The answer is to create the target table as a heap or with a clustered index. This resolves the PolyBase CCI error because PolyBase in Azure Data Factory cannot write directly to a table that has a clustered columnstore index; the sink table must be a heap or have a clustered index for the copy method to succeed. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of PolyBase limitations in Synapse dedicated SQL pool, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume any table type works with PolyBase. A common mistake is trying to disable the columnstore index or change PolyBase settings, but the correct fix is adjusting the table structure. Remember the memory tip: “PolyBase hates CCI—heap or clustered index is the key.”
DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of develop data processing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
You are using Azure Data Factory to copy data from an Azure SQL Database to Azure Synapse dedicated SQL pool. The copy activity uses PolyBase as the copy method. The activity fails with the error 'Operation not supported: PolyBase cannot write to a table with clustered columnstore index'. What should you do to resolve this error?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create the target table as a heap or with clustered index
PolyBase in Azure Data Factory cannot write directly to a table that has a clustered columnstore index (CCI). The sink table must be a heap or have a clustered index for PolyBase to work. Option B correctly identifies this requirement, as creating the target table as a heap or with a clustered index resolves the error.
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 an external table as the sink instead of a regular table
Why it's wrong here
External tables are not used as PolyBase sinks in ADF.
✓
Create the target table as a heap or with clustered index
Why this is correct
PolyBase does not support writing to a clustered columnstore index directly. The table must be a heap or have a clustered index.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable staging with blob storage and use 'Allow PolyBase'
Why it's wrong here
Staging is used for other reasons; this error is about the target table index.
✗
Change the copy method from PolyBase to Bulk Insert
Why it's wrong here
Bulk Insert would work but does not address the root cause; PolyBase is preferred for large data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume staging with blob storage (Option C) or switching to Bulk Insert (Option D) are the only workarounds, but the question specifically tests the PolyBase requirement that the sink table must not have a clustered columnstore index.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PolyBase uses a distributed query engine that pushes data to SQL Server or Azure Synapse via external tables or direct inserts. When writing to a table with a CCI, PolyBase attempts to use bulk load operations that are incompatible with the columnstore's rowgroup structure, causing the error. In real-world scenarios, you might use a staging heap table and then rebuild the CCI after the load, or use CTAS (CREATE TABLE AS) with PolyBase to bypass this limitation.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create the target table as a heap or with clustered index — PolyBase in Azure Data Factory cannot write directly to a table that has a clustered columnstore index (CCI). The sink table must be a heap or have a clustered index for PolyBase to work. Option B correctly identifies this requirement, as creating the target table as a heap or with a clustered index resolves the error.
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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