SindhuCloudSQL-Concepts Flashcards
1
Q
What are the main benefits of using Cloud SQL as a managed service?
A
The main benefits include automated updates, patching, backups, and failover, which eliminate the need for manual database management. This ensures better reliability, security, and availability of the database services.
2
Q
Which database engines are supported by Cloud SQL?
A
Cloud SQL supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server.
3
Q
How does Cloud SQL ensure data encryption?
A
Cloud SQL ensures data encryption both at rest and in transit, using various encryption protocols and technologies such as SSL/TLS for data in transit and AES-256 for data at rest.
4
Q
What are the key features of Cloud SQL’s backup system?
A
Cloud SQL provides automated daily backups as well as on-demand backups. This ensures that data can be restored to a previous state in case of data loss or corruption.
5
Q
Explain the high availability feature in Cloud SQL.
A
Cloud SQL offers high availability through automatic failover. This means that if the primary instance fails, a standby instance is automatically promoted to primary, ensuring minimal downtime.
6
Q
What types of network connectivity options are available in Cloud SQL?
A
Cloud SQL offers network connectivity via private IP or public IP with SSL/TLS encryption. This provides secure and flexible options for connecting to the database.
7
Q
Describe the VM-based instance in Cloud SQL.
A
A VM-based instance in Cloud SQL runs on a virtual machine with a persistent disk. This setup provides scalable and durable storage for database operations.
8
Q
What is the significance of a static IP in Cloud SQL?
A
A static IP ensures consistent network configurations and simplifies firewall management. This is important for applications that need a stable IP address to connect to the database.
9
Q
Remove - What are the differences between the Enterprise Edition and Enterprise Plus Edition in Cloud SQL?
A
The Enterprise Edition provides a balance of performance, availability, and cost, while the Enterprise Plus Edition offers enhanced performance and availability, improved read/write performance, and automatic tuning for more demanding applications.
10
Q
Remove - How can databases be managed in Cloud SQL?
A
Databases can be created and deleted via the Cloud Console or API. Integration with Identity and Access Management (IAM) allows for fine-grained access control and management of user permissions.
11
Q
What factors influence the pricing of Cloud SQL?
A
Pricing is based on the amount of storage, the number of CPUs, the memory allocated, network traffic, and the use of static IP addresses.
12
Q
How are system updates handled in Cloud SQL?
A
System updates and configurations are managed by Google Cloud. Updates can be user-initiated or automated to ensure that the system remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
13
Q
What features are specific to MySQL in Cloud SQL?
A
Cloud SQL for MySQL provides managed backups, patching, and failover. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, and replication options include intra-zone and inter-zone with automatic failover.
14
Q
Remove - Which features are not supported in MySQL on Cloud SQL?
A
Unsupported features include the Federated Engine, Memory Storage Engine, and certain plugins that are not compatible with the managed environment.
15
Q
What versions of PostgreSQL are supported by Cloud SQL?
A
Cloud SQL supports PostgreSQL versions 9.6, 10, 11, 12, and 13.
16
Q
Remove- Name some of the PostgreSQL extensions supported by Cloud SQL.
A
Supported extensions include PostGIS for geographic data, PLV8 for JavaScript support, and pg_stat_statements for query statistics.
17
Q
Describe the high availability feature in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL.
A
High availability is achieved through automatic failover with synchronous replication, which ensures minimal data loss during failovers.
18
Q
Remove - What are the best practices for scheduling maintenance windows in Cloud SQL?
A
Schedule maintenance windows during off-peak times to minimize the impact on database operations and ensure that updates do not interfere with critical workloads.
19
Q
How can read replicas improve performance in Cloud SQL?
A
Read replicas can offload read operations from the primary instance, distributing the load and improving overall performance. They are especially useful for read-heavy applications.
20
Q
Remove - Why is it important to avoid operation overlaps in Cloud SQL?
A
Avoiding overlaps between long-running operations, backups, and maintenance periods ensures that performance is not degraded and reduces the risk of conflicts that can cause failures or delays.
