DEA-C02 Data Transformation Practice Question
Which function is best suited for converting a string representation of a JSON object into a VARIANT type within a transformation query?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse TO_VARIANT with PARSE_JSON. While both relate to semi-structured data, PARSE_JSON is the specific function required to convert a raw string into a queryable JSON object.
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
✓
PARSE_JSON()
The PARSE_JSON function is the standard Snowflake tool for casting string data into the VARIANT format. Once in the VARIANT format, the data can be queried using path notation (e.g., col:field), enabling powerful transformations on nested or semi-structured data. This is a foundational operation in data ingestion pipelines where raw data often arrives as strings in CSV or Parquet files.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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TO_VARIANT()
Why it's wrong here
TO_VARIANT() is used to cast existing relational data into a variant structure, not for parsing a JSON-formatted string. It would treat the entire input string as a single literal value rather than interpreting the internal structure of the JSON data.
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TRY_CAST(data AS VARIANT)
Why it's wrong here
While TRY_CAST can handle some type conversions, it is not the correct tool for parsing JSON strings. It is designed for simple data type coercion, and it will not properly interpret the structure of a JSON object string for subsequent querying.
- ✓
PARSE_JSON()
Why this is correct
PARSE_JSON is the specific function built to transform a string containing JSON into a hierarchical VARIANT object. This enables the use of Snowflake's native path-based querying, which is essential for transforming complex, nested data into relational structures during the pipeline process.
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TO_JSON()
Why it's wrong here
TO_JSON is used to convert a VARIANT object back into a string representation. It performs the opposite of the required operation. Using it would result in keeping the data as a string instead of converting it into a queryable variant structure.
About these practice questions
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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 Snowflake exam blueprint
This DEA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Snowflake 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 DEA-C02 exam.