- A
Create a stored generated column as the index key.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Creating a stored generated column as the index key does not interleave the index with the base table; it merely includes additional computed columns in the index.
- B
Use a hash index instead of a secondary index.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Cloud Spanner does not support hash indexes; it uses global secondary indexes. A hash index would not achieve interleaving.
- C
Use the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause when creating the index.
Correct. The `INTERLEAVE IN` clause interleaves the index rows with the parent table's rows, improving join performance for parent-child relationships.
- D
Add `spanner_interleave_in_parent = true` in the index creation.
Why wrong: Incorrect. `spanner_interleave_in_parent = true` is not a valid option in Cloud Spanner. The correct syntax uses the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause.
PCDE Interleaved Index Practice Question
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of optimising service performance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: interleaved Index. 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 team is using Cloud Spanner and wants to create a secondary index that is stored with the base table data to avoid interleaved joins. Which option should they use when creating the index?
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 `INTERLEAVE IN` clause when creating the index.
To create a secondary index that is stored interleaved with the base table (the parent table), use the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause in the `CREATE INDEX` statement. This stores the index rows interleaved with the parent table's rows, optimizing joins between the parent and child tables by avoiding distributed queries. Option D suggests a non-existent option `spanner_interleave_in_parent`; it is not valid Cloud Spanner syntax. Option A (stored generated column) does not affect interleaving, and Option B (hash index) is not a supported index type in Cloud Spanner.
Key principle: Interleaved Index
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 stored generated column as the index key.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Creating a stored generated column as the index key does not interleave the index with the base table; it merely includes additional computed columns in the index.
- ✗
Use a hash index instead of a secondary index.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Cloud Spanner does not support hash indexes; it uses global secondary indexes. A hash index would not achieve interleaving.
- ✓
Use the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause when creating the index.
Why this is correct
Correct. The `INTERLEAVE IN` clause interleaves the index rows with the parent table's rows, improving join performance for parent-child relationships.
Related concept
Interleaved Index
- ✗
Add `spanner_interleave_in_parent = true` in the index creation.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. `spanner_interleave_in_parent = true` is not a valid option in Cloud Spanner. The correct syntax uses the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The incorrect option D uses a made-up syntax that resembles a table option; candidates may falsely assume it is the correct method.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Interleaved Index
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
Interleaved Index
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Interleaved Index Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review interleaved Index, then practise related PCDE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDE question test?
Optimising Service Performance — This question tests Optimising Service Performance — Interleaved Index.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause when creating the index. — To create a secondary index that is stored interleaved with the base table (the parent table), use the `INTERLEAVE IN` clause in the `CREATE INDEX` statement. This stores the index rows interleaved with the parent table's rows, optimizing joins between the parent and child tables by avoiding distributed queries. Option D suggests a non-existent option `spanner_interleave_in_parent`; it is not valid Cloud Spanner syntax. Option A (stored generated column) does not affect interleaving, and Option B (hash index) is not a supported index type in Cloud Spanner.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Review interleaved Index, then practise related PCDE questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Interleaved Index
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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