SQL (70-431) Question of the week...Q2

You are creating a new SQL Server 2005 database for Brocadero's sales department. To ensure maximum availability and reliability you decide to implement the database across multiple data files. When creating the data files you want to follow Microsoft's recommended best practices for naming. How should the primary and secondary data files be named? Choose the best option(s) from those listed below.

a) The primary data file should have an .mdf extension.
b) The primary data file should have an .ndf extension.
c) The secondary data file should have an .mdf extension.
d) The secondary data file should have an .ndf extension.

Self Evaluation:
Compare your answer to the explanation and correct option(s) provided below.

Explanation:
Microsoft's recommended best practices state that a heavily used database should store the database catalog in a primary data file and all data and objects in secondary data files for the best performance, availability, and reliability. Microsoft recommends that primary data files use the .mdf file extension, while secondary data files should use the .ndf extension.

Correct Option(s):
a) The primary data file should have an .mdf extension.
d) The secondary data file should have an .ndf extension.

Incorrect Option(s):
b) The primary data file should have an .ndf extension - Primary data files should use the .mdf extension.
c) The secondary data file should have an .mdf extension - Secondary data files should use the .ndf extension.

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