The answer is that the KQL query error is most likely caused by incorrect table or column names. This is because Kusto Query Language requires an exact match between the names used in the query and the actual schema of the database in Azure Data Explorer; if a table like 'Events' or a column like 'PropertyDamage' does not exist, the query will fail with a semantic error, even if the rest of the syntax is perfectly valid. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that KQL is schema-aware and that mismatched names are a common source of runtime errors, often disguised by otherwise correct logic. A common trap is assuming a table or column exists based on logical naming, but the exam expects you to verify the schema first. Memory tip: “Name it right, or the query won’t take flight”—always check your table and column names against the actual schema before debugging syntax.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. 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.
-- Kusto Query
StormEvents
| where State == "FLORIDA"
| summarize TotalDamage = sum(DamageProperty) by EventType
| top 5 by TotalDamage desc
Refer to the exhibit. You are analyzing a Kusto query in Azure Data Explorer. The query is intended to return the top 5 event types that caused the most property damage in Florida. However, the query returns an error. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
-- Kusto Query
StormEvents
| where State == "FLORIDA"
| summarize TotalDamage = sum(DamageProperty) by EventType
| top 5 by TotalDamage desc
A
The where clause must specify a numeric value.
Why wrong: where can compare strings; 'FLORIDA' is valid.
B
The summarize operator cannot use sum aggregation.
Why wrong: sum is a valid aggregation function.
C
The table or column names are incorrect.
The error is likely due to missing table or column; the query syntax is otherwise valid.
D
The top operator requires an order by clause.
Why wrong: The top operator does not require order by; it returns top N rows based on the current order.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The table or column names are incorrect.
The query returns an error because the table or column names referenced in the query do not match the actual schema in Azure Data Explorer. In Kusto Query Language (KQL), if a table name like 'Events' or a column like 'PropertyDamage' does not exist in the database, the query will fail with a 'semantic error' indicating an unknown table or column. This is the most likely cause given that the query logic (where, summarize, top) is syntactically correct.
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.
✗
The where clause must specify a numeric value.
Why it's wrong here
where can compare strings; 'FLORIDA' is valid.
✗
The summarize operator cannot use sum aggregation.
Why it's wrong here
sum is a valid aggregation function.
✓
The table or column names are incorrect.
Why this is correct
The error is likely due to missing table or column; the query syntax is otherwise valid.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The top operator requires an order by clause.
Why it's wrong here
The top operator does not require order by; it returns top N rows based on the current order.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the error is due to a syntax or operator misuse (like top needing order by or sum being invalid), when in reality the error stems from a simple schema mismatch—a common oversight when reading queries without verifying the underlying data model.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
KQL's top operator is syntactic sugar that combines order by and limit, automatically sorting by the specified column(s) in descending order. The summarize operator groups rows and applies aggregate functions like sum(), count(), avg(), etc., and is commonly used with top to find leading categories. Schema mismatches are a frequent source of runtime errors in Azure Data Explorer, especially when table or column names are case-sensitive or misspelled.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-900 question in full detail.
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The table or column names are incorrect. — The query returns an error because the table or column names referenced in the query do not match the actual schema in Azure Data Explorer. In Kusto Query Language (KQL), if a table name like 'Events' or a column like 'PropertyDamage' does not exist in the database, the query will fail with a 'semantic error' indicating an unknown table or column. This is the most likely cause given that the query logic (where, summarize, top) is syntactically correct.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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