Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Database for MySQL. This fully managed relational database service is the correct choice because it supports frequent updates and complex joins through standard SQL, while also offering native read replicas to scale out read-heavy workloads. Read replicas work by asynchronously replicating data from the primary server to up to five read-only copies, which can be deployed within the same region or cross-region, allowing you to offload reporting or analytics queries without impacting the primary database’s write performance. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of when to choose a relational service versus a NoSQL or analytical service like Azure Cosmos DB or Azure Synapse—a common trap is confusing read replicas with caching or sharding. Remember the memory tip: “MySQL for joins and reads that multiply,” linking the need for complex joins and read scaling directly to MySQL’s built-in replica feature.
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. 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.
A company needs to store relational data that requires frequent updates and supports complex joins. They also need to scale out reads by using read replicas. Which Azure service should they choose?
Azure Database for MySQL
Azure Database for MySQL is relational and supports read replicas.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why wrong: Azure Cosmos DB is NoSQL and does not support complex joins.
Azure SQL Database
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database supports read replicas but is not the only option.
Azure Table Storage
Why wrong: Azure Table Storage is non-relational.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Database for MySQL
Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed relational database service that supports frequent updates and complex joins via SQL. It also offers read replicas, which allow scaling out read-heavy workloads by asynchronously replicating data from the primary server to up to five read-only replicas within the same region or cross-region.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Database for MySQL
Why this is correct
Azure Database for MySQL is relational and supports read replicas.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Azure Cosmos DB is NoSQL and does not support complex joins.
Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database supports read replicas but is not the only option.
Azure Table Storage
Why it's wrong here
Azure Table Storage is non-relational.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Azure SQL Database's geo-replication (which is for disaster recovery, not read scaling) with read replicas, or they assume Cosmos DB supports relational joins because of its SQL API, overlooking its fundamental NoSQL architecture.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure Database for MySQL read replicas use MySQL's native asynchronous replication (binlog-based) to create read-only copies. The primary server writes changes to its binary log, and each replica applies those changes from its relay log. This allows read-heavy applications, such as reporting dashboards or analytics, to offload queries from the primary without impacting write performance.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Database for MySQL — Azure Database for MySQL is a fully managed relational database service that supports frequent updates and complex joins via SQL. It also offers read replicas, which allow scaling out read-heavy workloads by asynchronously replicating data from the primary server to up to five read-only replicas within the same region or cross-region.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DP-900 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-900 exam.
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