DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You have an Azure SQL Database with Query Store enabled. You notice that a critical stored procedure has regressed in performance. You need to force a previous, better-performing execution plan for that query. What should you do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the DMV for recommendations (`sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations`) with the actual stored procedure to enforce a plan, or they think resetting Query Store is a valid troubleshooting step when it actually destroys historical data.
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
✓
Execute sys.sp_query_store_force_plan with the query_id and plan_id.
`sys.sp_query_store_force_plan` is the dedicated system stored procedure in Azure SQL Database that forces the Query Store to use a specific execution plan for a given query. When a stored procedure's performance regresses, you identify the query_id and plan_id of the better-performing plan from Query Store views and execute this procedure to pin that plan, overriding the optimizer's choice.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disable and re-enable Query Store to reset the plans.
Why it's wrong here
This does not force a specific plan and loses historical data.
- ✗
Execute sys.sp_query_store_set_hints to add a query hint.
Why it's wrong here
This sets hints, not forces a plan.
- ✗
Use sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations to apply a plan.
Why it's wrong here
This DMV provides recommendations, but does not force a plan.
- ✓
Execute sys.sp_query_store_force_plan with the query_id and plan_id.
Why this is correct
Forces Query Store to use a specific plan.
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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