The answer is that Azure Blob Storage lifecycle management can delete blob snapshots after a specified number of days. This is correct because lifecycle management policies allow you to define rules with actions like `deleteBlob` or `tierToCool`, and you can apply these actions to snapshots using the `daysAfterCreationGreaterThan` filter, which triggers deletion based on the snapshot’s age. On the Microsoft Azure Developer Associate AZ-204 exam, this concept tests your ability to automate cost optimization and data retention—expect scenario-based questions where you must choose the correct action and filter combination to manage infrequently accessed data or clean up old snapshots. A common trap is confusing `daysAfterModificationGreaterThan` (for base blobs) with `daysAfterCreationGreaterThan` (for snapshots); remember that snapshots are immutable, so their age is measured from creation, not modification. Memory tip: “Snapshots snap at creation, so count days after creation.”
AZ-204 Develop for Azure storage Practice Question
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of develop for azure storage. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which THREE of the following are true about Azure Blob Storage lifecycle management?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It can automatically move blobs to the Cool tier after a specified number of days.
Option B is correct because Azure Blob Storage lifecycle management policies can automatically transition blobs to the Cool tier after a specified number of days. This is achieved by defining a rule with a 'tierToCool' action and a 'daysAfterModificationGreaterThan' filter, allowing cost optimization based on data access patterns.
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.
✗
It can be defined at the container level.
Why it's wrong here
Policies apply to the entire storage account, not individual containers.
✓
It can automatically move blobs to the Cool tier after a specified number of days.
Why this is correct
Lifecycle management can move blobs to Cool or Archive tiers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
It can be applied to general-purpose v2 and Blob Storage accounts.
Why this is correct
Lifecycle management is supported on these account types.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
It can delete blob snapshots after a specified number of days.
Why this is correct
Lifecycle management can delete snapshots.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It can change the replication type of the storage account.
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think lifecycle policies can be applied at the container level (Option A) because they often use container-scoped filters, but the policy definition itself is always at the storage account level.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Lifecycle management policies are defined as JSON rules with 'rules' array, each containing 'filters' (e.g., 'blobTypes', 'prefixMatch') and 'actions' (e.g., 'tierToCool', 'delete'). The 'daysAfterModificationGreaterThan' value is based on the blob's 'Last-Modified' timestamp, and for snapshots, 'daysAfterCreationGreaterThan' is used. A common real-world scenario is automatically tiering logs to Cool after 30 days and deleting them after 365 days, reducing storage costs without manual intervention.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-204 question in full detail.
Develop for Azure storage — This question tests Develop for Azure storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It can automatically move blobs to the Cool tier after a specified number of days. — Option B is correct because Azure Blob Storage lifecycle management policies can automatically transition blobs to the Cool tier after a specified number of days. This is achieved by defining a rule with a 'tierToCool' action and a 'daysAfterModificationGreaterThan' filter, allowing cost optimization based on data access patterns.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 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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