Data Engineering Associate with Databricks Practice Exam

Which SQL command would you use to analyze the detailed structure of a Delta table?

1. DESCRIBE TABLE

2. DESCRIBE DETAIL

3. SHOW TABLES

4. EXPLAIN TABLE

The correct answer is: DESCRIBE DETAIL

Using the command "DESCRIBE DETAIL" is the appropriate choice for analyzing the detailed structure of a Delta table. This command provides comprehensive metadata about the Delta table, including its schema, the number of rows, the table properties, and more. It allows users to gain insights into the configuration of the table, which can be critical for understanding how the data is organized and how it can be queried efficiently. This command goes beyond just listing the column names and types; it gives a detailed overview of both the design and operational characteristics of the Delta table. This is particularly useful in data engineering scenarios where one needs to evaluate table performance attributes, storage details, and other key metadata that may influence query execution and data processing workflows.