Which query pattern is not permitted in this environment?

Which query pattern is not permitted in this environment?

• A. A join and Select * together
• B. A join with explicit column list
• C. A query without a join
• D. A query with a WHERE clause

Answer: (A)

In Marketing Cloud's Query Activity, you must list columns explicitly in the SELECT clause. Using a wildcard (SELECT *) is not permitted, and it’s especially problematic when a join is involved because the resulting column names from both tables can clash or be unclear. That’s why the pattern that combines a join with a SELECT * is not allowed. Patterns that are allowed include joining with an explicit column list, running a query without a join, and adding a WHERE clause to filter results. The key practice is to specify exactly which columns you want, keeping the output predictable and unambiguous.

In Marketing Cloud's Query Activity, you must list columns explicitly in the SELECT clause. Using a wildcard (SELECT *) is not permitted, and it’s especially problematic when a join is involved because the resulting column names from both tables can clash or be unclear. That’s why the pattern that combines a join with a SELECT * is not allowed. Patterns that are allowed include joining with an explicit column list, running a query without a join, and adding a WHERE clause to filter results. The key practice is to specify exactly which columns you want, keeping the output predictable and unambiguous.