Data Engineering Associate with Databricks Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the Input_file_name() function in SQL?

1. To get the name of the current table

2. To retrieve the name of the file being processed

3. To filter data based on file type

4. To check the size of the input data

The correct answer is: To retrieve the name of the file being processed

The Input_file_name() function in SQL plays a crucial role in data processing, particularly in environments like Databricks where data is often ingested from various files. The primary purpose of this function is to retrieve the name of the file that is currently being processed. This capability is particularly useful when working with large datasets that are distributed across multiple files, as it allows users to track the origin of the data they are analyzing. By obtaining the filename, users can implement various data processing strategies, such as filtering data, troubleshooting, or conducting audits based on the source files. This information can also be vital for debugging purposes, as it enables data engineers to trace back the data to its original file for verification or correction. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the function's purpose. For instance, there is no inherent functionality in Input_file_name() to determine table names, filter data types, or check input data sizes directly. These tasks require different SQL functions or methods, indicating that the focus of Input_file_name() is strictly on file identification during processing workflows.