A company stores an employee database in a relational database. The Employees table includes columns: EmployeeID (integer), FirstName (text), LastName (text), HireDate (date), and a column called Photo which stores the employee's photo as a binary large object (BLOB). Which statement best describes the data types in this table?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
All columns store structured data.
The Photo column stores unstructured binary data (an image), not structured data.
Best answer
The Photo column stores unstructured data, while the other columns store structured data.
Structured data is organized with a fixed schema; the integer, text, and date columns all have a fixed type and format. The Photo column contains binary image data with no inherent structure, making it unstructured data.
Distractor review
All columns store unstructured data.
The EmployeeID, FirstName, LastName, and HireDate columns have a clear structure and schema, so they are structured.
Distractor review
The HireDate column stores semi-structured data.
HireDate is a date type with a fixed format, which is structured, not semi-structured. Semi-structured data has tags or markers to separate data elements, like JSON.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
Related practice questions
Related DP-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Photo column stores unstructured data, while the other columns store structured data. — Structured data is organized with a fixed schema; the integer, text, and date columns all have a fixed type and format. The Photo column contains binary image data with no inherent structure, making it unstructured data. Therefore, the Photo column stores unstructured data while the other columns store structured data. Choices suggesting all columns are structured, all are unstructured, or that HireDate is semi-structured are incorrect.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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