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Question 296 of 1,446

PCDE Practice Question: Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies

A company wants to migrate from an on-premises MySQL database to Cloud SQL. They need to minimize downtime and ensure data consistency. Which two steps should they include in the migration plan? (Choose TWO.)

⚠ Common exam trap

Google Cloud exams often test the misconception that a simple import/export (like mysqldump) is sufficient for minimal downtime, but the key is that continuous replication (via DMS) is required to keep the target synchronized during the migration window.

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

Set up continuous replication from the on-premises database to the Cloud SQL instance using Database Migration Service

Database Migration Service (DMS) supports continuous replication using MySQL binary logs, enabling a near-zero-downtime migration by keeping the Cloud SQL instance synchronized with the on-premises database until cutover. Option D is correct because taking a consistent snapshot (e.g., using mysqldump with --single-transaction or a storage-level snapshot) at cutover ensures data consistency and provides a fallback point if the migration fails.

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 read replica in the same region for validation before cutover

    Why it's wrong here

    A read replica is for read scaling, not migration.

  • Use Cloud SQL's import functionality to load a mysqldump file

    Why it's wrong here

    This would cause downtime and is not minimal; continuous replication is better.

  • Set up continuous replication from the on-premises database to the Cloud SQL instance using Database Migration Service

    Why this is correct

    DMS supports continuous replication to minimize downtime.

  • Take a consistent snapshot of the on-premises database at the time of cutover

    Why this is correct

    A consistent snapshot ensures data integrity before switching over.

  • Disable binary logging on the on-premises database to reduce overhead

    Why it's wrong here

    Binary logging is required for replication; disabling it would break replication.

Visual reference

Client Server SYN (seq=100) SYN-ACK (seq=200, ack=101) ACK (ack=201) Connection established — data transfer begins

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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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