The answer is using a Procfile to define a web process that runs migrations before starting the application, or using .ebextensions with container_commands. Both methods allow you to run custom commands before the application starts because Elastic Beanstalk executes container_commands during the deployment lifecycle after the application source has been extracted but before the web process launches, while a Procfile lets you explicitly script a startup sequence that runs migrations as part of the web process definition. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of Elastic Beanstalk deployment lifecycle hooks and the distinction between configuration files and process definitions. A common trap is confusing cron.yaml for scheduled tasks or assuming Lambda functions are automatically integrated, but neither runs commands at deployment time. Remember the memory tip: “Procfile for process, ebextensions for environment” — if you need a one-time startup command, think Procfile; if you need to modify the environment or run setup steps, think .ebextensions.
DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. 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 Elastic Beanstalk to deploy a Python web application. The developer wants to run database migrations before the application starts. Which TWO methods can the developer use to achieve this? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use an .ebextensions configuration file with container_commands.
Options B and D are correct. Option B: .ebextensions with container_commands can run commands during deployment. Option D: A Procfile can define a command that runs migrations as part of the web process. Option A is wrong because cron.yaml is for scheduled tasks. Option C is wrong because an AWS Lambda function is not automatically integrated. Option E is wrong because it is not a standard Elastic Beanstalk mechanism.
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 an AWS Lambda function that triggers on deployment.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda is not natively integrated with Elastic Beanstalk for this purpose.
✓
Use an .ebextensions configuration file with container_commands.
Why this is correct
container_commands run during deployment before the application starts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add a pre-deployment hook to the application source code.
Why it's wrong here
Elastic Beanstalk does not have pre-deployment hooks in the application code.
✓
Use a Procfile to define a web process that runs migrations before starting the application.
Why this is correct
A Procfile can run a command that starts the web server after migrations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add a cron.yaml file to schedule the migration.
Why it's wrong here
cron.yaml is for periodic tasks, not before app start.
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.
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: Use an .ebextensions configuration file with container_commands. — Options B and D are correct. Option B: .ebextensions with container_commands can run commands during deployment. Option D: A Procfile can define a command that runs migrations as part of the web process. Option A is wrong because cron.yaml is for scheduled tasks. Option C is wrong because an AWS Lambda function is not automatically integrated. Option E is wrong because it is not a standard Elastic Beanstalk mechanism.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A developer is using AWS Elastic Beanstalk to deploy a Node.js application. The developer wants to run a custom script to set environment variables before the application starts. Which configuration file and location should the developer use?
hard
✓ A.Add a configuration file in the .ebextensions directory that uses container_commands.
B.Add a Procfile to the application root.
C.Place a shell script in the .ebextensions/scripts directory.
D.Add a cron.yaml file to the .ebextensions directory.
Why A: Option A is correct because `.ebextensions` configuration files with `container_commands` allow you to run custom commands before the application starts. `container_commands` execute after the application and web server have been set up but before the application is deployed, making them ideal for setting environment variables or running setup scripts. The files must be in YAML or JSON format and placed in the `.ebextensions` directory at the root of your source bundle.
Variation 2. A developer is using AWS Elastic Beanstalk to deploy a web application. The developer wants to run database migration scripts as part of the deployment process before the new application version starts serving traffic. Which Elastic Beanstalk configuration file should the developer use to define the migration commands?
medium
✓ A..ebextensions/<filename>.config with container_commands
B..ebextensions/<filename>.config with commands
C.Procfile
D.buildspec.yml
Why A: Option A is correct because `container_commands` in `.ebextensions/<filename>.config` runs commands after the application and web server have been set up but before the new application version starts serving traffic. This makes it the ideal place to execute database migration scripts that must complete before the environment accepts requests, ensuring data consistency.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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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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