The answer is to create a read replica of the Cloud SQL instance and point analytical queries to the replica. This approach is correct because Cloud SQL read replicas are designed to offload analytical queries from the primary instance, ensuring that heavy reporting workloads do not degrade transactional performance, even when data is updated frequently. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this scenario tests your understanding of database scaling patterns and the distinction between synchronous replication for high availability and asynchronous replication for read offloading. A common trap is confusing read replicas with export/import workflows or assuming a different database like Cloud Spanner is needed, but the key is that Cloud SQL natively supports replicas for this exact use case. Remember the memory tip: “Replica for reads, primary for deeds”—if the workload is read-heavy and analytical, a read replica is the direct, low-latency solution.
PCD Integrating Google Cloud services Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of integrating google cloud services. 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 uses Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL and wants to run periodic analytical queries on the data without impacting the transactional workload. The data is updated frequently. Which integration approach is most suitable?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a read replica of the Cloud SQL instance and point analytical queries to the replica.
Option B is correct because Cloud SQL read replicas allow offloading read queries without affecting the primary instance's performance. Option A is wrong as export/import is batch and not real-time. Option C is wrong because Cloud Spanner is a different database. Option D is wrong because Cloud Composer is an orchestration tool, not a direct solution.
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.
✗
Use Cloud Composer to schedule ETL jobs that copy data to BigQuery every minute.
Why it's wrong here
Too complex and frequent ETL may still impact the primary instance.
✗
Migrate the database to Cloud Spanner and use strong reads for analytics.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Spanner is a different product; migration is costly and unnecessary for this use case.
✗
Export the Cloud SQL data to Cloud Storage and then load into BigQuery for analysis.
Why it's wrong here
This is batch and introduces latency, not suitable for frequently updated data requiring near real-time analysis.
✓
Create a read replica of the Cloud SQL instance and point analytical queries to the replica.
Why this is correct
Read replicas handle read traffic without impacting the main database's write performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Integrating Google Cloud services — This question tests Integrating Google Cloud services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a read replica of the Cloud SQL instance and point analytical queries to the replica. — Option B is correct because Cloud SQL read replicas allow offloading read queries without affecting the primary instance's performance. Option A is wrong as export/import is batch and not real-time. Option C is wrong because Cloud Spanner is a different database. Option D is wrong because Cloud Composer is an orchestration tool, not a direct solution.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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