The answer is the `StageName` property of the `AWS::Serverless::Api` resource. This property directly maps to the API Gateway stage name, allowing you to set it to a specific value or, more dynamically, reference a SAM parameter like `Stage` using `StageName: !Ref Stage`. In the context of the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of how SAM simplifies API Gateway configuration by exposing key properties like `StageName` at the template level, rather than requiring you to manually create a separate `AWS::ApiGateway::Stage` resource. A common trap is confusing `StageName` with the `DefinitionBody` or `DefinitionUri` properties, which define the API specification but not the deployment stage. Remember the memory tip: "StageName sets the stage name" — it is the only property on `AWS::Serverless::Api` that directly controls the stage identifier for logging, throttling, and environment separation.
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 developer is using AWS SAM to define a serverless application. The application includes an AWS Lambda function and an Amazon API Gateway REST API. The developer wants to configure the API Gateway stage to enable logging and set the stage name based on the SAM parameter Stage. In the SAM template, which property of the AWS::Serverless::Api resource should the developer use to set the stage name?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
StageName
The `StageName` property of the `AWS::Serverless::Api` resource directly sets the stage name for the API GatewayREST API. By using a SAM parameter like `Stage` (e.g., `StageName: !Ref Stage`), the developer can dynamically control the stage name at deployment time. This is the intended and simplest way to configure the stage name in an AWS SAM template.
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.
✓
StageName
Why this is correct
This property sets the name of the API Gateway stage. It can reference a SAM parameter, e.g., !Ref Stage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DefinitionBody
Why it's wrong here
This property defines the OpenAPI specification of the API. It does not set the stage name.
✗
StageDescription
Why it's wrong here
This property provides a description of the stage but does not set its name.
✗
EndpointConfiguration
Why it's wrong here
This property configures the endpoint type (e.g., REGIONAL, EDGE) and does not set the stage name.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `StageName` with `StageDescription` (Option C) because both relate to stage configuration, but `StageDescription` only provides metadata and does not control the actual stage identifier used in the API endpoint URL.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `AWS::Serverless::Api` is a SAM shorthand that generates an `AWS::ApiGateway::Stage` resource. The `StageName` property maps directly to the `StageName` attribute in the CloudFormation `AWS::ApiGateway::Stage` resource. A subtle behavior is that if `StageName` is omitted, SAM defaults to the value `Prod`, which can lead to unintended production deployments if not explicitly set. In real-world scenarios, using a parameterized `StageName` (e.g., `dev`, `staging`, `prod`) enables environment-specific logging and throttling configurations.
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.
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: StageName — The `StageName` property of the `AWS::Serverless::Api` resource directly sets the stage name for the API Gateway REST API. By using a SAM parameter like `Stage` (e.g., `StageName: !Ref Stage`), the developer can dynamically control the stage name at deployment time. This is the intended and simplest way to configure the stage name in an AWS SAM template.
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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Question Discussion
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