PCPP2 Database Access Practice Question
In SQLAlchemy, what is the difference between 'lazy='select'' and 'lazy='joined'' loading strategies?
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
✓
select loading executes a separate SQL statement when the attribute is first accessed.
joined loading performs an outer join to fetch related objects in the same query, whereas select loading fetches them only when accessed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
joined loading causes N+1 query problems.
Why it's wrong here
Joined loading specifically avoids N+1 problems.
- ✓
select loading executes a separate SQL statement when the attribute is first accessed.
Why this is correct
Lazy loading (select) emits a new query on access.
- ✗
joined loading is always faster.
Why it's wrong here
Performance depends on the data set size and schema.
- ✗
select loading is the default for all relationships.
Why it's wrong here
The default is often 'select', but it is configurable.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCPP2 exam.