- A
Use Cloud SQL federated query to read Parquet from GCS
Why wrong: Cloud SQL federated query reads Cloud SQL databases, not GCS files.
- B
Create an external table definition using a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs
External table definitions point to GCS, query data in place.
- C
Use the bq load command with --source_format=PARQUET
Why wrong: bq load loads data into BigQuery permanently, not external.
- D
Set up BigLake to create a BigQuery external table
Why wrong: BigLake adds governance, but a simple external table doesn't require BigLake.
Question 275 of 1,000
PDE Storing the Data Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of storing the data. 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 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?
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
Option B is correct because creating an external table definition with a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs allows BigQuery to query Parquet data directly from Cloud Storage without loading it. BigQuery natively supports Parquet as an external data source, and the schema can be auto-detected or explicitly defined via a JSON file. This approach avoids data ingestion costs and keeps the data in its original location.
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 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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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 it's wrong here
BigLake adds governance, but a simple external table doesn't require BigLake.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When you define an external table in BigQuery with Parquet files, BigQuery uses the BigQuery Storage API to read the columnar data directly from Cloud Storage, leveraging Parquet's schema and compression (e.g., Snappy, Gzip). The JSON schema file is optional if you enable schema auto-detection, but explicitly defining it ensures type consistency and avoids schema inference errors. In real-world scenarios, this is ideal for querying large datasets that are updated frequently in Cloud Storage, as changes to the underlying Parquet files are immediately reflected without needing to reload.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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.
- →
Storing the Data — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Storing the Data — This question tests Storing the Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an external table definition using a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs — Option B is correct because creating an external table definition with a JSON schema file referencing Cloud Storage URIs allows BigQuery to query Parquet data directly from Cloud Storage without loading it. BigQuery natively supports Parquet as an external data source, and the schema can be auto-detected or explicitly defined via a JSON file. This approach avoids data ingestion costs and keeps the data in its original location.
What should I do if I get this PDE 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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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