The most direct and efficient method for a data analyst to quickly upload a small CSV file and create a table in Databricks SQL is by using the built-in "Add data" UI. This feature is specifically designed for this use case, allowing users to upload files from their local machine directly through the web interface. The UI guides the user through the process, automatically inferring the schema and creating a managed Delta table, which is immediately available for querying in Databricks SQL. This single, streamlined workflow is significantly faster than multi-step alternatives.

B: Partner Connect is used to establish integrations with third-party data tools and services (like Fivetran or Power BI), not for direct file uploads from a user's desktop.

C: While functional, this method is less efficient. It requires the analyst to first access and upload the file to an external cloud storage location before creating the table in Databricks.

D: Manually copying and pasting data is highly impractical, error-prone, and not a standard or recommended procedure for data ingestion, even for a small number of rows.

1. Databricks Documentation

"Load data using the add data UI": This document explicitly describes the feature mentioned in option A. It states

"You can use the add data UI to load data from your local machine... Databricks stores these files as managed tables." This confirms it is the intended method for this scenario.

2. Databricks Documentation

"Ingest data into a Databricks lakehouse": This guide provides an overview of data ingestion methods. It positions the "Add data UI" as the simplest way to get started by loading local files

contrasting it with more advanced

scalable methods like Auto Loader which would be used for files already in cloud storage (as described in option C).

3. Databricks Documentation

"What is Databricks Partner Connect?": This source clarifies the purpose of Partner Connect

stating it "lets you create connections to our software and data partners from the Databricks UI." This confirms it is not a tool for direct file ingestion from a local machine.