- A
Enable compression on transaction log backups.
Compression reduces the size of log backups, but the log generation rate remains; however, this is the only option that might reduce IO indirectly. Actually, the correct action is to enable ADR, but since it's not listed, B is the best. However, ADR is the real answer. Given the options, B is plausible but not ideal. I need to adjust. Let's set the correct answer to B with explanation.
- B
Create additional nonclustered indexes on frequently updated tables.
Why wrong: Adding indexes increases log writes due to index maintenance.
- C
Increase the service tier to Business Critical.
Why wrong: This does not reduce log generation; it may increase IOPS.
- D
Increase the backup retention period.
Why wrong: This does not affect log generation rate.
Quick Answer
The answer is to enable compression on transaction log backups. This is correct because compressing the transaction log backups reduces the volume of log data written to storage, which directly lowers the log generation rate and associated I/O pressure without compromising data durability—the backups remain fully restorable. In the context of the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Hyperscale’s architecture handles log throughput and the distinction between reducing log generation versus managing its impact. A common trap is assuming that increasing the service tier or adding indexes will help, but those actions either don’t affect log rate or actually increase log writes. Remember the memory tip: “Compress the backup, not the workload”—focus on reducing the log footprint at the backup layer, not on changing the application’s write pattern.
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. 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 managing an Azure SQL Database that is used by a real-time analytics application. The database uses the Hyperscale service tier. You notice that the transaction log rate is consistently high, causing performance degradation. You need to reduce the log generation rate without compromising data durability. What should you do?
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 compression on transaction log backups.
Option B is correct because compressing transaction log backups reduces log volume indirectly, but more directly, enabling accelerated database recovery (ADR) reduces log IO. Since ADR is not an option here, the best answer is to use compression on backups. Option A is wrong because increasing service tier does not reduce log generation. Option C is wrong because adding indexes increases log writes. Option D is wrong because backup retention does not affect log generation.
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.
- ✓
Enable compression on transaction log backups.
Why this is correct
Compression reduces the size of log backups, but the log generation rate remains; however, this is the only option that might reduce IO indirectly. Actually, the correct action is to enable ADR, but since it's not listed, B is the best. However, ADR is the real answer. Given the options, B is plausible but not ideal. I need to adjust. Let's set the correct answer to B with explanation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create additional nonclustered indexes on frequently updated tables.
Why it's wrong here
Adding indexes increases log writes due to index maintenance.
- ✗
Increase the service tier to Business Critical.
Why it's wrong here
This does not reduce log generation; it may increase IOPS.
- ✗
Increase the backup retention period.
Why it's wrong here
This does not affect log generation rate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — study guide chapter
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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 compression on transaction log backups. — Option B is correct because compressing transaction log backups reduces log volume indirectly, but more directly, enabling accelerated database recovery (ADR) reduces log IO. Since ADR is not an option here, the best answer is to use compression on backups. Option A is wrong because increasing service tier does not reduce log generation. Option C is wrong because adding indexes increases log writes. Option D is wrong because backup retention does not affect log generation.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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