Quick Answer
The answer is the DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE(). This T-SQL construct is correct because it automatically populates the OrderDate column with the current date and time whenever a new row is inserted, eliminating the need for application-side logic. The DEFAULT constraint defines a value that is applied when no explicit value is provided for the column, and GETDATE() returns the system’s current timestamp, making it the ideal solution for automatic timestamps in Azure SQL Database. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data integrity and column defaults, often appearing in questions about automating audit fields like creation dates. A common trap is confusing DEFAULT with CHECK constraints, which only validate data, or with UNIQUE and PRIMARY KEY, which handle uniqueness and identification. For a quick memory tip, remember: “Default dates with GETDATE() — set it and forget it.”
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.
A company uses Azure SQL Database for a customer relationship management (CRM) application. The database has a table named Orders that stores order details. The company needs to ensure that the OrderDate column is automatically set to the current date and time when a new row is inserted, without any application-side logic. Which T-SQL construct should be used?
CHECK constraint
Why wrong: CHECK validates data but does not provide default values.
UNIQUE constraint
Why wrong: UNIQUE ensures no duplicates, not default values.
PRIMARY KEY constraint
Why wrong: PRIMARY KEY uniquely identifies rows, does not set default values.
DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE()
DEFAULT with GETDATE() automatically inserts current date/time.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE()
Option B is correct because the DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE() automatically populates the OrderDate with the current date and time on insertion. Option A is wrong because CHECK enforces data integrity, not default values. Option C is wrong because UNIQUE ensures uniqueness. Option D is wrong because PRIMARY KEY identifies rows uniquely.
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.
CHECK constraint
Why it's wrong here
CHECK validates data but does not provide default values.
UNIQUE constraint
Why it's wrong here
UNIQUE ensures no duplicates, not default values.
PRIMARY KEY constraint
Why it's wrong here
PRIMARY KEY uniquely identifies rows, does not set default values.
DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE()
Why this is correct
DEFAULT with GETDATE() automatically inserts current date/time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which DP-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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: DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE() — Option B is correct because the DEFAULT constraint with GETDATE() automatically populates the OrderDate with the current date and time on insertion. Option A is wrong because CHECK enforces data integrity, not default values. Option C is wrong because UNIQUE ensures uniqueness. Option D is wrong because PRIMARY KEY identifies rows uniquely.
Identify which DP-900 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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