Data Engineering Associate with Databricks Practice Exam

What SQL command is used to describe a table's structure?

1. SHOW TABLE STRUCTURE;

2. EXPLAIN TABLE;

3. DESCRIBE TABLE EXTENDED;

4. LIST TABLE;

The correct answer is: DESCRIBE TABLE EXTENDED;

The correct answer is C, "DESCRIBE TABLE EXTENDED." This SQL command is specifically designed to provide detailed information about a table's structure in a database, including its schema, column names, data types, and potentially other metadata such as constraints or comments associated with each column. The "DESCRIBE" command is commonly used in SQL environments, including Databricks, to give users a clear and concise view of how a table is organized and what data it stores, along with additional nuanced information when using the "EXTENDED" option. This can be especially useful for users who need to understand the dataset's characteristics before performing any operations on it. Other options, like "SHOW TABLE STRUCTURE," do not comply with standard SQL syntax and may not work in many SQL environments. "EXPLAIN TABLE" typically relates to understanding query execution plans rather than the physical table structure. "LIST TABLE" is not a recognized SQL command for obtaining details about a table's architecture. Thus, the "DESCRIBE TABLE EXTENDED" command stands out as the appropriate choice for obtaining a comprehensive overview of a table's structure.