The answer is that the dataset's file path is incorrect or no files match the pattern. This is the most likely cause because the 'Source not found' error in Azure Data Factory occurs when the source dataset cannot resolve to an actual file or blob, even when the container itself exists. Since the container is confirmed to exist, the issue must be downstream in the dataset configuration—either the folder path, file name, or wildcard pattern does not correspond to any blob in that container. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of dataset path resolution and common pipeline configuration errors. A frequent trap is assuming a valid container guarantees a valid source, but the dataset must point to a specific file or match existing blobs. Remember the memory tip: "Container exists, but path misfits—check the file, not the bucket."
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. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. You have an Azure Data Factory pipeline definition as shown. The pipeline fails with a 'Source not found' error. The BlobInputDataset points to a container that exists. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The dataset's file path is incorrect or no files match the pattern.
The 'Source not found' error in Azure Data Factory indicates that the source dataset cannot locate the specified file or blob. Since the container exists, the most likely cause is that the file path defined in the dataset is incorrect or that no files match the specified pattern (e.g., wildcard or prefix). This is a common configuration issue when the dataset's folder path or file name does not correspond to the actual blob location.
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 Azure Blob Storage container is empty.
Why it's wrong here
If empty, the source would be found but no data; error would be different.
✗
The Azure Data Factory managed identity does not have access to the storage account.
Why it's wrong here
Access issues would produce a different error (Access Denied).
✗
The SQL sink database does not exist.
Why it's wrong here
That would cause a sink error, not source.
✓
The dataset's file path is incorrect or no files match the pattern.
Why this is correct
Source not found typically means the file path is invalid or no files exist at that location.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a missing file or incorrect path with an empty container or permission issues, but the specific 'Source not found' error points directly to the dataset's file path or pattern mismatch.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure Data Factory resolves source datasets at runtime by evaluating the dataset's file path and any wildcard patterns (e.g., *.csv) against the actual blob storage. If the path is case-sensitive (Azure Blob Storage is case-sensitive for blob names) or the pattern does not match any blobs, the service raises a 'Source not found' error. This is distinct from container-level existence checks, which are validated during dataset creation or pipeline validation.
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.
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 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: The dataset's file path is incorrect or no files match the pattern. — The 'Source not found' error in Azure Data Factory indicates that the source dataset cannot locate the specified file or blob. Since the container exists, the most likely cause is that the file path defined in the dataset is incorrect or that no files match the specified pattern (e.g., wildcard or prefix). This is a common configuration issue when the dataset's folder path or file name does not correspond to the actual blob location.
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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