows efficient querying without schema changes, leveraging SQL Server's built-in JSON support. Option B is correct because it uses the recommended data type and function for JSON storage and querying in SQL Server.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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