The answer is Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool with JSON files in ADLS Gen2. This service is correct because it enables schema-on-read with T-SQL on JSON, meaning the schema is inferred dynamically from the file content at query time rather than being predefined, which is essential for semi-structured log data that varies across sources. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how serverless SQL pools differ from dedicated pools—specifically, their ability to query raw JSON files in ADLS Gen2 using OPENJSON or OPENROWSET without requiring a fixed schema. A common trap is choosing Azure SQL Database or Cosmos DB, but those require schema-on-write or predefined structures. Remember the memory tip: “Serverless reads the schema on the fly; dedicated needs it predefined.” This distinction is key for handling evolving log formats efficiently.
DP-203 Design and implement data storage Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of design and implement data 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.
A data engineer needs to store semi-structured JSON logs from multiple sources in Azure. The logs must be queryable using T-SQL and support schema-on-read. Which Azure service should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool with JSON files in ADLS Gen2.
Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool can query JSON files stored in ADLS Gen2 using T-SQL, supporting schema-on-read by inferring the schema from the file content at query time. This makes it ideal for semi-structured logs that need to be queried without predefined schema.
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.
✓
Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool with JSON files in ADLS Gen2.
Why this is correct
Serverless SQL pool can query JSON files with schema-on-read using T-SQL.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure Data Factory mapping data flows.
Why it's wrong here
Data Factory is for data movement and transformation, not storage.
✗
Azure Cosmos DB Core (SQL) API.
Why it's wrong here
Cosmos DB uses its own SQL API dialect, not T-SQL.
✗
Azure SQL Database with JSON columns.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database requires a predefined schema; schema-on-read is not supported.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse schema-on-read with schema-on-write, picking Azure SQL Database or Cosmos DB because they support JSON, but those require predefined schemas or containers, failing the schema-on-read requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool uses the OPENROWSET function with BULK to read JSON files from ADLS Gen2, inferring the schema dynamically via the WITH clause or automatic schema inference. This allows querying thousands of JSON files without loading them into a database, leveraging the PolyBase engine for distributed query processing. In real-world scenarios, this is used for ad-hoc analytics on streaming logs where schema evolves frequently.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Design and implement data storage — This question tests Design and implement data storage — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool with JSON files in ADLS Gen2. — Azure Synapse serverless SQL pool can query JSON files stored in ADLS Gen2 using T-SQL, supporting schema-on-read by inferring the schema from the file content at query time. This makes it ideal for semi-structured logs that need to be queried without predefined schema.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 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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Question Discussion
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