- A
Use gcloud spanner instances move to change the region of the existing instance.
Why wrong: There is no 'move' command; you must backup and restore to a new instance.
- B
Create a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region.
Backup/restore is the recommended method for moving a Spanner database between regions.
- C
Create a read replica in the target region and promote it after replication catches up.
Why wrong: Spanner does not support cross-region read replicas for migration; it uses backups/restores.
- D
Use gcloud command 'gcloud spanner databases export' to export the database to CSV files, then import into the new instance.
Why wrong: Export/import is not the recommended approach for full database migration; backup/restore is simpler and faster.
PCDOE Manage Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of manage database solutions. 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.
You have a Cloud Spanner database that needs to be migrated from one region to another. You want to ensure no data loss and minimal downtime. Which approach should you use?
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 a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region.
Option B is correct because Cloud Spanner does not support in-place region changes or read replicas in different regions. The only supported method to migrate a Cloud Spanner database between regions with no data loss and minimal downtime is to create a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region. This approach ensures a consistent snapshot of the data and allows you to plan the cutover window to minimize downtime.
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 gcloud spanner instances move to change the region of the existing instance.
Why it's wrong here
There is no 'move' command; you must backup and restore to a new instance.
- ✓
Create a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region.
Why this is correct
Backup/restore is the recommended method for moving a Spanner database between regions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a read replica in the target region and promote it after replication catches up.
Why it's wrong here
Spanner does not support cross-region read replicas for migration; it uses backups/restores.
- ✗
Use gcloud command 'gcloud spanner databases export' to export the database to CSV files, then import into the new instance.
Why it's wrong here
Export/import is not the recommended approach for full database migration; backup/restore is simpler and faster.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that Cloud Spanner supports cross-region read replicas like other databases (e.g., Cloud SQL or MySQL), but Spanner's architecture uses a single regional or multi-region instance configuration with synchronous replication, not promotable replicas.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is no 'move' command; you must backup and restore to a new instance.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud Spanner backups are stored in the same region as the instance and can be restored to any instance in a different region, leveraging Google's global network for fast data transfer. The backup captures a point-in-time consistent snapshot using Spanner's TrueTime API, ensuring no data loss. During migration, you can create the backup, restore it to the new instance, and then perform a final incremental sync (if needed) using change tracking or application-level cutover to minimize downtime.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDOE question test?
Manage Database Solutions — This question tests Manage Database Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region. — Option B is correct because Cloud Spanner does not support in-place region changes or read replicas in different regions. The only supported method to migrate a Cloud Spanner database between regions with no data loss and minimal downtime is to create a backup of the database and restore it to a new instance in the target region. This approach ensures a consistent snapshot of the data and allows you to plan the cutover window to minimize downtime.
What should I do if I get this PCDOE 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 PCDOE 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 PCDOE exam.
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