The correct answer is to create an S3 bucket to store the cache and specify the cache paths in the buildspec file. CodeBuild caching works by storing frequently downloaded dependencies, such as the Maven local repository at ~/.m2, in an S3 bucket so that subsequent builds can retrieve them instead of re-downloading everything from scratch. The buildspec must explicitly declare which directories to cache using the cache/paths section, while the S3 bucket is configured in the project settings or via the AWS CLI. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of the caching mechanism distinct from local cache modes or artifact outputs—a common trap is confusing artifact declarations with cache paths. Remember that caching is about intermediate dependencies, not final build outputs. A useful memory tip: "Cache goes to S3, paths go in buildspec."
DOP-C02 Configuration Management and IaC Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. 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. 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 team is using AWS CodeBuild to run unit tests and package a Java application. They want to cache the Maven local repository (~/.m2) between builds to improve build times. Which TWO steps are necessary to enable caching in CodeBuild? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a 'cache' section in the buildspec file specifying the paths to cache.
Option A is correct because caching requires an S3 bucket to store the cache. Option D is correct because the buildspec must specify the paths to cache. Option B (setting environment variable) is not required. Option C (local cache mode) is a different feature for Docker layer caching. Option E (buildspec artifact) is for output artifacts, not caching.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Set the MAVEN_OPTS environment variable to use a custom repository path.
Why it's wrong here
Environment variable is not required for caching; the buildspec specifies cache paths.
✗
Configure the buildspec to upload the Maven repository as a build artifact.
Why it's wrong here
Artifacts are for build output, not caching for future builds.
✗
Enable 'Local cache' mode in the CodeBuild project.
Why it's wrong here
Local cache mode is for Docker layer caching, not Maven repository caching.
✓
Add a 'cache' section in the buildspec file specifying the paths to cache.
Why this is correct
The buildspec cache section tells CodeBuild which files to cache.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Create an S3 bucket to store the cache.
Why this is correct
CodeBuild stores cache in an S3 bucket that you specify.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Artifacts are for build output, not caching for future builds.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Configuration Management and IaC — This question tests Configuration Management and IaC — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a 'cache' section in the buildspec file specifying the paths to cache. — Option A is correct because caching requires an S3 bucket to store the cache. Option D is correct because the buildspec must specify the paths to cache. Option B (setting environment variable) is not required. Option C (local cache mode) is a different feature for Docker layer caching. Option E (buildspec artifact) is for output artifacts, not caching.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DOP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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