21
Q
What are the best practices for monitoring CPU and memory usage in Cloud SQL?
A
Regularly monitor CPU and memory usage through Cloud Monitoring tools. Set up alerts for high utilization and investigate any anomalies promptly to prevent performance degradation.
22
Q
How can instances be scaled in Cloud SQL?
A
Instances can be scaled vertically by adding more CPUs and memory, or horizontally by adding read replicas to distribute the load and improve performance.
23
Q
Why is horizontal scaling preferred for managing smaller instances in Cloud SQL?
A
Horizontal scaling allows for better resource management by distributing the load across multiple smaller instances rather than relying on a single large instance. This can lead to improved performance and fault tolerance.
24
Q
What is the role of connection pooling in Cloud SQL?
A
A connection pool is a cache of database connections that are shared and reused to improve connection latency and performance. When your application needs a database connection, it borrows one from its pool temporarily; when the application is finished with the connection, it returns the connection to the pool, where it can be reused the next time the application needs a database connection.Connection pooling manages database connections efficiently, reducing the overhead of establishing and closing connections and improving application performance.
25
How often should failover mechanisms be tested in Cloud SQL?
Regularly test failover mechanisms to ensure that they work as expected and to minimize downtime in case of an actual failover event.
26
Number of automated backups
By default, Cloud SQL retains 7 automated backups for each Cloud SQL Enterprise edition instance and 15 automated backups for each Cloud SQL Enterprise Plus edition instance. The number is configurable between 1-365
27
How does automated backup work in Cloud SQL?
Automated backups are configured to run daily, within a 4-hour backup window, providing regular data protection. Users can also initiate on-demand backups as needed. On-demand backups are not automatically deleted the way automated backups are.
28
Backup size
Cloud SQL backups are incremental. They contain only data that changed after the previous backup was taken. Your oldest backup is a similar size to your database, but the sizes of subsequent backups depend on the rate of change of your data. When the oldest backup is deleted, the size of the next oldest backup increases so that a full backup still exists.
29
What is Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR) in Cloud SQL?
Point-in-Time Recovery allows recovering the database to a specific point in time, which is useful for recovering from data corruption or accidental data loss.
30
Why are regular data exports important in Cloud SQL?
Regularly exporting data provides an additional layer of data protection and ensures that a copy of the data is available for archival and recovery purposes.
31
How do read replicas work in Cloud SQL?
Read replicas offload read operations from the primary instance, distributing the load and improving performance. They are asynchronously replicated, meaning there may be slight delays in data synchronization.
32
What is the purpose of cross-region replicas in Cloud SQL?
Cross-region replicas provide disaster recovery capabilities by deploying read replicas in different geographic regions, ensuring data availability even if one region experiences an outage.
33
How do cascading replicas enhance scalability in Cloud SQL?
Cascading replicas create a multi-level replication hierarchy, where read replicas can replicate data to other replicas. This setup improves scalability by distributing the read load more efficiently.
34
What are the different types of replication available in Cloud SQL?
Cloud SQL offers standard read replicas, cross-region read replicas, cascading replicas, and external replication to integrate with external instances.
35
How does external replication work in Cloud SQL?
External replication allows data to be replicated between Cloud SQL and external database instances, providing flexibility for hybrid cloud deployments and data migration.
36
What are the use cases for replication in Cloud SQL?
Replication can be used to distribute read capacity, enhance disaster recovery, and facilitate data migration between different database instances or regions.
37
What is the performance overhead associated with binary logging in Cloud SQL?
Binary logging introduces additional disk operations, which can impact performance by increasing the I/O load on the database.
38
How does binary logging affect storage usage in Cloud SQL?
Binary logging increases storage usage by maintaining a log of all changes made to the database, which can grow significantly over time.
39
How are read replicas billed in Cloud SQL?
Read replicas are billed at standard rates based on the resources they consume, including CPU, memory, and storage.
