The answer is the immutable nature of the AWS::Lambda::Version resource. When CloudFormation attempts to update a Lambda function’s code by changing the S3Key property, it modifies the $LATEST version, but the existing AWS::Lambda::Version resource is immutable—once published, it cannot be altered or replaced by an update. Because the alias points to this fixed version, the stack update fails, as CloudFormation cannot reconcile the new code with the unchangeable version resource. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how CloudFormation handles resource immutability, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume updating the function code alone will succeed. The key distinction is that versions are snapshots, not references to $LATEST, so you must create a new version resource and update the alias to point to it. Memory tip: “Versions are Vaults—once sealed, they never change.”
DOP-C02 SDLC Automation Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. 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.
A DevOps engineer creates a CloudFormation stack with the above template. After creation, they want to update the Lambda function code by uploading a new zip file to the S3 bucket and updating the S3Key property. However, the stack update fails because the Lambda function is published as a version and the alias points to that version. What is the most likely reason for the update failure?
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 AWS::Lambda::Version resource is immutable and cannot be updated.
Option A is correct. When you update a Lambda function's code, CloudFormation updates the $LATEST version. However, if you have created a version (AWS::Lambda::Version) and an alias pointing to that version, the alias does not automatically point to the new version. CloudFormation tries to update the function code, but the version resource is immutable; once created, it cannot be updated. The update will fail because CloudFormation cannot modify the existing version. Option B is wrong because the alias does not need to be recreated, but the version does. Option C is wrong because the function code can be updated, but the version resource blocks it. Option D is wrong because the IAM role is not the issue.
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 AWS::Lambda::Version resource is immutable and cannot be updated.
Why this is correct
Versions are immutable; CloudFormation cannot update them.
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 alias must be deleted before updating the function code.
Why it's wrong here
The alias is not the blocking issue.
✗
The IAM role does not have permission to update the function.
Why it's wrong here
The role likely has permissions.
✗
The function code cannot be updated because the S3 bucket is in a different region.
Why it's wrong here
S3 bucket region is not indicated.
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.
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 DOP-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.
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AWS::Lambda::Version resource is immutable and cannot be updated. — Option A is correct. When you update a Lambda function's code, CloudFormation updates the $LATEST version. However, if you have created a version (AWS::Lambda::Version) and an alias pointing to that version, the alias does not automatically point to the new version. CloudFormation tries to update the function code, but the version resource is immutable; once created, it cannot be updated. The update will fail because CloudFormation cannot modify the existing version. Option B is wrong because the alias does not need to be recreated, but the version does. Option C is wrong because the function code can be updated, but the version resource blocks it. Option D is wrong because the IAM role is not the issue.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DOP-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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