Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer Exam

What schema design approach enhances the user experience by minimizing table joins in BigQuery?

1. Normalizing data with multiple related tables.

2. Creating a single flat table structure.

3. Using complex SQL queries to retrieve needed data.

4. Implementing views incorporating multiple data sources.

The correct answer is: Creating a single flat table structure.

Creating a single flat table structure is an effective schema design approach in BigQuery that enhances user experience by minimizing the need for table joins. In a flat table structure, related data is stored within a single table, which simplifies data retrieval processes. This setup allows users to access the necessary information quickly and efficiently without the complexity and potential performance issues that can arise from joining multiple tables. In BigQuery, where performance and cost are critical, reducing the number of joins can lead to faster query execution times. Since each join operation can increase the amount of data processed and the overall query complexity, a flat structure helps streamline queries, making it easier for end users to analyze and visualize the data without needing extensive knowledge of the underlying database structure. This approach also facilitates a more intuitive understanding of the dataset by presenting related data together, which can improve the overall user experience, especially for those who may not be familiar with SQL or database design principles.