The answer is the Query Store, a built-in feature that enables you to monitor top resource-consuming queries in Azure SQL Database at no cost. Query Store automatically captures a history of query execution plans and runtime statistics, allowing you to identify the most CPU-intensive, I/O-heavy, or long-running queries without any additional licensing or configuration fees. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of cost-effective, native performance monitoring tools versus paid or deprecated alternatives; a common trap is confusing Query Store with Azure SQL Analytics, which is a paid solution, or with dynamic management views, which require manual querying and lack persistent historical tracking. Remember that Query Store is always on by default in Azure SQL Database and acts like a flight recorder for queries—just as a black box captures flight data without extra equipment, Query Store captures query performance data without extra cost.
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 manage an Azure SQL Database that uses the General Purpose tier. You need to monitor the performance of the database and identify the top resource-consuming queries. You want to use a built-in feature that requires no additional cost. What should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query Store.
Option D is correct because Query Store is a built-in, no-cost feature that tracks query performance. Option A is wrong because Azure SQL Analytics is a paid solution. Option B is wrong because dynamic management views require manual querying. Option C is wrong because SQL Server Profiler is deprecated and not supported in Azure SQL Database.
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.
✓
Query Store.
Why this is correct
Query Store is a built-in, free feature that captures query performance data and helps identify top resource consumers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Azure SQL Analytics (preview) in Azure Monitor.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Analytics is a paid solution that requires Log Analytics workspace and additional costs.
✗
SQL Server Profiler.
Why it's wrong here
SQL Server Profiler is deprecated and not supported in Azure SQL Database.
✗
sys.dm_exec_query_stats and sys.dm_exec_sql_text DMVs.
Why it's wrong here
DMVs provide query stats but are not a built-in monitoring feature; they require writing queries.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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.
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: Query Store. — Option D is correct because Query Store is a built-in, no-cost feature that tracks query performance. Option A is wrong because Azure SQL Analytics is a paid solution. Option B is wrong because dynamic management views require manual querying. Option C is wrong because SQL Server Profiler is deprecated and not supported in Azure SQL Database.
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.
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Question Discussion
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