40
What additional charges apply for cross-region data transfer in Cloud SQL?
Cross-region data transfer incurs additional charges based on the amount of data transferred between regions, which is billed separately from the standard rates for read replicas.
41
What insights does Cloud Monitoring provide in Cloud SQL?
Cloud Monitoring provides detailed insights into CPU, memory, and storage usage, allowing users to monitor performance and set up alerts for custom metrics.
42
How does Cloud Logging support Cloud SQL?
Cloud Logging collects logs for auditing and troubleshooting purposes, helping users track database access, performance issues, and configuration changes.
43
What is the purpose of a private IP in Cloud SQL?
A private IP ensures secure internal communication within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), isolating database traffic from the public internet.
44
How can a public IP be used in Cloud SQL?
A public IP enables controlled access to the database from the internet, which can be secured with SSL/TLS encryption to protect data in transit.
45
What is VPC peering and how does it benefit Cloud SQL?
VPC peering connects instances to other VPC networks securely, allowing resources in different VPCs to communicate with each other without traversing the public internet.
46
How are maintenance windows defined in Cloud SQL?
Maintenance windows are defined by specifying specific time periods during which updates and maintenance tasks can be performed, minimizing disruption to database operations.
47
What is automatic maintenance in Cloud SQL?
Automatic maintenance involves routine maintenance tasks performed by Google Cloud with minimal downtime, ensuring the database remains up-to-date and secure.
48
How is data imported and exported using SQL Dump in Cloud SQL?
SQL Dump is used to import and export data by generating a SQL script that contains the database schema and data, which can be used for backups or migrations.
49
How does CSV import/export work in Cloud SQL?
CSV import/export allows data to be loaded and exported in CSV format, which is useful for transferring data between different systems and performing bulk data operations.
50
What are external connections in Cloud SQL?
External connections enable Cloud SQL to connect to external databases for data integration, allowing data to be shared and synchronized across different database systems.
51
How are user accounts managed in Cloud SQL?
User accounts are created and managed through the Cloud Console or API, with permissions assigned to control access to the database.
52
What tools are available for database management in Cloud SQL?
Databases can be managed using the Cloud Console or API, allowing users to create, delete, and configure databases as needed.
53
What certifications does Cloud SQL comply with?
Cloud SQL complies with certifications such as SOC 1/2/3 and ISO/IEC 27001, ensuring that it meets industry standards for security and data protection.
54
How does audit logging support compliance in Cloud SQL?
Audit logging tracks database access and modifications, providing a detailed record of activities for auditing and compliance purposes.
55
What is Identity and Access Management (IAM) in Cloud SQL?
Identity and Access Management (IAM) provides fine-grained access control, allowing users to define who can access the database and what actions they can perform.
56
How do VPC Service Controls enhance security in Cloud SQL?
VPC Service Controls provide enhanced security for data in transit by restricting access to the database to specific VPCs, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
57
How does BigQuery integration benefit Cloud SQL?
BigQuery integration allows data to be exported from Cloud SQL to BigQuery for advanced analytics, enabling users to perform complex queries and analysis on large datasets.
58
What is Dataflow and how does it integrate with Cloud SQL?
Dataflow is a real-time data processing service that can integrate with Cloud SQL to process and analyze streaming data, providing insights and enabling real-time decision-making.
59
What is Performance Insights in Cloud SQL?
Performance Insights provides deep analysis and recommendations for optimizing database performance, helping users identify and address performance bottlenecks.
60
How does the Index Advisor improve performance in Cloud SQL?
The Index Advisor provides automated indexing recommendations based on query patterns, helping users create efficient indexes that improve query performance.
61
What are custom database flags in Cloud SQL?
Custom database flags allow users to fine-tune database configurations by setting specific parameters, enabling customization for specific use cases and performance optimization.
62
How can custom machine types be used in Cloud SQL?
Custom machine types allow users to tailor the virtual machine configurations to meet specific needs, such as increasing CPU or memory for demanding applications.
