DEA-C02 Storage and Data Protection Practice Question
A data engineering team needs to create a set of tables for an ETL process that involves massive intermediate data transformations. These tables should persist across multiple sessions for 24 hours but do not require long-term disaster recovery protection. Which table type should be used to minimize storage costs while meeting these requirements?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often suggest 'Temporary' tables, failing to realize that Temporary tables are session-scoped and would not persist for the required 24-hour duration across multiple sessions.
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
✓
Transient Tables
Transient tables are designed specifically for data that needs to persist beyond a single session but does not require the 7-day Fail-safe protection offered by permanent tables. By excluding Fail-safe, Snowflake reduces the storage footprint and associated costs, making them ideal for intermediate ETL stages where data can be easily re-created if lost.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Temporary Tables
Why it's wrong here
Temporary tables are only visible within the session they were created in and are automatically dropped when the session ends. Since the requirement specifies that the tables must persist across multiple sessions for up to 24 hours, temporary tables are unsuitable for this specific ETL architecture and workflow.
- ✗
External Tables
Why it's wrong here
External tables store data in files outside of the Snowflake managed storage layer, such as in S3 or GCS. While they minimize Snowflake-managed storage costs, they typically offer slower performance for complex transformations and do not provide the native DML capabilities required for high-performance intermediate ETL processing.
- ✓
Transient Tables
Why this is correct
Transient tables persist until explicitly dropped and can be seen by multiple users and sessions, fulfilling the requirement. They support Time Travel up to one day but lack the 7-day Fail-safe period, which significantly lowers storage costs for large-scale intermediate data that does not need disaster recovery.
- ✗
Permanent Tables
Why it's wrong here
Permanent tables are the default type and include a mandatory 7-day Fail-safe period after the Time Travel window expires. This extra protection level results in higher storage costs for data that is only needed temporarily, making them a less cost-effective choice for intermediate ETL transformation stages.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Snowflake exam blueprint
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