The correct answer is that the event payload does not contain the expected data. This error occurs because the Lambda function code attempts to access a property—like `event.x`—on an object that is `undefined`, meaning the payload structure passed during invocation lacks that property. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that runtime errors stem from data shape mismatches, not from syntax issues or IAM permissions; a 200 status code in the response indicates the function ran but the code logic failed. A common trap is confusing this with a syntax error, but syntax errors prevent the function from executing at all. Remember the memory tip: "Check the payload before you parse the property"—always validate that the event object contains the keys your code expects, especially when testing with CLI invocations.
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
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.
Network Topology
The developer invokes a Lambda function using the AWS CLI and gets the output shown. What is the most likely cause of the error?
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 event payload does not contain the expected data.
The error 'Cannot read property 'x' of undefined' indicates that the code is trying to access a property on an undefined object. This is a runtime error in the function code, likely due to the event payload not having the expected structure. Option A is wrong because the function returned a 200 status code, meaning it was invoked successfully but the code threw an error. Option B is wrong because the error is in the code logic, not syntax (syntax errors would prevent invocation). Option C is wrong because the execution role permissions affect access to other AWS services, not code errors. Option D is correct: the payload does not contain the expected property, causing the code to fail.
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 Lambda function code has a syntax error.
Why it's wrong here
A syntax error would prevent the function from being invoked and return a 400 error.
✗
The Lambda function's execution role lacks permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Permission errors would show access denied, not TypeError.
✓
The event payload does not contain the expected data.
Why this is correct
The code assumes a property exists on the event object, but it is undefined.
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 Lambda function timed out.
Why it's wrong here
Timeout would show 'Task timed out' error, not a TypeError.
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
Permission errors would show access denied, not TypeError.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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.
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 event payload does not contain the expected data. — The error 'Cannot read property 'x' of undefined' indicates that the code is trying to access a property on an undefined object. This is a runtime error in the function code, likely due to the event payload not having the expected structure. Option A is wrong because the function returned a 200 status code, meaning it was invoked successfully but the code threw an error. Option B is wrong because the error is in the code logic, not syntax (syntax errors would prevent invocation). Option C is wrong because the execution role permissions affect access to other AWS services, not code errors. Option D is correct: the payload does not contain the expected property, causing the code to fail.
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: "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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