Quick Answer
The answer is Read scale-out, which is the correct feature to offload read-intensive workloads from the primary Azure SQL Database to a read-only replica. By enabling the Read scale-out property, the database automatically routes connections that specify `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to a secondary replica, freeing the primary from read queries and boosting write performance. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to separate read and write traffic in a globally distributed application, often appearing as a distractor against failover groups or geo-replication. A common trap is confusing Read scale-out with read-only replicas in a failover group—remember that Read scale-out uses the same database’s built-in secondary replica, not a separate geo-replicated copy. Memory tip: think “Read scale-out = read-only routing” to instantly recall that it offloads reads without requiring a separate server.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. 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 deploying an Azure SQL Database that will be used by a global application. You need to ensure that read-intensive workloads are offloaded from the primary database to improve performance. Which feature should you enable?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read scale-out.
Read scale-out provides a read-only replica for offloading reads.
Automatic tuning.
Why wrong: Automatic tuning optimizes query performance, not offloading.
Connection pooling.
Why wrong: Connection pooling manages connections, not replicas.
Active geo-replication.
Why wrong: Geo-replication is for disaster recovery, not read offloading.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Read scale-out.
Read scale-out (A) is the correct feature because it allows you to offload read-only workloads to a read-only replica of the Azure SQL Database. By enabling the 'Read scale-out' property, the database automatically routes connections with `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to a secondary replica, freeing the primary from read-intensive queries and improving overall performance for write operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Read scale-out.
Why this is correct
Read scale-out provides a read-only replica for offloading reads.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Automatic tuning.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic tuning optimizes query performance, not offloading.
Connection pooling.
Why it's wrong here
Connection pooling manages connections, not replicas.
Active geo-replication.
Why it's wrong here
Geo-replication is for disaster recovery, not read offloading.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Active geo-replication with read scale-out, but the key distinction is that read scale-out is a single-database feature within the same region that transparently routes read-only connections, whereas geo-replication requires explicit connection string changes and is designed for cross-region disaster recovery.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, read scale-out leverages the Always On availability group technology within Azure SQL Database. When enabled, the primary replica automatically replicates data to a secondary replica using synchronous or asynchronous commit modes, and the SQL client driver (e.g., Microsoft.Data.SqlClient) uses the `ApplicationIntent` property in the connection string to route queries to the appropriate replica. A real-world scenario is a global e-commerce platform where product catalog reads are heavy; enabling read scale-out allows these queries to hit the secondary replica without any application code changes, while the primary handles order writes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
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FAQ
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Read scale-out. — Read scale-out (A) is the correct feature because it allows you to offload read-only workloads to a read-only replica of the Azure SQL Database. By enabling the 'Read scale-out' property, the database automatically routes connections with `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to a secondary replica, freeing the primary from read-intensive queries and improving overall performance for write operations.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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