DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
Which TWO actions can you take to optimize query performance in Azure SQL Database without changing the application code? (Choose two.)
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 missing indexes identified by the Database Engine Tuning Advisor.
Creating missing indexes (option D) and updating statistics (option E) are performance optimization techniques that do not require changes to application code. Indexes recommended by the Database Engine Tuning Advisor can reduce query execution time by enabling efficient data access paths, while updating statistics helps the query optimizer generate better execution plans. Options A and B require code changes or direct query modifications, option C is a security feature that may impact performance but not optimize it, and upgrading the service tier (option B) is a scaling action that increases resources but is not a targeted query optimization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Rewrite queries to use sargable predicates.
Why it's wrong here
This requires code changes.
- ✗
Upgrade to a higher service tier.
Why it's wrong here
While it can improve performance, it's a capacity change, not a query optimization action.
- ✗
Enable row-level security on sensitive tables.
Why it's wrong here
This is for security, not performance.
- ✓
Create missing indexes identified by the Database Engine Tuning Advisor.
Why this is correct
Index creation can improve query performance without code changes.
- ✓
Update statistics on tables with outdated statistics.
Why this is correct
Up-to-date statistics help the optimizer generate better plans.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Performance Tuning
Azure SQL Performance Tuning is the process of optimizing the speed and efficiency of queries and database operations in Microsoft Azure SQL Database or SQL Managed Instance to reduce latency and improve throughput.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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