Data Engineering Associate with Databricks Practice Exam

What distinguishes DEEP CLONE from SHALLOW CLONE in SQL?

1. DEEP CLONE only copies transaction logs

2. SHALLOW CLONE fully copies data and metadata

3. DEEP CLONE does not incrementally sync changes

4. DEEP CLONE fully copies both data and metadata

The correct answer is: DEEP CLONE fully copies both data and metadata

DEEP CLONE stands out from SHALLOW CLONE primarily due to its capability to fully duplicate both data and metadata. When a DEEP CLONE is performed, it creates a new table or data object that is a complete and independent copy of the original, ensuring that not only the data itself is replicated, but also all of the metadata associated with that data—including its schema, permissions, and other relevant characteristics. This makes DEEP CLONE a robust solution for scenarios where a true, standalone copy of a dataset is required for analysis or further processing. In contrast, SHALLOW CLONE is typically more limited, as it usually references the existing data without making a full copy. This distinction allows for more efficient storage and potential performance improvements, but doesn't allow the flexibility that a DEEP CLONE offers in situations where a fully independent version of the dataset is necessary. This feature of DEEP CLONE is essential in contexts requiring data isolation or when you need to ensure that subsequent changes to the original data do not impact the cloned version.