Quick Answer
The answer is to remove the quotes around '1000' because the Size attribute is an integer, and comparing it to a string causes an S3 CLI query size type mismatch. When you use the AWS CLI with `--query`, all values from S3 are returned as their native types—numbers like Size are integers, not strings—so wrapping the value in quotes forces a string comparison that will never match, resulting in an empty array even when small files exist. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this tests your understanding of JMESPath type handling in CLI queries, a common trap where engineers forget that quoted values are treated as string literals. The exam often disguises this with seemingly correct syntax, so always check whether you are comparing numbers to numbers. Memory tip: think of it as “no quotes for numeric notes”—if the attribute is a number, leave the value bare.
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data ingestion and transformation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer runs the above CLI command to find files smaller than 1000 bytes in a bucket. The command returns an empty array, but the engineer knows there are small files. What is the issue?
The prefix is incorrect; it should be 'logs/2023/01/01/'.
Why wrong: The prefix is correct.
The bucket policy does not allow listing objects.
Why wrong: If access were denied, the command would fail with an error.
The query syntax is invalid; use a filter instead.
Why wrong: The query is valid.
The Size is compared as a string, not an integer; remove quotes around '1000'.
JMESPath comparison requires numeric types.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The Size is compared as a string, not an integer; remove quotes around '1000'.
Option C is correct because the Size attribute is a number, but the command compares it to a string '1000', which causes type mismatch. Option A is wrong because the prefix is valid. Option B is wrong because the query syntax is correct. Option D is wrong because bucket policy does not affect CLI query results if access is allowed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The prefix is incorrect; it should be 'logs/2023/01/01/'.
Why it's wrong here
The prefix is correct.
The bucket policy does not allow listing objects.
Why it's wrong here
If access were denied, the command would fail with an error.
The query syntax is invalid; use a filter instead.
Why it's wrong here
The query is valid.
The Size is compared as a string, not an integer; remove quotes around '1000'.
Why this is correct
JMESPath comparison requires numeric types.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If access were denied, the command would fail with an error.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Data Ingestion and Transformation — This question tests Data Ingestion and Transformation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The Size is compared as a string, not an integer; remove quotes around '1000'. — Option C is correct because the Size attribute is a number, but the command compares it to a string '1000', which causes type mismatch. Option A is wrong because the prefix is valid. Option B is wrong because the query syntax is correct. Option D is wrong because bucket policy does not affect CLI query results if access is allowed.
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DEA-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DEA-C01 exam.
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