- A
Store the output path as a Cloud Composer variable.
Why wrong: Variables are global and not scoped to a specific DAG run; they are not intended for task-to-task data sharing.
- B
Publish the output path to a Pub/Sub topic and subscribe in the next task.
Why wrong: Pub/Sub is overkill for simple data passing; XComs or GCS are simpler.
- C
Write the output path to a Cloud Storage object and read it in the next task.
Cloud Storage is a durable store that both tasks can access.
- D
Use BigQuery as an intermediary to store the output path.
Why wrong: BigQuery is a data warehouse, not designed for passing small variables.
- E
Use Airflow XComs to push the output path from the Spark task and pull it in the BigQuery task.
XComs are designed for passing small data between tasks.
PDE Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of maintaining and automating data workloads. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 company uses Cloud Composer to orchestrate a data pipeline that includes Dataproc Spark jobs and BigQuery load operations. You need to pass the output file path from the Spark job to the next BigQuery task in the DAG. Which two mechanisms can you use to share data between tasks? (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
Write the output path to a Cloud Storage object and read it in the next task.
Airflow XComs allow tasks to exchange small amounts of data (e.g., file paths) by pushing and pulling values. Cloud Storage can be used as an intermediate store: the Spark job writes output to GCS, and the BigQuery task reads from that location. BigQuery does not directly communicate with Dataproc. Cloud Composer variables are for global configuration, not task-to-task. Pub/Sub is not needed for simple file path sharing.
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.
- ✗
Store the output path as a Cloud Composer variable.
Why it's wrong here
Variables are global and not scoped to a specific DAG run; they are not intended for task-to-task data sharing.
- ✗
Publish the output path to a Pub/Sub topic and subscribe in the next task.
Why it's wrong here
Pub/Sub is overkill for simple data passing; XComs or GCS are simpler.
- ✓
Write the output path to a Cloud Storage object and read it in the next task.
Why this is correct
Cloud Storage is a durable store that both tasks can access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use BigQuery as an intermediary to store the output path.
Why it's wrong here
BigQuery is a data warehouse, not designed for passing small variables.
- ✓
Use Airflow XComs to push the output path from the Spark task and pull it in the BigQuery task.
Why this is correct
XComs are designed for passing small data between tasks.
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 PDE 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.
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Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — This question tests Maintaining and Automating Data Workloads — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Write the output path to a Cloud Storage object and read it in the next task. — Airflow XComs allow tasks to exchange small amounts of data (e.g., file paths) by pushing and pulling values. Cloud Storage can be used as an intermediate store: the Spark job writes output to GCS, and the BigQuery task reads from that location. BigQuery does not directly communicate with Dataproc. Cloud Composer variables are for global configuration, not task-to-task. Pub/Sub is not needed for simple file path sharing.
What should I do if I get this PDE question wrong?
Identify which PDE 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.
About these practice questions
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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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