The answer is to increase the function’s memory allocation and use a language with better CPU performance, such as Go. Increasing memory in AWS Lambda proportionally allocates more virtual CPU, directly addressing a CPU-bound bottleneck by giving the function more processing power per invocation. Switching to a compiled language like Go or Rust reduces runtime overhead and executes instructions faster than interpreted languages like Python or Node.js, which is critical for CPU-intensive tasks. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that Lambda’s CPU scales linearly with memory, not with concurrency or batch size—a common trap is confusing reserved concurrency (which only controls scaling) with individual function performance. Remember the mnemonic “Memory Means Muscle” to recall that for CPU-bound functions, boosting memory is the primary lever for faster execution.
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. 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 developer is optimizing an AWS Lambda function that processes streaming data from Amazon Kinesis. The function is CPU-bound. Which TWO actions should the developer take to improve performance?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rewrite the function in a compiled language like Go.
Option A is correct because increasing memory also increases CPU allocation. Option C is correct because using a language with better CPU performance (e.g., Go) can improve speed. Option B is wrong because increasing reserved concurrency does not affect individual function performance. Option D is wrong because Lambda does not support GPU. Option E is wrong because Kinesis batch size does not affect CPU-bound processing.
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.
✓
Rewrite the function in a compiled language like Go.
Why this is correct
Compiled languages generally have better CPU performance than interpreted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the function's reserved concurrency.
Why it's wrong here
Reserved concurrency affects scaling, not individual function performance.
✓
Increase the function's memory allocation.
Why this is correct
More memory means more CPU, which speeds up CPU-bound tasks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the Kinesis stream's shard count.
Why it's wrong here
Shard count affects parallelism, not per-function CPU performance.
✗
Enable GPU acceleration for the function.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda does not support GPU.
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.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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.
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rewrite the function in a compiled language like Go. — Option A is correct because increasing memory also increases CPU allocation. Option C is correct because using a language with better CPU performance (e.g., Go) can improve speed. Option B is wrong because increasing reserved concurrency does not affect individual function performance. Option D is wrong because Lambda does not support GPU. Option E is wrong because Kinesis batch size does not affect CPU-bound processing.
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.
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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