63
How does the Terraform provider support Cloud SQL?
The Terraform provider allows users to manage Cloud SQL resources using infrastructure as code, enabling automated deployment and management of database instances.
64
What is the Cloud SQL Admin API?
The Cloud SQL Admin API allows programmatic control of Cloud SQL instances, enabling users to automate tasks such as instance creation, configuration, and management.
65
What extensions are available for PostgreSQL in Cloud SQL?
Extensions such as PostGIS (for geographic data), PLV8 (JavaScript support), and pg_stat_statements (query statistics) are available for PostgreSQL in Cloud SQL.
66
How does PostgreSQL ensure high availability in Cloud SQL?
High availability in PostgreSQL is ensured through automatic failover with synchronous replication, minimizing data loss during failovers.
67
How do read replicas support PostgreSQL in Cloud SQL?
Read replicas provide asynchronous replication for scaling read operations. They can be created within the same region or cross-region for disaster recovery and geographic distribution.
68
What performance issues can arise in Cloud SQL?
Performance issues can include query latency due to inefficient queries or improper indexing, and resource contention for CPU, memory, or disk I/O, which can degrade performance.
69
What are the limits of vertical scaling in Cloud SQL?
Vertical scaling limits are reached when adding more CPU and memory no longer improves performance, requiring horizontal scaling to distribute the load across multiple instances.
70
How does maintenance and downtime affect Cloud SQL?
Planned maintenance can cause brief downtimes, even with maintenance windows, and unplanned failovers can cause momentary disruptions.
71
What challenges are associated with managing large data volumes in Cloud SQL?
Handling and migrating large data volumes can be challenging, as can the long backup and restore times that impact Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO).
72
What is replication lag and how does it affect Cloud SQL?
Replication lag occurs with asynchronous replication, causing read replicas to be slightly out of sync with the primary instance. This can affect the consistency of data reads.
73
What are the best practices for indexing in MySQL on Cloud SQL?
Ensure proper indexing to speed up query performance, rewrite queries for efficiency, and use EXPLAIN to understand query plans. Adjust the InnoDB buffer pool size to fit most of the data in memory.
74
How does vacuuming help in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
Regular vacuuming reclaims storage and maintains performance by avoiding table bloat. Tuning autovacuum settings balances maintenance overhead and performance.
75
What are general tuning tips for Cloud SQL?
Use connection pooling to manage database connections efficiently, monitor resource usage continuously, enable and analyze slow query logs, and ensure adequate IOPS and throughput for disk storage.
76
How can you optimize query performance using EXPLAIN in Cloud SQL?
Use the EXPLAIN command to analyze query execution plans and identify bottlenecks. This helps in understanding how queries are processed and optimizing them accordingly.
77
What are the benefits of using connection pooling in Cloud SQL?
Connection pooling reduces the overhead of establishing and closing database connections, improving application performance and managing resources efficiently.
78
How should you configure the buffer pool in MySQL on Cloud SQL for optimal performance?
Increase the buffer pool size to allow more data to be cached in memory, reducing the need for disk I/O operations and improving query performance.
79
What is the importance of setting an appropriate max_connections value in Cloud SQL?
Setting an appropriate max_connections value ensures that the database can handle the expected number of simultaneous connections without overloading the server, balancing performance and resource usage.
80
How can slow query logs be used for performance optimization in Cloud SQL?
Enable and analyze slow query logs to identify long-running queries. Optimizing these queries can significantly improve overall database performance.
81
What are the key considerations for disk I/O in Cloud SQL?
Ensure adequate IOPS and throughput for disk storage to handle peak loads efficiently. Monitoring and adjusting disk performance settings can prevent bottlenecks and maintain database responsiveness.
82
Why is regular vacuuming important in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
Regular vacuuming prevents table bloat by reclaiming storage space and maintaining database performance. Autovacuum settings should be tuned to balance maintenance overhead and performance needs.
83
How can you optimize table performance in MySQL on Cloud SQL?
