How would a data engineer access files in the response of a data access API request?

The correct answer states that the API response would contain URLs to download the files. This is a common design pattern used in APIs to facilitate the retrieval of large files or datasets without transferring the entire file within the response. By providing URLs, the API allows clients, such as data engineers, to access the necessary resources directly and efficiently.

The method of including URLs enables better control over file transfers, as it allows engineers to handle the download asynchronously or at their convenience. This approach is particularly beneficial for optimizing bandwidth use and managing resources, as the actual file transfer can occur independently of the API call itself.

In contrast, indicating that the response contains only file IDs might imply that further requests would be needed to retrieve the files, which is less efficient. Stating that the response would automatically download the files misrepresents typical API behavior, as such functionality would not allow the client to manage the download process. Lastly, claiming that the response would only include error messages overlooks the primary purpose of a successful API call, which is to provide access to data, not just to report issues.