PDE Storing the Data Practice Question
A data engineer wants to create a BigQuery external table that queries data stored in Parquet format in Cloud Storage without loading the data into BigQuery. Which approach is correct?
⚠ Common exam trap
The Google Professional Data Engineer exam often tests the distinction between loading data (bq load) and creating external tables (bq mk --external_table_definition), where candidates mistakenly choose the load command because they think it can also create external references.
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
✓
Create an external table definition using a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs
Creating an external table definition with a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs is a valid direct way to query Parquet data without loading. BigLake (option D) is also a valid approach: BigLake tables are external tables over Cloud Storage that BigQuery can query without loading, with additional governance features. Therefore both B and D are correct. Option A is Cloud SQL, not BigQuery; option C loads data into BigQuery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use Cloud SQL federated query to read Parquet from GCS
Why it's wrong here
Cloud SQL federated query reads Cloud SQL databases, not GCS files.
- ✓
Create an external table definition using a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs
Why this is correct
External table definitions point to GCS, query data in place.
- ✗
Use the bq load command with --source_format=PARQUET
Why it's wrong here
bq load loads data into BigQuery permanently, not external.
- ✓
Set up BigLake to create a BigQuery external table
Why this is correct
BigLake adds governance, but a simple external table doesn't require BigLake.
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This PDE 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 PDE exam.