- A
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API)
Correct. The SQL API provides a SQL-like query interface for JSON documents, supporting point reads by partition key and flexible queries on any field.
- B
Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB
Why wrong: While MongoDB API also works with JSON, it uses MongoDB's query syntax and is not as tightly integrated with Azure SQL-like tools. For a SQL-like query preference, the SQL API is more appropriate.
- C
Azure Cosmos DB for Table
Why wrong: The Table API is a key-value store that supports simple queries on partition and row keys, but does not support complex filtering on arbitrary fields like 'followersCount'.
- D
Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra
Why wrong: The Cassandra API uses a wide-column data model and CQL query language. It is not optimized for JSON document queries and would require data modeling changes.
DP-900 Practice Question: Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe considerations for working with non-relational data on azure. 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. A key principle to apply: azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents.. 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 social networking application stores user profiles as JSON documents in Azure Cosmos DB. Each profile includes fields such as 'userName', 'email', 'followersCount', and optional 'interests'. The application needs to perform fast point reads by 'userName' (under 10 ms) and also run queries to find all users with a 'followersCount' greater than a certain value. The development team prefers to use a query syntax similar to SQL. Which Azure Cosmos DB API should they choose?
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
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API)
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API) is the correct choice because it natively supports SQL-like query syntax for querying JSON documents, enabling the required queries such as filtering by 'followersCount'. It also provides fast point reads (under 10 ms) by using the 'userName' field as the partition key, ensuring efficient direct access to individual documents.
Key principle: Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API)
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB for MongoDB
Why it's wrong here
While MongoDB API also works with JSON, it uses MongoDB's query syntax and is not as tightly integrated with Azure SQL-like tools. For a SQL-like query preference, the SQL API is more appropriate.
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB for Table
Why it's wrong here
The Table API is a key-value store that supports simple queries on partition and row keys, but does not support complex filtering on arbitrary fields like 'followersCount'.
- ✗
Azure Cosmos DB for Apache Cassandra
Why it's wrong here
The Cassandra API uses a wide-column data model and CQL query language. It is not optimized for JSON document queries and would require data modeling changes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the SQL-like syntax of Cassandra's CQL with the native SQL API, overlooking that Cassandra is a wide-column store not optimized for JSON document queries, while the SQL API is purpose-built for JSON documents and SQL queries.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the SQL API uses a SQL dialect that translates queries into index-backed scans or point lookups, leveraging the partition key for fast reads. For the 'followersCount' query, a composite index on 'followersCount' can be created to avoid full cross-partition scans, ensuring low latency even for range queries. In real-world scenarios, the SQL API's support for JOINs and subqueries on JSON arrays (e.g., querying within 'interests') makes it ideal for social networking profiles.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents.
- It uses a SQL-like query language for flexible data retrieval.
- Fast point reads are achieved by using the partition key (e.g., 'userName').
- Automatic indexing of all properties supports efficient queries on any field.
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents., then practise related DP-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure — This question tests Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure — Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API) — Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL (SQL API) is the correct choice because it natively supports SQL-like query syntax for querying JSON documents, enabling the required queries such as filtering by 'followersCount'. It also provides fast point reads (under 10 ms) by using the 'userName' field as the partition key, ensuring efficient direct access to individual documents.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Review azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents., then practise related DP-900 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Azure Cosmos DB for NoSQL stores data as schema-agnostic JSON documents.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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