COF-C03 Question 121
Single answerSnowflake NotebooksA data science team uses Snowflake Notebooks to explore sales data and share findings with analysts. The team wants notebook users to run Python and SQL cells against data stored in Snowflake without managing external infrastructure. They also want the compute used by the notebook to be governed and scalable within Snowflake. Which Snowflake feature should the team use to execute the notebook workloads?
- A
A virtual warehouse assigned to the notebook session
- B
Container Services only, because notebooks cannot use Snowflake warehouses
- C
A replication group, because notebooks require replicated compute metadata
- D
A database role with USAGE on the target schema
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The key requirement in this scenario is compute for running notebook cells inside Snowflake without external infrastructure. In Snowflake, virtual warehouses provide the compute resources used to execute queries and notebook workloads in the standard Snowflake environment. Roles and privileges control access, but they do not execute code. Replication features support business continuity, not runtime execution. For SnowPro Core, candidates should recognize that Snowflake Notebooks integrate with Snowflake-managed compute and data access patterns, allowing users to analyze data in place while relying on warehouse-based compute governance, scaling, and cost control. Relevant Snowflake documentation covers virtual warehouses as the compute layer and Snowflake Notebooks as an integrated development experience within Snowflake.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Snowflake Notebooks run workload through compute in Snowflake, and for core exam purposes, users execute notebook queries and code using a virtual warehouse associated with the notebook session. This matches the requirement to use Snowflake-managed, scalable compute without setting up external infrastructure.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. This reflects a common misconception that notebooks require Snowpark Container Services for basic execution. Snowflake Notebooks can run using Snowflake-managed compute through warehouses; container-based services are not required for the standard notebook execution model tested on SnowPro Core.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Replication groups are used for replicating supported account objects and data across regions/accounts for disaster recovery or business continuity scenarios. They do not provide execution compute for notebooks.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A database role controls object privileges such as access to schemas, tables, and views, but it is not a compute resource. Even with proper permissions, the notebook still needs compute, such as a virtual warehouse, to run SQL and supported code workloads.