SNOW-CSA Database Administration and CMDB Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Name: server_by_os Tables: cmdb_ci_server (alias: s), cmdb_ci_os (alias: o) Join: s.os_id = o.sys_id Fields: s.name, s.os, o.version, o.build
A report using the 'server_by_os' database view is expected to show a record for each server. However, a server without an operating system entry is not appearing in the report. What is the most likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume a null field value is the direct cause of the missing record, when in fact the underlying join type (INNER JOIN) is the mechanism that excludes rows with null foreign keys.
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 join is defined as an INNER JOIN, excluding servers without a matching OS record.
The report is built on a database view that joins the server table with the operating system table. If the join is an INNER JOIN, only records with matching rows in both tables are returned. A server with a null OS field has no matching OS record, so it is excluded from the result set. This is the most likely reason the server is missing from the report.
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 view is missing a required field.
Why it's wrong here
The view includes all necessary fields; missing data is due to join type.
- ✗
The view is not refreshed.
Why it's wrong here
Views are dynamic; they don't need to be refreshed.
- ✗
The server's OS field is null.
Why it's wrong here
A null OS field means no matching OS record, which causes the INNER JOIN to exclude the row.
- ✓
The join is defined as an INNER JOIN, excluding servers without a matching OS record.
Why this is correct
INNER JOIN requires matching records in both tables.
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