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Question 818 of 851
Develop data processing →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

preCopyScript Truncation — Data Missing During Copy Window | Azure Data Engineer Associate Explained

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.

Exhibit

{
  "name": "CopyTradeData",
  "properties": {
    "activities": [
      {
        "name": "CopyData",
        "type": "Copy",
        "inputs": [{"referenceName": "SourceDataset", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "outputs": [{"referenceName": "SinkDataset", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "typeProperties": {
          "source": {
            "type": "AzureBlobStorageSource",
            "recursive": true
          },
          "sink": {
            "type": "AzureSqlSink",
            "writeBatchSize": 10000,
            "preCopyScript": "TRUNCATE TABLE dbo.Trades"
          }
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

Refer to the exhibit. You have an Azure Data Factory pipeline that copies trade data from Azure Blob Storage to Azure SQL Database. The pipeline runs every hour and truncates the destination table before each copy. However, users report that data is missing during the copy window. What is the most likely cause?

Clue words in this question

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

  • Clue: "most likely"

    Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Exhibit

{
  "name": "CopyTradeData",
  "properties": {
    "activities": [
      {
        "name": "CopyData",
        "type": "Copy",
        "inputs": [{"referenceName": "SourceDataset", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "outputs": [{"referenceName": "SinkDataset", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "typeProperties": {
          "source": {
            "type": "AzureBlobStorageSource",
            "recursive": true
          },
          "sink": {
            "type": "AzureSqlSink",
            "writeBatchSize": 10000,
            "preCopyScript": "TRUNCATE TABLE dbo.Trades"
          }
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

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

✓

The preCopyScript truncates the table before the copy completes, causing a period with no data

Option C is correct. The preCopyScript truncates the destination table before the copy operation begins. During the copy window, if the copy takes time or fails, the table remains empty, causing users to see missing data. Option A is incorrect because the output dataset configuration does not cause this issue. Option B is incorrect because writeBatchSize affects performance but not data loss. Option D is incorrect because recursive setting affects source file selection, not data loss.

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.

  • ✗

    The output dataset is not correctly configured

    Why it's wrong here

    It is configured.

  • ✗

    The writeBatchSize is too low, causing timeouts

    Why it's wrong here

    Does not cause data loss.

  • ✓

    The preCopyScript truncates the table before the copy completes, causing a period with no data

    Why this is correct

    Table is empty during copy.

    Clue confirmation

    The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • ✗

    The source dataset is set to recursive, which includes unwanted files

    Why it's wrong here

    Recursive only affects file discovery.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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.

Quick reference

Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison

TierStorage CostRetrieval CostLatencyUse Case
HotHighestLowestImmediateActive data, frequent reads
CoolLowerHigherImmediateData accessed < once / month
ColdLower stillHigherImmediateData accessed < once / quarter
ArchiveLowestHighest + rehydration delayHoursLong-term compliance retention

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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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: The preCopyScript truncates the table before the copy completes, causing a period with no data — Option C is correct. The preCopyScript truncates the destination table before the copy operation begins. During the copy window, if the copy takes time or fails, the table remains empty, causing users to see missing data. Option A is incorrect because the output dataset configuration does not cause this issue. Option B is incorrect because writeBatchSize affects performance but not data loss. Option D is incorrect because recursive setting affects source file selection, not data loss.

What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?

Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026

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