Question 376 of 846

Develop data processing →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct approach is to create external tables in the dedicated SQL pool that reference the source data, then use CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) to load incrementally. This works because PolyBase external tables allow you to query the source Azure SQL Database directly without staging or moving the data first, and the CTAS statement then selects only the incremental rows—typically filtered by a high-water mark column—into the target table. By leveraging PolyBase’s parallel streaming capability, this method minimizes data movement and maximizes throughput, which is exactly what the DP-203 exam tests under the “Design for incremental loading” objective. A common trap is to assume you must first copy all source data into staging tables, but that defeats the purpose of PolyBase’s pushdown computation. For the exam, remember the mnemonic “ET for CTAS”: External Tables first, then CTAS to load only what’s new.

DP-203 Develop data processing 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. 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 designing a data processing solution in Azure Synapse Analytics. The solution must support incremental loading of data from an Azure SQL Database to a dedicated SQL pool using PolyBase. Which approach should you use to minimize data movement and maximize performance?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.

Question 1mediummultiple choice

Full question →

A
Use the bcp utility to export data from Azure SQL Database to a text file, then bulk insert into the dedicated SQL pool.
Why wrong: bcp does not support incremental loading and requires manual file management.
B
Create external tables in the dedicated SQL pool that reference the source data, then use CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) to load incrementally.
PolyBase external tables enable direct query of source data, and CTAS allows efficient incremental loading with minimal data movement.
C
Use Azure Data Factory with a copy activity to load data into staging tables, then merge into the target table.
Why wrong: Using ADF copy activity adds overhead of moving data through an intermediate staging area.
D
Use Azure Databricks to read the source data, apply transformations, and write to the dedicated SQL pool using the Spark connector.
Why wrong: Azure Databricks introduces an additional compute layer, increasing complexity and latency.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Create external tables in the dedicated SQL pool that reference the source data, then use CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) to load incrementally.

Option B is correct because using external tables with PolyBase in Azure Synapse Analytics allows you to directly query the source Azure SQL Database without moving the data first. The CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) statement then loads only the incremental data into the dedicated SQL pool, minimizing data movement by leveraging PolyBase's parallel streaming capability for maximum performance.

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 the bcp utility to export data from Azure SQL Database to a text file, then bulk insert into the dedicated SQL pool.
Why it's wrong here
bcp does not support incremental loading and requires manual file management.
✓
Create external tables in the dedicated SQL pool that reference the source data, then use CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) to load incrementally.
Why this is correct
PolyBase external tables enable direct query of source data, and CTAS allows efficient incremental loading with minimal data movement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Azure Data Factory with a copy activity to load data into staging tables, then merge into the target table.
Why it's wrong here
Using ADF copy activity adds overhead of moving data through an intermediate staging area.
✗
Use Azure Databricks to read the source data, apply transformations, and write to the dedicated SQL pool using the Spark connector.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Databricks introduces an additional compute layer, increasing complexity and latency.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates often assume external tables are only for static data or Hadoop, but PolyBase in Synapse supports external tables against Azure SQL Database for efficient incremental loading, making options that introduce extra hops (like Data Factory or bcp) seem more familiar but less optimal.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

PolyBase uses the T-SQL CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE statement with a data source pointing to Azure SQL Database, enabling pushdown of filter predicates to the source for incremental loads. Under the hood, PolyBase leverages the SQL Server ODBC driver and parallel data movement service (DMS) to stream data directly into the dedicated SQL pool's distribution nodes, avoiding intermediate file storage. In real-world scenarios, this approach is ideal for low-latency incremental loads where the source database supports snapshot isolation or change tracking.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Create external tables in the dedicated SQL pool that reference the source data, then use CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) to load incrementally. — Option B is correct because using external tables with PolyBase in Azure Synapse Analytics allows you to directly query the source Azure SQL Database without moving the data first. The CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) statement then loads only the incremental data into the dedicated SQL pool, minimizing data movement by leveraging PolyBase's parallel streaming capability for maximum performance.

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.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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