Which location has the highest precedence for applying file format options when they are defined in multiple places?

• A. Stage definition
• B. Database definition
• C. Table definition
• D. COPY INTO TABLE statement

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how Snowflake resolves file format options when multiple defaults exist. The options you specify directly in the COPY INTO TABLE statement are the most specific for that operation and take precedence over any file format defined at the stage or database level. This means if you point COPY INTO TABLE to use a particular format, those settings override the stage’s default format, even if the stage is configured with a different one. If you don’t specify a format in the statement, Snowflake falls back to the stage’s file format (and then to other defaults if needed). This setup lets you keep a standard default for routine loads while still overriding the format for individual loads when necessary.