Regularly optimize tables to improve performance by reorganizing the data, updating statistics, and reclaiming unused space. This can be done using the OPTIMIZE TABLE command.
84
What role does rebuilding indexes play in Cloud SQL maintenance?
Rebuilding indexes helps maintain efficient query performance by reorganizing index structures, reducing fragmentation, and ensuring that indexes remain optimal for query execution.
85
How does indexing impact query performance in Cloud SQL?
Proper indexing can significantly speed up query performance by allowing the database to quickly locate and retrieve the required data. Avoid redundant or unused indexes to prevent unnecessary overhead.
86
What strategies can be used to rewrite complex queries for better performance in Cloud SQL?
Simplify complex queries by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. Avoid subqueries when possible and use joins and temporary tables to optimize query execution.
87
How can you use query plans to identify performance bottlenecks in Cloud SQL?
Analyzing query plans with tools like EXPLAIN helps identify performance bottlenecks by showing how queries are executed and highlighting areas that need optimization.
88
Why is continuous resource monitoring important in Cloud SQL?
Continuous monitoring of CPU, memory, and disk I/O usage helps identify potential performance issues and resource constraints, allowing proactive management and optimization of database instances.
89
What types of alerts should be set up for Cloud SQL resource monitoring?
Set up alerts for critical metrics such as high CPU usage, low available memory, high disk I/O, and other resource constraints to quickly address performance issues.
90
How can you adjust instance sizes in Cloud SQL based on resource monitoring?
Based on resource monitoring data, instances can be scaled up or down by adjusting the number of CPUs and the amount of memory allocated, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
91
What are the best practices for importing data using SQL Dump in Cloud SQL?
Ensure that the SQL Dump file is clean and consistent before importing. Use the Cloud SQL import feature to load the data efficiently and monitor the process for any errors or issues.
92
How can CSV import/export be optimized in Cloud SQL?
Use the CSV import/export feature for bulk data operations. Ensure that the CSV files are properly formatted and consistent. Use batch processing to handle large datasets efficiently.
93
What are the key considerations for connecting Cloud SQL to external databases?
Ensure that network connectivity and security configurations are properly set up for external connections. Use SSL/TLS encryption to secure data in transit and verify access controls.
94
How does Identity and Access Management (IAM) enhance security in Cloud SQL?
IAM provides fine-grained access control by allowing administrators to define who can access the database and what actions they can perform, ensuring that only authorized users have access.
95
What is the role of audit logging in Cloud SQL compliance?
Audit logging tracks database access and modifications, providing a detailed record of activities for auditing and compliance purposes. This helps in detecting and investigating unauthorized access or changes.
96
How do VPC Service Controls improve data security in Cloud SQL?
VPC Service Controls restrict access to the database to specific VPCs, enhancing data security by ensuring that database traffic remains within a secure, controlled environment.
97
What are the benefits of integrating Cloud SQL with BigQuery?
Integrating Cloud SQL with BigQuery allows users to export data for advanced analytics, enabling complex queries and analysis on large datasets for deeper insights.
98
How does Dataflow integration support Cloud SQL?
Dataflow provides real-time data processing capabilities that integrate with Cloud SQL, allowing for real-time analysis and decision-making based on streaming data.
99
What are some common use cases for using Cloud SQL with Terraform?
Terraform can be used to automate the deployment and management of Cloud SQL resources, enabling infrastructure as code, which improves efficiency, consistency, and scalability of database operations.
100
How can custom database flags be used to optimize Cloud SQL performance?
Custom database flags allow users to fine-tune database configurations by setting specific parameters that optimize performance for their particular use cases and workloads.
101
What are the advantages of using custom machine types in Cloud SQL?
Custom machine types enable users to tailor the virtual machine configurations to meet specific needs, such as increasing CPU or memory for high-demand applications, providing better performance and cost efficiency.
102
How does the Cloud SQL Admin API facilitate automation?
