The answer is that the Lambda function alias is still pointing to the previous version. When you deploy a new version of a Lambda function using the AWS CLI, the new code is uploaded to the `$LATEST` version, but any existing alias—such as "prod" or "dev"—remains locked to the old version number unless you explicitly update it. This is why Lambda returns stale results after CLI deployment: invoking the function through the alias (common with API Gateway or CloudFront) executes the old code, not the newly deployed one. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Lambda versioning and alias management, a frequent trap where developers assume `$LATEST` is automatically referenced by aliases. Remember the memory tip: "An alias is a pointer, not a mirror"—you must repoint it to the new version to avoid stale results.
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 deploys a new version of an AWS Lambda function using the AWS CLI. After deployment, the function returns stale results. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The Lambda function alias is still pointing to the previous version.
When a developer deploys a new version of a Lambda function using the AWS CLI without updating the function alias, the alias continues to point to the previous version. Invoking the function via the alias (e.g., via an API Gateway endpoint or a CloudFront origin) will execute the old code, returning stale results. The `$LATEST` version is updated, but unless the alias is repointed, it does not automatically use the new code.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The function's environment variables are cached and not updated.
Why it's wrong here
Environment variables are updated with new version; no caching issue.
✓
The Lambda function alias is still pointing to the previous version.
Why this is correct
Aliases are used to point to specific versions; if not updated, the old code runs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Amazon CloudFront distribution is caching the old response.
Why it's wrong here
CloudFront is not involved unless explicitly configured.
✗
The Lambda function's code is cached by the Lambda service.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda does not cache code across versions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume deploying new code automatically updates the invoked version, overlooking that aliases must be explicitly repointed to the new version to change which code is executed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Lambda function versions are immutable snapshots of code and configuration, and aliases are pointers to specific versions. When you deploy via `aws lambda update-function-code`, a new version is created (or `$LATEST` is updated), but aliases remain unchanged unless explicitly updated with `aws lambda update-alias`. In practice, many developers use aliases like 'prod' or 'dev' to manage traffic, and forgetting to repoint the alias after deployment is a common cause of stale results, especially in CI/CD pipelines.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: The Lambda function alias is still pointing to the previous version. — When a developer deploys a new version of a Lambda function using the AWS CLI without updating the function alias, the alias continues to point to the previous version. Invoking the function via the alias (e.g., via an API Gateway endpoint or a CloudFront origin) will execute the old code, returning stale results. The `$LATEST` version is updated, but unless the alias is repointed, it does not automatically use the new code.
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.
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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