SAP C_TADM_23 Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

During a typical SAP HANA database system installation, which two user accounts are either created or verified by the installation process? (Select two)

A. <sid>crypt
B. SYSTEM
C. SAP<SID>
D. sapadm

Correct Answer: B, D

Explanation:

When installing an SAP HANA database system, the installation process automatically creates or validates certain essential user accounts critical for system administration and operation.

The SYSTEM user (Option B) is a default administrative account within the SAP HANA database. It holds the highest level of privileges, allowing full control over the database. This user is created and validated during installation to ensure system-level administrative tasks—like configuration, monitoring, and managing database users—can be performed. Without the SYSTEM user, managing the SAP HANA environment would be impossible.

The sapadm user (Option D) is the operating system-level administrator account created during installation. It is the primary system administrator for the SAP HANA instance, responsible for OS-level management such as starting and stopping the database, controlling system services, managing backups, and general system maintenance. This user must exist to allow seamless system operation and administrative control.

The <sid>crypt user (Option A) is related to encryption and key management for securing data in SAP HANA. However, this user is not created or validated as part of the standard installation; it is relevant only in specific, advanced encryption configurations.

The SAP<SID> user (Option C) typically refers to the application-level user for SAP software (where <SID> represents the system ID). This account is not created during the database installation but is associated with the SAP application layer, which is installed separately.

In summary, the standard SAP HANA installation process ensures the presence of the critical SYSTEM and sapadm users for database and OS-level administration, respectively, making B and D the correct answers.

Question 2:

Which two file system paths are required to be specified during a default installation of an SAP HANA multi-host database system? (Select two)

A. /hana/shared
B. /usr/sap/hostctrl
C. /usr/sap/<SID>
D. /hana/log/<SID>

Correct Answer: A, C

Explanation:

When setting up an SAP HANA multi-host database system using default installation settings, the installer must define certain critical file system locations to ensure the proper storage and accessibility of system files across multiple hosts.

The /hana/shared directory (Option A) is vital in multi-host setups because it stores shared binaries and components necessary for all nodes in the cluster. This directory is typically placed on a shared storage device, such as an NFS mount, to ensure consistency across all hosts. Without this shared location, the cluster nodes could not uniformly access the software binaries, which is essential for proper coordination and operation of the SAP HANA system.

The /usr/sap/<SID> directory (Option C) is the system-specific folder where instance-related files are stored, including configuration files, instance profiles, and some logs. The <SID> represents the system ID unique to the SAP HANA system. This path organizes instance-specific data and is essential to define so the system knows where to store and retrieve operational files for each SAP instance.

On the other hand, /usr/sap/hostctrl (Option B) refers to the SAP Host Agent location, which is generally installed separately and maintained independently from the HANA database installation. It is not a path that needs to be manually specified during HANA installation.

Similarly, /hana/log/<SID> (Option D) is the directory where log files are stored. Although this path is necessary for SAP HANA operation, it is usually derived automatically during installation based on other provided paths and system defaults. Thus, it is not typically specified manually during standard installs.

In conclusion, specifying /hana/shared and /usr/sap/<SID> ensures that shared binaries and instance-specific files are properly located, which is why A and C are the correct choices during a default multi-host installation.

Question 3:

In SAP HANA, which method is used to encrypt data stored in the persistence layer?

A. Encryption at the page level
B. Encryption at the row level
C. Encryption at the table level
D. Encryption at the column level

Correct answer: A

Explanation:

SAP HANA, as an advanced in-memory database, places significant importance on data security, especially for data stored on disk, known as the persistence layer. The persistence layer stores data and log volumes, which are essential for recovery and ensuring data consistency. To secure this data at rest, SAP HANA uses encryption, but the method of encryption is carefully chosen to balance security with performance.

The correct approach is page-level encryption (option A). In SAP HANA, data pages—typically sized at 16 KB—are encrypted individually before being written to disk and decrypted when read back into memory. This granularity allows SAP HANA to maintain high performance while securing all persisted data. Since only the necessary pages are decrypted during reads, this method avoids the overhead that would come with encrypting larger data units at once, such as whole tables or columns.

Row-level encryption (option B) would mean encrypting each data row individually. While this provides very fine granularity, it is not used by SAP HANA for persistence because it introduces significant overhead. Encrypting and decrypting every single row would slow down bulk operations and analytical queries.

