Custom Settings vs Metadata | Dataford Interview Questions

What is the difference between custom settings and custom metadata?

Using the provided custom_settings and custom_metadata tables, write a query that compares configuration keys and identifies whether each key exists in settings, metadata, or both.

Output

One row per distinct configuration key
Columns: config_key, setting_value, data_type, key_status
Include keys found in either table, with key_status equal to both, settings_only, or metadata_only
Order by config_key ascending

Schema

custom_settings

Column	Type	Description
setting_idPK	INT	Unique setting record identifier
setting_key	VARCHAR(100)	Configuration key
setting_value	TEXT	Stored configuration value
scope	VARCHAR(50)	Scope where the setting applies
updated_at	TIMESTAMP	Timestamp of the latest setting update

custom_metadata

Column	Type	Description
metadata_idPK	INT	Unique metadata record identifier
metadata_key	VARCHAR(100)	Metadata definition key
data_type	VARCHAR(30)	Declared type of the metadata value
description	TEXT	Human-readable metadata description
is_deployable	BOOLEAN	Whether the metadata definition can be deployed

Your question is Custom Settings vs Metadata. Start with the requirements and the two tables in the Question tab.

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Problem