- A
Add the OPTION (RECOMPILE) query hint to all queries.
Why wrong: Requires changing application code.
- B
Clear the plan cache using DBCC FREEPROCCACHE.
Why wrong: Temporary fix; parameter sniffing will recur.
- C
Enable the 'Optimize for Ad Hoc Workloads' setting.
Why wrong: Helps plan cache efficiency but does not directly address parameter sniffing.
- D
Enable forced parameterization for the database.
Forces SQL Server to parameterize queries, reducing parameter sniffing impact.
Question 178 of 963
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. 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 have an Azure SQL Database that is experiencing performance degradation. You suspect that parameter sniffing is causing suboptimal execution plans. What should you do to mitigate this issue without changing application code?
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
✓
Enable forced parameterization for the database.
Forced parameterization (option D) is the correct mitigation because it instructs the SQL Server query optimizer to treat all literal values in queries as parameters, which reduces the likelihood of parameter sniffing causing suboptimal plans for repeated queries. This is done at the database level without requiring any changes to application code, making it ideal for scenarios where code modification is not feasible.
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.
- ✗
Add the OPTION (RECOMPILE) query hint to all queries.
Why it's wrong here
Requires changing application code.
- ✗
Clear the plan cache using DBCC FREEPROCCACHE.
Why it's wrong here
Temporary fix; parameter sniffing will recur.
- ✗
Enable the 'Optimize for Ad Hoc Workloads' setting.
Why it's wrong here
Helps plan cache efficiency but does not directly address parameter sniffing.
- ✓
Enable forced parameterization for the database.
Why this is correct
Forces SQL Server to parameterize queries, reducing parameter sniffing impact.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'clearing the plan cache' (option B) as a permanent fix, when it is only a temporary workaround that does not address the root cause of parameter sniffing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Forced parameterization works by replacing literal constants with parameters during query compilation, which allows the optimizer to reuse a single plan for multiple executions with different values. This is controlled via the PARAMETERIZATION FORCED database option, and it can be overridden on a per-query basis using the PARAMETERIZATION SIMPLE hint if needed. In real-world scenarios, forced parameterization is particularly useful for OLTP workloads with many similar queries that differ only in literal values, where parameter sniffing might otherwise cause plan instability.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable forced parameterization for the database. — Forced parameterization (option D) is the correct mitigation because it instructs the SQL Server query optimizer to treat all literal values in queries as parameters, which reduces the likelihood of parameter sniffing causing suboptimal plans for repeated queries. This is done at the database level without requiring any changes to application code, making it ideal for scenarios where code modification is not feasible.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-300 exam.
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