- A
Enable DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile
Datastream can be configured to capture DDL changes if supported by the source.
- B
Run a backfill job after each schema change
Why wrong: Backfill is for initial load, not for ongoing schema propagation.
- C
Set binlog_row_image=FULL on the MySQL source
FULL row image ensures all columns are logged, enabling detection of schema changes.
- D
Use Dataflow to detect schema changes and apply them to BigQuery
Why wrong: Dataflow can handle schema evolution but Datastream should propagate DDL directly.
- E
Set binlog_format=STATEMENT on the MySQL source
Why wrong: STATEMENT-based replication is less reliable for CDC; ROW format is required.
Question 949 of 980
PCD Practice Question: Manage a Solution that Can Span Multiple Database Systems
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of manage a solution that can span multiple database systems. 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 is using Datastream to continuously replicate data from an on-premises MySQL database to BigQuery. They notice that some schema changes (e.g., adding a column) on the source are not being propagated. Which TWO actions should they take to ensure schema changes are captured? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Enable DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile
Option A is correct because Datastream requires explicit DDL event replication to capture schema changes like adding a column. By enabling DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile, the service will monitor the MySQL binary log for DDL statements and propagate them to BigQuery. Without this setting, only DML changes (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) are replicated.
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.
- ✓
Enable DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile
Why this is correct
Datastream can be configured to capture DDL changes if supported by the source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run a backfill job after each schema change
Why it's wrong here
Backfill is for initial load, not for ongoing schema propagation.
- ✓
Set binlog_row_image=FULL on the MySQL source
Why this is correct
FULL row image ensures all columns are logged, enabling detection of schema changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use Dataflow to detect schema changes and apply them to BigQuery
Why it's wrong here
Dataflow can handle schema evolution but Datastream should propagate DDL directly.
- ✗
Set binlog_format=STATEMENT on the MySQL source
Why it's wrong here
STATEMENT-based replication is less reliable for CDC; ROW format is required.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Dataflow can handle schema detection and evolution, but in this context, Datastream is the service responsible for capturing and applying DDL changes from the source database.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Datastream reads the MySQL binary log in row-based format (binlog_format=ROW) to capture incremental changes. DDL events are recorded in the binary log as Query events, and enabling DDL replication instructs Datastream to parse these events and apply corresponding schema changes to BigQuery. A common real-world scenario is adding a column to a source table; without DDL replication, Datastream will continue writing rows with the old schema, causing BigQuery to reject or misalign new data.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCD question test?
Manage a Solution that Can Span Multiple Database Systems — This question tests Manage a Solution that Can Span Multiple Database Systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile — Option A is correct because Datastream requires explicit DDL event replication to capture schema changes like adding a column. By enabling DDL event replication in the Datastream connection profile, the service will monitor the MySQL binary log for DDL statements and propagate them to BigQuery. Without this setting, only DML changes (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) are replicated.
What should I do if I get this PCD 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCD 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 PCD exam.
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