Quick Answer
Azure SQL Database is the correct choice because it natively supports both graph relationships and JSON queries within a single relational database engine. This service provides graph tables using NODE and EDGE constructs for efficient traversal of connected data, while also offering built-in JSON functions like JSON_VALUE, JSON_QUERY, and OPENJSON to parse and query semi-structured data without needing a separate service. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Azure SQL Database uniquely combines relational, graph, and JSON capabilities, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose Cosmos DB for JSON or Azure Database for PostgreSQL for graph support. The key distinction is that Azure SQL Database handles all three—relational tables, graph relationships, and JSON queries—in one place. For a quick memory tip, think of the acronym “RJG”: Relational, JSON, Graph—all in Azure SQL Database.
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of identify considerations for 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. 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 are designing a solution to store relational data that requires support for graph relationships and JSON queries. Which Azure service should you choose?
Azure Cosmos DB
Why wrong: Cosmos DB is NoSQL, not relational.
Azure Table Storage
Why wrong: Table Storage is NoSQL key-value store.
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database supports graph tables and JSON queries.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Why wrong: PostgreSQL has limited graph support compared to Azure SQL Database.
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 SQL Database
Azure SQL Database is the correct choice because it natively supports graph relationships through graph tables (NODE and EDGE tables) and JSON queries via built-in JSON functions like JSON_VALUE, JSON_QUERY, and OPENJSON. This makes it ideal for storing relational data that also needs to handle graph traversals and semi-structured JSON data without requiring a separate service.
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 Cosmos DB
Why it's wrong here
Cosmos DB is NoSQL, not relational.
Azure Table Storage
Why it's wrong here
Table Storage is NoSQL key-value store.
Azure SQL Database
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Database supports graph tables and JSON queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL
Why it's wrong here
PostgreSQL has limited graph support compared to Azure SQL Database.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often assume graph and JSON support require a NoSQL database like Cosmos DB, but Azure SQL Database provides both features within a relational model, which is the key distinction tested in DP-900.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure SQL Database implements graph relationships using SQL Graph, which creates NODE and EDGE tables that are stored as regular tables under the hood but enable MATCH clauses for recursive queries. For JSON, it uses a native JSON data type and functions that allow indexing on JSON properties, enabling efficient querying without full document parsing. In real-world scenarios, this is useful for applications like social networks or recommendation engines where you need to join relational data with graph traversals and store flexible user profiles as JSON.
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
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure SQL Database — Azure SQL Database is the correct choice because it natively supports graph relationships through graph tables (NODE and EDGE tables) and JSON queries via built-in JSON functions like JSON_VALUE, JSON_QUERY, and OPENJSON. This makes it ideal for storing relational data that also needs to handle graph traversals and semi-structured JSON data without requiring a separate service.
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
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