Question 29 of 1,446
PCDE Design and implement database schemas Practice Question
A team is migrating an on-premises PostgreSQL database to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL. The existing schema uses a large number of foreign key constraints and triggers for data validation. The team wants to minimize migration effort and maintain data integrity. Which schema design approach is most appropriate for Cloud SQL?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume managed cloud databases require schema simplification or NoSQL conversion, but Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL is a direct lift-and-shift target that preserves all relational features like foreign keys and triggers.
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
✓
Keep the existing foreign keys and triggers as-is in Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL
Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL is fully compatible with the PostgreSQL engine, meaning foreign key constraints and triggers operate identically to on-premises PostgreSQL. This approach minimizes migration effort by preserving the existing schema logic and maintaining referential integrity without requiring application changes or data validation rewrites.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Keep the existing foreign keys and triggers as-is in Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL supports these features, minimizing migration effort.
- ✗
Migrate to Cloud Spanner and use interleaved tables to simulate foreign keys
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Spanner does not support triggers and interleaved tables are not a direct replacement.
- ✗
Remove all foreign keys and triggers and implement validation in the application layer
Why it's wrong here
Increases application complexity and risk of data inconsistency.
- ✗
Convert the schema to use Firestore in Datastore mode with composite indexes
Why it's wrong here
Firestore is NoSQL and does not support foreign keys or triggers.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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