The answer is that Service B is not instrumented with the X-Ray SDK. For AWS X-Ray to construct an accurate trace map, every service in the request path must send trace data using the X-Ray SDK or a compatible agent. Without instrumentation, Service B processes requests silently, never forwarding trace segments or subsegments to the X-Ray daemon, so it remains invisible on the map. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that X-Ray relies on active instrumentation, not passive network monitoring—a common trap is assuming X-Ray can automatically discover services via VPC flow logs or CloudWatch. Remember the memory tip: "No SDK, no map." If a service is missing from the trace map, always check that its code includes the X-Ray SDK and that the daemon is running on its host.
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 using AWS X-Ray to trace requests through a microservices application. One of the services, Service B, is not appearing in the trace map. 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
✓
Service B is not instrumented with the X-Ray SDK.
For X-Ray to trace requests across services, each service must be instrumented with the X-Ray SDK. If Service B is not instrumented, it won't send trace data, and it won't appear in the trace map.
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.
✗
Service B is using HTTP/2, which is not supported by X-Ray.
X-Ray can trace across regions if properly configured.
✗
The X-Ray sampling rate is set too low.
Why it's wrong here
Low sampling reduces traces but doesn't completely remove a service from the map.
✓
Service B is not instrumented with the X-Ray SDK.
Why this is correct
Without instrumentation, X-Ray cannot receive trace data from that service.
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.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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: Service B is not instrumented with the X-Ray SDK. — For X-Ray to trace requests across services, each service must be instrumented with the X-Ray SDK. If Service B is not instrumented, it won't send trace data, and it won't appear in the trace map.
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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