Table-level encryption (option C) is too coarse. Encrypting entire tables as single units would negatively impact performance and concurrency, since entire tables would need to be decrypted even if only a small portion is accessed.

Column-level encryption (option D) might seem logical given HANA’s columnar architecture, but for data at rest in the persistence layer, HANA encrypts data at the page level. Column-level encryption would complicate key management and is not necessary, since page-level encryption already secures the data effectively.

Additionally, SAP HANA employs AES-256 encryption and manages keys securely via the SAP HANA Secure Store or external key management systems. This combination provides robust security with minimal impact on database operations, making page-level encryption the best choice for the persistence layer.

Question 4:

From the SYSTEMDB Manage Services app in SAP HANA cockpit, which services can an administrator manually stop? (Choose two.)

A. Compile server
B. Daemon
C. Preprocessor
D. Index server

Correct answers: C, D

Explanation:

In the SAP HANA cockpit, administrators use the Manage Services application within SYSTEMDB to monitor and control the various services that constitute the SAP HANA system. While many services are critical and always need to be running, some are modular or tenant-specific and can be stopped manually when necessary.

Among these, the Preprocessor service (C) is designed to handle text analysis and full-text indexing tasks. Since it’s not essential for the core database operations, administrators can stop this service safely if full-text features are not in use or for troubleshooting.

The Index server (D) is the central engine responsible for processing SQL statements, managing transactions, and handling persistence. Although it is critical, in a multi-tenant or distributed environment, individual index servers linked to tenant databases can be selectively stopped and restarted via the SYSTEMDB Manage Services app. This capability is crucial for maintenance or reconfiguration but must be handled carefully because stopping an index server temporarily makes the associated tenant database unavailable.

On the other hand, the Compile server (A) is a low-level service involved in compiling programs internally. It is managed automatically by the system and does not support manual stop/start commands from the cockpit.

Similarly, the Daemon service (B) supports core infrastructure functions of SAP HANA. It is deeply integrated and critical for system health, so stopping it manually through the cockpit is not allowed.

In summary, only the Preprocessor and Index server services are intended for manual stopping through the SYSTEMDB Manage Services app. This design protects core system stability while providing flexibility for managing optional or tenant-specific components.

Question 5:

When installing the SAP HANA database system in batch mode using the HDBLCM tool, which two parameters are essential to provide?

A. Data and log file locations
B. SAP HANA System ID (SID)
C. Password for the sapadm user
D. Installation directory path

Correct Answer: B and D

Explanation:

Using the HDBLCM (HANA Database Lifecycle Manager) tool to install SAP HANA in batch mode requires specifying certain key parameters to ensure the installation completes automatically without any manual input. Batch mode installations are typically used in automated deployment scenarios, such as scripts or continuous integration systems, where user interaction is not feasible.

Firstly, the SAP HANA System ID (SID) is a mandatory parameter. The SID acts as a unique identifier for the SAP HANA instance. It is used to name system directories, configure system services, and manage system resources uniquely. Without the SID, the installer cannot proceed because it needs this information to properly register and set up the database system.

Secondly, the installation path is also mandatory. This parameter specifies the directory on the file system where the SAP HANA binaries, configuration files, and other related components will be installed. Since batch mode does not prompt the user for this information interactively, the installer must receive this detail upfront to know where to place the files.

On the other hand, specifying the data and log paths, while important for certain customized environments, is not strictly required for a standard batch mode installation. If omitted, the installer will use default paths, which are usually sufficient unless specific storage arrangements are necessary.

Similarly, the password for the sapadm user is not needed during the HDBLCM batch installation process. The sapadm user relates more to host-level administration rather than the database installation itself. The database system’s user passwords are handled separately and do not need to be provided explicitly during the HDBLCM run.

In summary, the two critical parameters to provide when performing a batch mode installation of SAP HANA using HDBLCM are the System ID (SID) and the installation path. These ensure that the automated installation runs smoothly, identifies the system correctly, and installs files in the correct location without manual intervention.

Question 6:

What are two primary uses of the SAP HANA secure user store (hdbuserstore)?

A. To enable failover support in a three-tier architecture
B. To set up automatic SAP HANA restart for fault recovery
C. To securely store SAP HANA connection details on the client side
D. To hold connection information for the SAP HANA XS advanced engine

Correct Answer: A and C

Explanation:

The SAP HANA secure user store, known as hdbuserstore, is a command-line utility designed to manage connection credentials securely and efficiently. It is primarily used to simplify and protect how users and applications connect to the SAP HANA database without exposing sensitive credentials in scripts or configuration files.

