How do table functions differ from other Snowflake functions?

Question

Options

• AThey perform mathematical computations exclusively.
• BTable functions modify existing table structures.
• CThey only operate on entire tables.
• DTable functions return tables as results.

• A
  3% (1)
• B
  7% (2)
• C
  3% (1)
• D
  87% (26)

Explanation

Table functions in Snowflake are distinguished by their ability to return a set of rows (a table) as their output, unlike scalar functions that return a single value or aggregate functions that collapse rows into one result - making D correct. Option A is wrong because table functions are not limited to math; they can parse, generate, or transform data in many ways. Option B is incorrect because table functions do not alter table schemas or structures - they are read-oriented and produce output, not DDL changes. Option C is a half-truth that misleads: table functions don't necessarily operate on entire tables as input; they simply return tabular output, and can be called with parameters that have nothing to do with an existing table.

Memory tip: Think of the name literally - a "table function" is a function whose return type is a table. You use them in the FROM clause or with TABLE() syntax, which is your clue: if it lives where a table goes, it returns a table.

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