DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
You are troubleshooting a performance issue in Azure SQL Database. You suspect that parameter sniffing is causing suboptimal query plans. What feature can you use to mitigate this without code changes?
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
✓
Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON.
FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON is a database-wide setting that forces parameterization of all ad-hoc queries, helping to mitigate parameter sniffing issues without requiring code changes. Option A (reorganizing indexes) addresses fragmentation, not parameter sniffing. Option B (Query Store plan forcing) is used to pin a specific plan after a regression, not to prevent sniffing proactively. Option C (OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN) is a query hint that requires modifying query code, not a code-less solution.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reorganize indexes regularly.
Why it's wrong here
Index maintenance does not address parameter sniffing.
- ✗
Use Query Store to force a good plan.
Why it's wrong here
Plan forcing addresses a regression, not prevents sniffing.
- ✗
Add OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN query hint to all queries.
Why it's wrong here
This requires code changes and is per query.
- ✓
Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON.
Why this is correct
Forces parameterization to reduce sniffing effects.
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.
Key term
Query Store
Query Store is a built-in SQL Server feature that captures and stores a history of query execution plans and performance data for easy monitoring and troubleshooting.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.