The answer is to add a FULLTEXT index on the content column and to use MySQL’s built-in full-text search feature. These two choices are appropriate because a FULLTEXT index is specifically designed for efficient word-based searching within large text fields, enabling MySQL’s internal full-text search engine to rank results by relevance, while the built-in feature provides the query syntax—like MATCH...AGAINST—to leverage that index. On the Google Professional Cloud Database Engineer exam, this question tests your understanding of schema design for Cloud SQL MySQL, particularly the distinction between search-optimized indexing and inefficient alternatives like LIKE clauses or external storage. A common trap is confusing normalization or external services with in-database full-text capabilities. Remember the memory tip: “FULLTEXT for full-text” — if you need to search words inside a column, the index name tells you the tool.
PCDE Design and implement database schemas Practice Question
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of design and implement database schemas. 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.
Your team is designing a schema for Cloud SQL (MySQL) for a content management system. You need to implement full-text search on article content. Which TWO schema design choices are appropriate? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Cloud SQL's built-in full-text search feature.
Options A and D are correct. A FULLTEXT index (A) and MySQL's built-in full-text search feature (D) are two ways to enable full-text search. Option B is normalization, not search. Option C (LIKE) is inefficient and not full-text. Option E (Cloud Storage) is not a schema design within Cloud SQL.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the LIKE operator with wildcards for pattern matching.
Why it's wrong here
LIKE with wildcards is inefficient and not a full-text search solution.
✗
Store article content in a Cloud Storage bucket and query metadata.
Why it's wrong here
This is external to Cloud SQL and not a schema design choice.
✗
Normalize content into a separate table and use joins.
Why it's wrong here
Normalization does not enable full-text search.
✓
Use Cloud SQL's built-in full-text search feature.
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL for MySQL supports full-text search via FULLTEXT indexes and MATCH AGAINST queries.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Add a FULLTEXT index on the content column.
Why this is correct
A FULLTEXT index enables efficient text search queries.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PCDE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Design and implement database schemas — This question tests Design and implement database schemas — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud SQL's built-in full-text search feature. — Options A and D are correct. A FULLTEXT index (A) and MySQL's built-in full-text search feature (D) are two ways to enable full-text search. Option B is normalization, not search. Option C (LIKE) is inefficient and not full-text. Option E (Cloud Storage) is not a schema design within Cloud SQL.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PCDE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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