The answer is that CloudFormation does not update the Lambda version resource because the S3 key for the function code remains unchanged. CloudFormation detects resource drift by comparing the template’s declared properties against the current stack state; since the S3 key—not the code content itself—is the tracked property, uploading new code to the same key does not trigger an update to the Lambda function resource. Because the version resource depends on the function being updated, it too remains unchanged. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of CloudFormation’s resource update behavior and its reliance on property-level change detection rather than actual code content. A common trap is assuming CloudFormation inspects the S3 object’s hash or last modified date, but it only compares the key and version ID if specified. Memory tip: “Same key, no update—CloudFormation doesn’t peek inside the bucket.”
DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A CloudFormation template defines a Lambda function and a version resource. After updating the function code in the S3 bucket, the developer updates the stack. The Lambda function is updated, but the version resource remains unchanged. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The function code changed, but CloudFormation does not detect the change because the S3 key is the same.
Option A is correct. The Lambda version resource depends on the function's code. If the function's properties (except the code) do not change, CloudFormation does not update the function resource, and thus the version is not updated. Option B is incorrect; the version resource does not use DependsOn, but its FunctionName reference triggers an update if the function is updated. Option C is incorrect; the version is created after the function update. Option D is incorrect; the template does not use AutoPublishAlias.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The template should use AutoPublishAlias to create versions.
Why it's wrong here
AutoPublishAlias is for SAM, not native CloudFormation.
✓
The function code changed, but CloudFormation does not detect the change because the S3 key is the same.
Why this is correct
CloudFormation compares the S3 key, not the content; if the key is unchanged, it may not trigger an update.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The version resource is created before the function update completes.
Why it's wrong here
CloudFormation orchestrates creation order.
✗
The version resource has a DependsOn clause that prevents it from updating.
Why it's wrong here
No DependsOn is shown.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
No DependsOn is shown.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DVA-C02 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.
Deployment — This question tests Deployment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The function code changed, but CloudFormation does not detect the change because the S3 key is the same. — Option A is correct. The Lambda version resource depends on the function's code. If the function's properties (except the code) do not change, CloudFormation does not update the function resource, and thus the version is not updated. Option B is incorrect; the version resource does not use DependsOn, but its FunctionName reference triggers an update if the function is updated. Option C is incorrect; the version is created after the function update. Option D is incorrect; the template does not use AutoPublishAlias.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DVA-C02 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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