What result can be expected when querying the recent_orders table that joins Delta tables?

The expectation when querying the recent_orders table that joins Delta tables is that the result joins are computed and saved at the time the query is defined. This reflects the nature of Delta Lake's architecture, which supports efficient query execution and optimization through features such as caching and data skipping.

Option C highlights that the results of the joins are not merely computed when the query is run, but are also optimized at the time the query is defined. This means that any underlying data or schema updates are accounted for, making the join operations efficient. Since Delta Lake uses a transaction log, it ensures that the most up-to-date state of the data is considered, which enhances the reliability and accuracy of the results.

The focus on defining the query and its logic ahead of execution allows for better performance and resource utilization, especially in environments where large datasets or complex operations are involved. This design choice is crucial for enabling real-time analytics, making it significantly advantageous in data engineering scenarios.

In contrast, other options describe behaviors that do not fully align with the mechanics of how Delta Lake operates. For example, specific caching approaches, incremental updates, or real-time transaction handling might not capture the full essence of Delta's optimization strategies tied to query definition and execution.