One major function of hdbuserstore is to securely store connection details, including hostname, port, username, and password, on the client machine in an encrypted format. This capability (Option C) is particularly beneficial for automating processes like scheduled jobs, backups, and batch scripts where frequent database access is required without human interaction. By referencing a stored key, applications can authenticate without hard-coded passwords, reducing security risks.

Another important feature is its ability to facilitate failover support in a three-tier system architecture (Option A). In scenarios where SAP HANA runs in a high availability setup using system replication, hdbuserstore can be configured to include multiple connection endpoints. This allows client applications to automatically switch to a standby or secondary database server if the primary server becomes unreachable, ensuring uninterrupted service and improving resilience.

Contrary to some misunderstandings, hdbuserstore does not manage automatic service restarts (Option B). Fault recovery and service restarts are managed internally by SAP HANA system services and related host agent processes, not through the secure user store.

Similarly, the XS advanced engine (Option D) has its own authentication mechanisms based on tokens and role-based access control. It does not utilize hdbuserstore for storing connection credentials, as the tool focuses on traditional database client scenarios rather than application-level authentication within XS advanced.

In essence, hdbuserstore enhances security by securely storing client connection credentials and supports robust failover mechanisms in multi-tier SAP HANA environments, making it a vital tool for database client management and high availability strategies.

Question 7:

Which three characteristics accurately describe the SAP HANA multitenant database container (MDC) architecture?

A. The MDC system is identified by a single system ID (SID).
B. The name server performs index server functions for the system database.
C. Each tenant database has its own compile server and preprocessor server.
D. The name server maintains information about table locations and partitions.
E. Database isolation improves tenant separation at the operating system level.

Correct Answer: A, D, E

Explanation:

SAP HANA’s multitenant database container (MDC) system allows multiple tenant databases to run within a single SAP HANA instance, sharing system resources but remaining operationally independent. Understanding MDC’s defining characteristics helps in managing and deploying HANA environments efficiently.

First, option A is true because an MDC system is identified by a single system ID (SID). The SID acts as a unique identifier for the entire HANA instance, encompassing all tenants and the system database. This SID is vital for operating system-level management, such as service control, directory naming, and process monitoring. While tenants operate separately, they share this unified SID, reflecting the architecture’s shared foundation.

Next, option D is correct since the name server plays a central role in metadata management. It stores critical information about tables, including their location and partitioning across different nodes or hosts. This metadata management enables efficient data distribution and fast query processing within the MDC environment.

Option E is also accurate. Although tenant databases share the same physical system, MDC enhances isolation by logically separating tenants and adding layers of operating system-level security and resource partitioning. Each tenant has its own users, storage, and logs, preventing interference between tenants and improving security—especially important in multi-customer or cloud scenarios.

The incorrect options clarify common misconceptions:

• Option B is false because the name server does not handle index server tasks. The index server is responsible for query processing and data storage, while the name server manages metadata and topology.
  
  

• Option C is inaccurate since not every tenant runs its own preprocessor server; typically, this service is shared system-wide, and only the index server is tenant-specific.

Thus, A, D, and E are the defining traits of SAP HANA MDC, highlighting its shared system identity, centralized metadata handling, and improved tenant isolation.

Question 8:

What is the correct order of operations when restarting the SAP HANA database system?

A. 1. Roll back aborted transactions
 2. Recover open transactions
 3. Load row tables into memory
 4. Load column tables
B. 1. Roll back aborted transactions
 2. Load row tables into memory
 3. Recover open transactions
 4. Load column tables
C. 1. Load row tables into memory
 2. Load column tables
 3. Recover open transactions
 4. Roll back aborted transactions
D. 1. Load row tables into memory
  2. Recover open transactions
  3. Roll back aborted transactions
  4. Load column tables

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

When restarting SAP HANA, the system follows a precise sequence to restore data integrity and prepare the database for use. SAP HANA is an in-memory database that stores data in row and column tables, and these have different roles during startup.

The first step is loading row tables into memory. Row tables typically store critical metadata and system information and are generally smaller and faster to load. Their availability is essential before transaction recovery can begin because some transactional data depends on these tables.

