Snowflake Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is a characteristic of micro-partitions?

1. They can store multiple file formats

2. They are limited to 16 MB

3. They automatically optimize storage

4. They require manual maintenance

The correct answer is: They automatically optimize storage

Micro-partitions in Snowflake are designed to automatically optimize storage, which is a key characteristic that enhances their functionality. This automatic optimization involves various processes like compressing data and organizing it in a way that improves query performance and reduces storage costs. The architecture of micro-partitions allows Snowflake to efficiently manage data without requiring user intervention, making it easier for users to focus on data analysis rather than maintenance tasks. The other options reflect misunderstandings of micro-partitions. For instance, while micro-partitions do have size constraints, they do not have a strict 16 MB limit; instead, they can vary in size. The ability to store multiple file formats is also a feature typically associated with Snowflake's broader architecture rather than being a specific characteristic of micro-partitions. Lastly, since the optimization of storage is done automatically, the idea that they require manual maintenance contradicts their designed purpose. Thus, the characteristic of automatically optimizing storage is what distinguishes micro-partitions and highlights their efficiency in managing and querying data.