- A
Use a custom Docker image that includes the tool.
Why wrong: This would work, but the question asks for the best solution given the existing buildspec.
- B
Configure the build environment to include the tool via the AWS Management Console.
Why wrong: CodeBuild does not allow environment customization via console.
- C
Add a post_build phase to install the tool.
Why wrong: post_build runs after build, too late.
- D
Add a pre_build phase to install the tool.
pre_build phase runs before build and can install dependencies.
Question 1,082 of 1,616
CodeBuild Pre-Build Phase
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of development with aws services. 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 company uses AWS CodeBuild to run unit tests. The buildspec.yml file is stored in the source repository. The build fails intermittently with 'command not found' for a tool that is installed in the build environment. What should the developer do to ensure the tool is available?
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
✓
Add a pre_build phase to install the tool.
Option D is correct because the `pre_build` phase in a CodeBuild buildspec runs before the `build` phase, allowing you to install dependencies or tools that are required for the build commands. By placing the installation command in the `pre_build` phase, you ensure the tool is available before the unit tests execute, addressing the intermittent 'command not found' error caused by the tool not being present in the default build environment.
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.
- ✗
Use a custom Docker image that includes the tool.
Why it's wrong here
This would work, but the question asks for the best solution given the existing buildspec.
- ✗
Configure the build environment to include the tool via the AWS Management Console.
Why it's wrong here
CodeBuild does not allow environment customization via console.
- ✗
Add a post_build phase to install the tool.
Why it's wrong here
post_build runs after build, too late.
- ✓
Add a pre_build phase to install the tool.
Why this is correct
pre_build phase runs before build and can install dependencies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates might confuse the `pre_build` phase with the `install` phase or think that tools can be added via the console, but the exam tests understanding that `pre_build` is the correct phase for ensuring dependencies are available before the build, and that the console only allows environment type selection, not tool installation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CodeBuild buildspec phases execute in order: `install`, `pre_build`, `build`, and `post_build`. The `install` phase is intended for package manager updates or installing dependencies, but if the tool is not available in the default environment, using `pre_build` ensures it is installed before the build commands. Under the hood, CodeBuild runs each phase in a separate shell session, so environment variables and installed binaries persist across phases within the same build run. A real-world scenario is when a project requires a specific version of a tool (e.g., `jq` or `aws-cli`) that is not pre-installed in the standard CodeBuild managed image; installing it in `pre_build` avoids intermittent failures caused by environment caching or image updates.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Development with AWS Services — This question tests Development with AWS Services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a pre_build phase to install the tool. — Option D is correct because the `pre_build` phase in a CodeBuild buildspec runs before the `build` phase, allowing you to install dependencies or tools that are required for the build commands. By placing the installation command in the `pre_build` phase, you ensure the tool is available before the unit tests execute, addressing the intermittent 'command not found' error caused by the tool not being present in the default build environment.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This DVA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DVA-C02 exam.
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