← DVA-C02·Amazon Web Services

Question 116 of 1,616

Deployment →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Fixing 'Cannot Find Module' Error in CodeBuild Node.js Builds

This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. 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.

A team uses AWS CodeBuild to run automated tests. The buildspec.yaml file contains a 'pre_build' phase that sets environment variables. During a build, the build fails with 'Error: Cannot find module 'express' when running a Node.js application. The application's package.json is in the source root. What is the most likely cause?

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.

A
The Node.js runtime version is incompatible with the express module.
Why wrong: Unlikely to cause 'cannot find module' error; would cause syntax error.
B
The environment variable NODE_ENV is set to production, which skips devDependencies.
Why wrong: Express is a dependency, not devDependency.
C
The buildspec does not include a command to run 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase.
Without npm install, dependencies are not installed.
D
The package.json file is not in the source root directory.
Why wrong: The stem says it is in the source root.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The buildspec does not include a command to run 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase.

Option C is correct because the error 'Cannot find module express' indicates that the 'express' module is not installed. In AWS CodeBuild, the buildspec specifies phases for commands. If the buildspec does not include a command like 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase, then dependencies listed in package.json will not be installed, causing this module-not-found error. Option A is incorrect because the error message does not suggest a runtime version incompatibility; it specifically states the module cannot be found. Option B is incorrect because setting NODE_ENV to production would affect which dependencies are installed only if 'npm install' is actually run; the core issue is the absence of 'npm install'. Option D is incorrect because the error indicates the module is not found, not that package.json is missing or misplaced.

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 Node.js runtime version is incompatible with the express module.
Why it's wrong here
Unlikely to cause 'cannot find module' error; would cause syntax error.
✗
The environment variable NODE_ENV is set to production, which skips devDependencies.
Why it's wrong here
Express is a dependency, not devDependency.
✓
The buildspec does not include a command to run 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase.
Why this is correct
Without npm install, dependencies are not installed.
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 package.json file is not in the source root directory.
Why it's wrong here
The stem says it is in the source root.

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.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this DVA-C02 question test?

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 buildspec does not include a command to run 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase. — Option C is correct because the error 'Cannot find module express' indicates that the 'express' module is not installed. In AWS CodeBuild, the buildspec specifies phases for commands. If the buildspec does not include a command like 'npm install' in the install or pre_build phase, then dependencies listed in package.json will not be installed, causing this module-not-found error. Option A is incorrect because the error message does not suggest a runtime version incompatibility; it specifically states the module cannot be found. Option B is incorrect because setting NODE_ENV to production would affect which dependencies are installed only if 'npm install' is actually run; the core issue is the absence of 'npm install'. Option D is incorrect because the error indicates the module is not found, not that package.json is missing or misplaced.

What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?

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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