The Cloud SQL Admin API enables programmatic control of Cloud SQL instances, allowing users to automate tasks such as instance creation, configuration, management, and monitoring.
103
What are the benefits of using Terraform for managing Cloud SQL resources?
Terraform allows for automated and repeatable deployments of Cloud SQL resources, ensuring consistency, reducing manual errors, and enabling infrastructure as code for better manageability and scalability.
104
How do GIN and GiST indexes improve search performance in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
GIN and GiST indexes provide advanced indexing options that enhance search performance for JSONB data, full-text search, and other complex queries, allowing for faster data retrieval.
105
What is the importance of JSONB support in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
JSONB support allows for efficient storage and querying of JSON data, enabling the use of semi-structured data within PostgreSQL and enhancing the flexibility of data models.
106
How does PostgreSQL handle automatic failover in Cloud SQL?
Automatic failover in PostgreSQL ensures high availability by promoting a standby instance to primary in case of a failure, minimizing downtime and data loss.
107
What are the key strategies for effective resource monitoring in Cloud SQL?
Continuously monitor resource usage (CPU, memory, disk I/O), set up alerts for critical metrics, and adjust instance sizes or configurations as needed to maintain optimal performance and prevent resource constraints.
108
How can the slow query log be used to improve database performance?
Enable the slow query log to identify long-running queries, analyze their execution plans, and optimize them to reduce execution time and improve overall database performance.
109
What role does connection pooling play in managing database connections efficiently?
Connection pooling reduces the overhead of establishing and closing connections, improving application performance and resource utilization by reusing existing connections.
110
How does increasing the buffer pool size in MySQL on Cloud SQL affect performance?
Increasing the buffer pool size allows more data to be cached in memory, reducing disk I/O and improving query performance by speeding up data retrieval.
111
What is the impact of tuning autovacuum settings in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
Tuning autovacuum settings balances the maintenance overhead and performance, ensuring that vacuum operations run efficiently without significantly impacting database performance.
112
How can work_mem settings be adjusted to improve query performance in PostgreSQL on Cloud SQL?
Increasing work_mem settings can improve the performance of complex queries and sorts by allocating more memory for these operations, reducing the need for temporary disk space.
113
What are the common causes of query latency in Cloud SQL?
Query latency can be caused by inefficient queries, improper indexing, resource contention, and insufficient hardware resources. Optimizing queries and indexes can help reduce latency.
114
How can resource contention affect Cloud SQL performance?
Resource contention occurs when multiple processes compete for CPU, memory, or disk I/O, leading to degraded performance. Proper resource management and monitoring can mitigate this issue.
115
What are the challenges of handling large data volumes in Cloud SQL?
Handling large data volumes can lead to performance issues, longer backup and restore times, and increased costs. Effective data management strategies and resource optimization are essential to address these challenges.
116
How does planned maintenance impact Cloud SQL?
Planned maintenance can cause brief downtimes even with maintenance windows. It is important to schedule maintenance during off-peak times to minimize disruption to database operations.
117
What are the considerations for unplanned failovers in Cloud SQL?
Unplanned failovers can cause momentary disruptions. Regularly testing failover mechanisms and ensuring high availability configurations can help minimize the impact of such events.
118
How can you manage backup and restore times for large databases in Cloud SQL?
Optimize backup and restore processes by using incremental backups, compressing backup files, and scheduling backups during off-peak times to reduce impact on database performance.
119
What is the effect of asynchronous replication on Cloud SQL read replicas?
Asynchronous replication can cause replication lag, where read replicas are slightly out of sync with the primary instance. This can affect data consistency for read operations.
120
How can you monitor and mitigate replication lag in Cloud SQL?
Regularly monitor replication lag metrics and implement strategies such as adjusting replication settings, optimizing network performance, and using synchronous replication for critical data.
121
What are the best practices for ensuring data consistency in Cloud SQL with replication?
Use synchronous replication for critical data to ensure consistency, monitor replication lag, and design applications to handle potential data discrepancies in read replicas.