Next, open transactions are recovered. SAP HANA examines transaction logs to identify any transactions that were active when the database shut down. These transactions must be recovered to maintain a consistent database state, ensuring no data loss from ongoing operations.

Following this, the system rolls back aborted transactions. These are incomplete or failed transactions that must be undone to avoid corrupt or inconsistent data. Rolling them back after recovering open transactions ensures the database is clean and consistent.

Finally, column tables are loaded. Column tables often contain large volumes of business data and may be loaded either immediately or on-demand. Loading column tables last enables faster system startup because the database can become operational before all column data is fully loaded.

Incorrect options list these steps out of order. For example, rolling back aborted transactions before recovering open ones (Option A) is illogical because aborted transactions are identified only after recovery. Loading column tables before transaction handling (Option C) wastes resources and delays availability.

Therefore, the correct restart sequence is option D, reflecting SAP HANA’s design for efficient recovery and fast system readiness.

Question 9:

Which two events cause savepoints to be triggered in a database system? (Select two.)

A. When performing a database backup
B. When committing a transaction
C. During a delta merge operation
D. When executing a database soft shutdown

Correct Answer: A, C

Explanation:

Savepoints are vital mechanisms within database systems that create a stable, persistent snapshot of the current state of the database. These snapshots are crucial for maintaining data integrity and enabling recovery in case of crashes, especially in in-memory databases like SAP HANA, where most data resides in volatile memory (RAM). Because volatile memory can lose data on power failure, savepoints periodically flush data to disk to ensure durability.

Let’s review the options to understand which events typically trigger savepoints:

A. Performing a database backup: This is a correct trigger. Before or during a backup, the database must guarantee that the snapshot reflects a consistent state of data. To do so, systems often initiate a savepoint to write all in-memory changes to persistent storage. This ensures the backup contains a reliable, recoverable dataset.

B. Issuing a transactional commit: This option is incorrect. Although committing a transaction finalizes changes and makes them visible to other users, it does not automatically trigger a savepoint. Instead, commits are logged, and data remains in memory until the next scheduled savepoint. Frequent savepoints on every commit would degrade performance significantly.

C. Performing a delta merge: This is correct. In SAP HANA, a delta merge consolidates recent changes stored in a delta store into the main store for efficiency. To maintain data consistency during this operation, the system triggers a savepoint either just before or immediately after the merge. This action ensures that merged data is safely persisted.

D. A database soft shutdown: This is incorrect. While a soft shutdown ensures all transactions are properly finalized and data is safely stored, it does not itself trigger a savepoint. Instead, it relies on the latest savepoints and logs to maintain consistency during shutdown.

In summary, savepoints are triggered during database backups and delta merges because both require a guaranteed consistent state on persistent storage to protect against data loss and ensure system reliability.

Question 10:

In SAP HANA Tailored Datacenter Integration (TDI) deployments, what is the recommended disk space multiplier to accommodate delta merge operations?

A. 3.0
B. 2.0
C. 1.2
D. 1.6

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

When sizing storage for SAP HANA systems deployed under the Tailored Datacenter Integration (TDI) model, it is important to factor in additional temporary disk space required for internal maintenance tasks—especially delta merge operations. These merges are essential for consolidating recent changes from the delta store into the main storage, which improves query performance and reduces memory overhead.

Delta merge operations are resource-intensive and temporarily require extra disk space because SAP HANA must maintain multiple versions of the data concurrently: the original main store, the delta store holding recent changes, and the newly merged main store being built. During the merge process, these coexist to ensure consistency and allow rollback if necessary.

Due to this, SAP recommends planning disk storage with a safety multiplier to ensure there is sufficient capacity to hold all these versions simultaneously without risking out-of-space errors or system instability.

For TDI deployments, the officially recommended disk space factor is 1.6 times the size of the in-memory data. This factor strikes a balance by providing enough overhead for delta merges while avoiding excessive over-provisioning.

To put this into perspective: If your SAP HANA database uses 1 TB of in-memory storage, you should allocate approximately 1.6 TB of disk space to safely handle delta merges and other overhead.

Comparing this to other multipliers:

• 3.0 is much too high and would lead to unnecessary over-allocation of storage.

• 2.0 is safer but still more than typically required, potentially wasting resources.

• 1.2 is insufficient, risking merge failures due to lack of space.

Therefore, 1.6 is the optimal and recommended multiplier by SAP for delta merge operations under the TDI approach, ensuring efficient and reliable storage sizing without excessive waste.