- A
The downstream DynamoDB table does not have X-Ray tracing enabled.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. DynamoDB tables do not have an 'X-Ray tracing enabled' setting. X-Ray tracing for DynamoDB is achieved by instrumenting the DynamoDB client with the X-Ray SDK in the calling application.
- B
The Lambda functions do not have the X-Ray SDK imported.
This is correct. If the Lambda functions do not import the X-Ray SDK, they cannot create segments or subsegments for downstream calls, leading to incomplete traces.
- C
The X-Ray daemon is not running on the Lambda execution environment.
Why wrong: This is incorrect. The X-Ray daemon is automatically started by the Lambda runtime when X-Ray tracing is enabled for the function.
- D
The X-Ray sampling rate is set too low.
Why wrong: This is less likely. A low sampling rate reduces the number of traces recorded, but for traces that are recorded, segments should be complete if the SDK is properly configured.
Fix Missing X-Ray Segments by Enabling DynamoDB Tracing
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of development with aws services. 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. A key principle to apply: aWS X-Ray SDK. 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 X-Ray to trace requests through a microservices application. The application consists of several AWS Lambda functions that call each other and Amazon DynamoDB. The developer notices that some traces are incomplete and missing segments for downstream calls. 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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The Lambda functions do not have the X-Ray SDK imported.
Option B is correct because the Lambda functions need to import the X-Ray SDK to create subsegments for downstream calls and propagate the trace header. Without the SDK, traces will be missing segments for DynamoDB calls. DynamoDB does not have a per-table X-Ray tracing setting; tracing is achieved by instrumenting the client in the calling code.
Key principle: AWS X-Ray SDK
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 downstream DynamoDB table does not have X-Ray tracing enabled.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. DynamoDB tables do not have an 'X-Ray tracing enabled' setting. X-Ray tracing for DynamoDB is achieved by instrumenting the DynamoDB client with the X-Ray SDK in the calling application.
- ✓
The Lambda functions do not have the X-Ray SDK imported.
Why this is correct
This is correct. If the Lambda functions do not import the X-Ray SDK, they cannot create segments or subsegments for downstream calls, leading to incomplete traces.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
AWS X-Ray SDK
- ✗
The X-Ray daemon is not running on the Lambda execution environment.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect. The X-Ray daemon is automatically started by the Lambda runtime when X-Ray tracing is enabled for the function.
- ✗
The X-Ray sampling rate is set too low.
Why it's wrong here
This is less likely. A low sampling rate reduces the number of traces recorded, but for traces that are recorded, segments should be complete if the SDK is properly configured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often think DynamoDB tables have an X-Ray tracing toggle, but in reality, X-Ray tracing for DynamoDB is done by instrumenting the client with the X-Ray SDK. The most common cause of missing segments is failing to import and use the X-Ray SDK in Lambda functions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS X-Ray uses a daemon to collect trace data, but for services like DynamoDB, the service itself must be instrumented to emit trace segments. When X-Ray tracing is enabled on a DynamoDB table, the service sends subsegments for each operation, which are then associated with the parent trace. Without this, the trace shows the Lambda invocation but lacks the DynamoDB subsegment, leading to incomplete traces.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- AWS X-Ray SDK
- X-Ray daemon in Lambda
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
AWS X-Ray SDK
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. AWS X-Ray SDK Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Quick reference
Cloud Service Model Comparison
| Model | You Manage | Provider Manages | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| IaaS | OS, runtime, apps, data | Hardware, hypervisor, networking | EC2, Azure VMs, GCP Compute Engine |
| PaaS | Apps and data | OS, runtime, middleware, hardware | Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Service |
| SaaS | Data and settings only | Everything else | Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Workday |
| FaaS / Serverless | Function code only | Infra, scaling, runtime | Lambda, Azure Functions, Cloud Run |
| CaaS | Containers and apps | Kubernetes, OS, hardware | EKS, AKS, GKE |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aWS X-Ray SDK, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Development with AWS Services — This question tests Development with AWS Services — AWS X-Ray SDK.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Lambda functions do not have the X-Ray SDK imported. — Option B is correct because the Lambda functions need to import the X-Ray SDK to create subsegments for downstream calls and propagate the trace header. Without the SDK, traces will be missing segments for DynamoDB calls. DynamoDB does not have a per-table X-Ray tracing setting; tracing is achieved by instrumenting the client in the calling code.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Review aWS X-Ray SDK, then practise related DVA-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
AWS X-Ray SDK
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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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