- A
A linked service to Azure SQL Database.
The linked service provides connection details.
- B
A dataset that references the stored procedure.
Why wrong: A dataset is not required. The stored procedure name and parameters can be defined directly within the stored procedure activity, eliminating the need for a separate dataset.
- C
A self-hosted integration runtime.
Why wrong: Azure IR can connect to Azure SQL Database directly.
- D
A staging blob storage account.
Why wrong: Staging is not needed for stored procedure execution.
- E
A stored procedure activity in the pipeline.
The activity defines the stored procedure call.
Question 361 of 851
DP-203 Linked service Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of develop data processing. 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. A key principle to apply: linked service. 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 are required to run a stored procedure in Azure SQL Database from Azure Data Factory?
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
✓
A linked service to Azure SQL Database.
To run a stored procedure in Azure SQL Database from Azure Data Factory, only two components are required: a linked service to Azure SQL Database, which defines the connection and authentication, and a stored procedure activity in the pipeline that specifies the stored procedure name and parameters directly. A dataset is not required because the stored procedure activity can define the stored procedure reference inline. Options like a self-hosted integration runtime or staging storage are unnecessary for this task.
Key principle: Linked service
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A linked service to Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
The linked service provides connection details.
Related concept
Linked service
- ✗
A dataset that references the stored procedure.
Why it's wrong here
A dataset is not required. The stored procedure name and parameters can be defined directly within the stored procedure activity, eliminating the need for a separate dataset.
- ✗
A self-hosted integration runtime.
Why it's wrong here
Azure IR can connect to Azure SQL Database directly.
- ✗
A staging blob storage account.
Why it's wrong here
Staging is not needed for stored procedure execution.
- ✓
A stored procedure activity in the pipeline.
Why this is correct
The activity defines the stored procedure call.
Related concept
Linked service
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is thinking that a self-hosted integration runtime or staging storage is required. For Azure SQL Database (without a firewall blocking public access), the default auto-resolve IR works fine. Staging is only needed for large data movements, not for running a stored procedure. Also, some may mistakenly believe a dataset is optional, but it is required for defining the stored procedure reference.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the Stored Procedure activity in ADF uses the linked service's connection string to open a SQL connection via ADO.NET and executes the procedure using the EXEC command. The dataset is optional in the sense that it can be used to pass parameter values or define the output schema, but the activity itself can reference the linked service directly without a dataset. A real-world scenario where this matters is when you need to run a maintenance procedure like sp_cleanup on a schedule; you only need the linked service and the activity, not a dataset.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Linked service
- Dataset
- Stored procedure activity
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
Linked service
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 linked service, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Linked service.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A linked service to Azure SQL Database. — To run a stored procedure in Azure SQL Database from Azure Data Factory, only two components are required: a linked service to Azure SQL Database, which defines the connection and authentication, and a stored procedure activity in the pipeline that specifies the stored procedure name and parameters directly. A dataset is not required because the stored procedure activity can define the stored procedure reference inline. Options like a self-hosted integration runtime or staging storage are unnecessary for this task.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review linked service, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Linked service
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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