DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
You are designing a data pipeline that uses Azure Data Factory to load data from an FTP server to Azure Data Lake Storage. The FTP server requires authentication with username and password. Which type of linked service should you create?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the FTP connector with the HTTP or REST connector because they think all file transfers can be handled by generic web protocols, but FTP has its own distinct authentication and command set that requires a dedicated connector.
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
✓
FTP
Azure Data Factory provides a native FTP connector that supports username/password authentication for connecting to FTP servers. This linked service type is specifically designed to handle the FTP protocol (RFC 959) and allows you to copy data directly from an FTP server to Azure Data Lake Storage without requiring any additional gateways or custom activities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
FTP
Why this is correct
The FTP linked service is purpose-built for FTP servers requiring username and password authentication, storing those credentials securely in Azure Data Factory. It provides the connection details needed to read files from the FTP source into Azure Data Lake Storage.
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Azure Blob Storage
Why it's wrong here
An Azure Blob Storage linked service targets Azure Storage accounts as a source or sink, so it cannot connect to an external FTP server. It is tempting because the destination is Azure Data Lake Storage, and it would be correct when reading from or writing to a storage account rather than pulling files over FTP.
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HTTP
Why it's wrong here
An HTTP linked service retrieves files over HTTP or HTTPS using basic or anonymous authentication; it cannot speak FTP. It is tempting because both are network file-transfer protocols, and it would be correct when the source exposes documents at a web URL instead of an FTP endpoint.
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Rest service
Why it's wrong here
A REST linked service connects to HTTP-based REST APIs using REST authentication, not the FTP protocol's control and data channels. It is tempting because it also carries credentials, and would be correct when ingesting JSON from an API endpoint rather than retrieving files from an FTP server.
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