Which subprogram is used to create an external table in DBMS_CLOUD?

The subprogram used to create an external table in the DBMS_CLOUD package is designed to enable data to be queried and analyzed while it resides outside of the database. The CREATE_EXTERNAL_TABLE procedure provides the necessary functionality to establish a connection between the database and external data sources, such as files stored in cloud storage services.

By using this subprogram, a user can define the specifics of the external table, including its structure and the location of the data files. This is essential for integrating external data into databases for easier access and processing.

While the other options refer to different functions within a database management context, they do not pertain specifically to the creation of external tables. CREATE_SCHEMA is related to defining a new schema in the database, DROP_TABLE is used for removing tables, and VALIDATE_EXTERNAL_TABLE is designed for checking the validity of an external table definition rather than creating one. Thus, the selection of CREATE_EXTERNAL_TABLE aligns directly with the task of establishing an external table in a cloud database environment.