DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers 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.
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 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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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