Snowflake SnowPro Certification Practice Test

What needs to be specified in the COPY command when loading data into tables?

1. Data format

2. File compression method

3. Access privilege

4. Time zone settings

The correct answer is: Data format

In the context of loading data into tables using the COPY command in Snowflake, specifying the data format is essential because it informs Snowflake how to interpret the incoming data. The data format can vary significantly depending on the source file, whether it is CSV, JSON, Parquet, or another format. By stating the data format, Snowflake can correctly parse the data and map it to the respective columns in the target table. While file compression methods, access privileges, and time zone settings are related to the overall data loading process, they are not mandatory parameters in the COPY command itself. For instance, Snowflake can automatically handle certain compression formats when reading files in cloud storage. Access privileges are managed through user roles and permissions and do not need to be specified in the command. Time zone settings may apply to how date and time data are interpreted but are not a core requirement of the COPY command. Thus, the focus on defining the data format is critical for successful data loading.