Quick Answer
The answer is to increase the compute type to a larger instance size, such as moving from BUILD_GENERAL1_SMALL to BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM or LARGE. This resolves the CodeBuild OutOfMemoryError because compute types directly control the memory and vCPU allocated to the build environment; a larger type provides more heap space for memory-intensive tasks like compiling a Java application. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of CodeBuild environment configuration, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose to split the build into multiple projects or enable detailed logs—neither of which adds memory. Remember that CodeBuild does not support custom AMIs, so scaling compute is the only built-in way to fix an OutOfMemoryError. Memory tip: think "Bigger Build, Bigger Heap"—when your Java build runs out of memory, scale up the compute type, not the complexity.
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. 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 developer is using AWS CodeBuild to build a Java application. The build fails with 'OutOfMemoryError'. Which configuration change would most likely resolve this issue?
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.
Use a custom AMI with more memory.
Why wrong: CodeBuild does not support custom AMIs; it uses managed images.
Enable detailed CloudWatch logs for the build.
Why wrong: Logs do not affect memory allocation.
Increase the compute type to a larger instance size.
Larger compute types provide more memory for the build.
Split the build into multiple CodeBuild projects.
Why wrong: Splitting may not resolve memory issues and adds complexity.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Increase the compute type to a larger instance size.
CodeBuild allows specifying compute type (e.g., BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM) and memory. Increasing the compute type provides more memory. Option B is wrong because splitting into multiple projects adds complexity and may not resolve memory issues. Option C is wrong because enabling detailed logs does not increase memory. Option D is wrong because CodeBuild does not support custom AMIs.
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.
Use a custom AMI with more memory.
Why it's wrong here
CodeBuild does not support custom AMIs; it uses managed images.
Enable detailed CloudWatch logs for the build.
Why it's wrong here
Logs do not affect memory allocation.
Increase the compute type to a larger instance size.
Why this is correct
Larger compute types provide more memory for the build.
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.
Split the build into multiple CodeBuild projects.
Why it's wrong here
Splitting may not resolve memory issues and adds complexity.
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.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
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
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Increase the compute type to a larger instance size. — CodeBuild allows specifying compute type (e.g., BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM) and memory. Increasing the compute type provides more memory. Option B is wrong because splitting into multiple projects adds complexity and may not resolve memory issues. Option C is wrong because enabling detailed logs does not increase memory. Option D is wrong because CodeBuild does not support custom AMIs.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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