The answer is to SSH into an instance and inspect the configuration files in /var/lib/aws/opsworks. This is correct because OpsWorks stores the last successfully applied configuration in that directory, allowing you to verify exactly what was deployed to the instance rather than relying on what was intended. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of OpsWorks operational troubleshooting—specifically that silent misconfigurations can occur without deployment errors, and that the actual state is always found in /var/lib/aws/opsworks. A common trap is to assume JSON syntax errors would cause the issue, but those prevent deployment entirely; the real problem is a configuration that applied but was incorrect. Another trap is reaching for CloudWatch Logs or Systems Manager, which are not OpsWorks-specific for this task. Memory tip: think "OpsWorks stores the works in /var/lib/aws/opsworks"—the path itself tells you it holds the operational configuration.
DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 OpsWorks to manage a stack of EC2 instances. After a deployment, the application becomes unresponsive. The engineer suspects that a configuration file was not updated correctly. What is the best way to verify the deployed configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SSH into an instance and inspect the configuration files in /var/lib/aws/opsworks.
Option B is correct because OpsWorks stores the last applied configuration in /var/lib/aws/opsworks, and checking this location shows the actual configuration used. Option A is incorrect because JSON syntax errors cause deployment failures, not silent misconfiguration. Option C is incorrect because AWS Systems Manager Run Command is not specific to OpsWorks. Option D is incorrect because CloudWatch Logs may not contain configuration details.
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 AWS Systems Manager Run Command to execute a script that outputs the configuration.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is indirect; the direct method is to inspect the OpsWorks configuration files.
✗
Check the OpsWorks stack's logs for any JSON syntax errors in the custom JSON.
Why it's wrong here
Syntax errors would cause the deployment to fail, not result in an unresponsive application.
✓
SSH into an instance and inspect the configuration files in /var/lib/aws/opsworks.
Why this is correct
This location contains the applied configuration, allowing verification of what was actually deployed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Review the application logs in Amazon CloudWatch Logs for configuration errors.
Why it's wrong here
Application logs may show errors but do not directly show the configuration that was deployed.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Application logs may show errors but do not directly show the configuration that was deployed.
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: SSH into an instance and inspect the configuration files in /var/lib/aws/opsworks. — Option B is correct because OpsWorks stores the last applied configuration in /var/lib/aws/opsworks, and checking this location shows the actual configuration used. Option A is incorrect because JSON syntax errors cause deployment failures, not silent misconfiguration. Option C is incorrect because AWS Systems Manager Run Command is not specific to OpsWorks. Option D is incorrect because CloudWatch Logs may not contain configuration details.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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