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Describe an analytics workload on Azure →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that this pipeline copies filtered sales data from on-premises to Azure SQL Database. This is achieved through a Copy activity where the source dataset connects to an on-premises SQL Server using a self-hosted integration runtime, and the sink dataset targets an Azure SQL Database. The key technical detail is the source query, which includes a WHERE clause that filters sales records by a specific date range, ensuring only the relevant subset of data is transferred rather than the entire table. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Azure Data Factory handles hybrid data movement and filtering at the source level, often appearing as a scenario where you must identify the purpose of a pipeline JSON. A common trap is confusing the self-hosted integration runtime with Azure IR, or assuming the filter happens at the sink. Remember the memory tip: “Source filter, sink target” — the WHERE clause always lives in the source query to reduce data movement.

DP-900 Describe an analytics workload on Azure Practice Question

This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe an analytics workload 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.

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.

{
  "name": "sales-pipeline",
  "properties": {
    "activities": [
      {
        "name": "CopySalesData",
        "type": "Copy",
        "inputs": [{"referenceName": "SalesOnPrem", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "outputs": [{"referenceName": "SalesAzureSQL", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "typeProperties": {
          "source": {
            "type": "SqlServerSource",
            "sqlReaderQuery": "SELECT * FROM Sales WHERE OrderDate >= '2023-01-01'"
          },
          "sink": {
            "type": "SqlSink",
            "writeBatchSize": 10000
          }
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

Refer to the exhibit. An Azure Data Factory pipeline JSON is shown. What does this pipeline do?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.

{
  "name": "sales-pipeline",
  "properties": {
    "activities": [
      {
        "name": "CopySalesData",
        "type": "Copy",
        "inputs": [{"referenceName": "SalesOnPrem", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "outputs": [{"referenceName": "SalesAzureSQL", "type": "DatasetReference"}],
        "typeProperties": {
          "source": {
            "type": "SqlServerSource",
            "sqlReaderQuery": "SELECT * FROM Sales WHERE OrderDate >= '2023-01-01'"
          },
          "sink": {
            "type": "SqlSink",
            "writeBatchSize": 10000
          }
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

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

✓

Copies filtered sales data from on-premises to Azure SQL Database

The pipeline uses a Copy activity with a source dataset pointing to an on-premises SQL Server (via a self-hosted integration runtime) and a sink dataset pointing to an Azure SQL Database. The source query includes a WHERE clause filtering sales data by a date range, so only filtered data is copied. This matches option C.

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.

  • ✗

    Copies sales data from Azure SQL Database to on-premises

    Why it's wrong here

    Source is on-premises, sink is Azure SQL.

  • ✗

    Copies all sales data from on-premises to Azure SQL Database

    Why it's wrong here

    Includes a WHERE clause filtering data from 2023 onwards.

  • ✓

    Copies filtered sales data from on-premises to Azure SQL Database

    Why this is correct

    Correctly describes the source, sink, and filter.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • ✗

    Copies sales data from on-premises to Azure Data Lake Storage

    Why it's wrong here

    Sink is Azure SQL Database, not Data Lake.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The trap here is that candidates often overlook the WHERE clause in the source query and assume the pipeline copies all data, or they confuse the direction of data movement between on-premises and Azure.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

The Copy activity uses a self-hosted integration runtime to connect to the on-premises SQL Server, which requires a gateway installed on the local network. The source query uses a parameterized WHERE clause (e.g., WHERE OrderDate >= '@{pipeline().parameters.StartDate}' AND OrderDate < '@{pipeline().parameters.EndDate}') to filter rows at the source, reducing data transfer and load on the sink. This pattern is common for incremental loads or periodic data synchronization.

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.

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

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 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

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this DP-900 question test?

Describe an analytics workload on Azure — This question tests Describe an analytics workload on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Copies filtered sales data from on-premises to Azure SQL Database — The pipeline uses a Copy activity with a source dataset pointing to an on-premises SQL Server (via a self-hosted integration runtime) and a sink dataset pointing to an Azure SQL Database. The source query includes a WHERE clause filtering sales data by a date range, so only filtered data is copied. This matches option C.

What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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