C100DEV Data Modeling Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit:
{ "_id": 1, "name": "UserA", "orders": [ { "id": 101, "total": 50 }, { "id": 102, "total": 100 } ] }Which schema pattern is demonstrated in the exhibit provided?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse the embedding pattern with referencing because they see sub-documents, mistakenly thinking that any array of ObjectIDs represents a relationship instead of actual inline data.
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
✓
The Embedding Pattern.
The exhibit shows an array of sub-documents nested directly within a parent document, which is the definition of the embedding pattern. This pattern is used to keep related data together in one physical storage unit. It is highly efficient for read-heavy applications where the parent user record and their order history are almost always required at the same time by the application layer.
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 Linking Pattern.
Why it's wrong here
The linking pattern involves storing an ID in one collection that refers to a document in another. The exhibit shows the actual order data embedded within the user document, not just a reference ID. Therefore, this is not a linking pattern, as no separate order collection exists here.
- ✓
The Embedding Pattern.
Why this is correct
The exhibit displays a classic embedding pattern where order objects are stored inside the user's 'orders' array. This structure ensures that when the user document is retrieved, all relevant order information is fetched in the same query, reducing the need for additional lookups or complex joins in code.
- ✗
The Polymorphic Pattern.
Why it's wrong here
Polymorphic patterns are used when documents in a collection have different structures. Here, the 'orders' array contains consistent sub-document objects. There is no evidence of varying schemas or polymorphic types, so this pattern does not apply to the provided JSON structure which is clearly consistent and deeply nested.
- ✗
The Computed Pattern.
Why it's wrong here
The computed pattern involves storing calculated values within a document to improve read performance. While the total field is a value, it is a property of the order, not a computed summary of multiple different operations or metrics. The exhibit shows a simple relationship, not a complex computed schema.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official MongoDB exam blueprint
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