In Snowflake, how do window functions differ from table functions?

Question

Options

• AWindow functions modify table structures.
• BWindow functions work on entire tables.
• CTable functions return tables as results.
• DTable functions operate on windowed rows.

• A
  5% (3)
• B
  2% (1)
• C
  2% (1)
• D
  91% (51)

Explanation

Option D is actually incorrect - and C is the true correct answer. As an exam tutor committed to accuracy, I need to flag this before it causes confusion on a real exam.

Why C is correct: Table functions in Snowflake return a set of rows (a table-like result) and are used in the FROM clause - this is their defining characteristic. For example, FLATTEN() and SPLIT_TO_TABLE() are table functions that expand data into multiple rows.

Why D is wrong: D describes window functions, not table functions. Window functions (e.g., ROW_NUMBER(), RANK(), SUM() OVER (...)) are what operate over a defined "window" of rows using PARTITION BY and ORDER BY. Swapping the descriptions between D and the concept of window functions is the exact mix-up the question is testing.

Why the other distractors are wrong:

• A is wrong - window functions don't modify table structures; they compute values without altering data.
• B is wrong - window functions work on a defined subset (the window), not the entire table unconditionally.

Memory tip: Think of the name literally - a window function looks through a window at nearby rows; a table function produces a table as output. If it lives in your FROM clause and spits out rows, it's a table function.

Double-check your source material - the listed "correct answer" of D appears to be a keying error.

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