Cassandra Query Language by Examples: Puzzles with Answers

TWO original and high-quality practice tests of 50 questions each must help you learn and/or better understand Apache Cassandra, especially its CQL (Cassandra Query Language):

• Each practice test has 50 questions. To challenge you, we timed them for 60 minutes, with a 80% passing score.

• Domains: Data Modeling, Data Definition, Data Types, Data Search, Data Modification, Functions, CQL Shell, Performance, Security.

• Every question offers 3-4 choices. Most questions are single-select, a few with variable multi-selections.

• Every question is unique and original, elaborated, meant to teach you something essential, with no waste of time.

• Detailed explanations with external references for any possible choice, in each practice test question.

• Reference links to relevant pages from the Apache Cassandra Documentation, DataStax documentation, StackOverflow questions.

• While this will also help you pass DataStax certifications exams, the questions here may be very different from the exams.

What you will learn or better understand

• How to properly design tables in CQL. Data modeling with Chebotko diagrams and proper key choices.

• How to properly query Cassandra tables without paying a price in performance.

• How to properly use the partition, clustering or primary keys, in WHERE and ORDER BY clauses.

• When and what keys you may skip in a filter expression or in an explicit query sort order.

• When to create a new denormalized table, secondary index or materialized view.

• Major differences between SQL and CQL, with plenty of examples.

• How to avoid traps, gotcha situations, hidden issues you may not know about.

• What the mysterious TTL actually does. When whole rows may suddenly disappear or not.

How should I use these tests?

1. Try first practice test. And do not worry about the time or if you fail. You are expected to fail, this is how you learn...

2. Stop the exam anytime, if you're not patient enough to go over all 50 questions.

3. Once done, you get your total score, plus per domain.

4. Click Review Questions and scroll down to both the right and wrong choices for each individual question.

5. Read the detailed Explanation for each question.

6. Repeat with the second practice test.

7. Repeat these tests again and again, until you score at least 90% on each.

"Cassandra Query Language by Examples: Puzzles with Answers" is also available as a Kindle ebook, on Amazon.