- A
Split the tests into smaller batches using CodeBuild test splitting.
Why wrong: Test splitting does not increase memory per batch.
- B
Change the build environment to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' which has more memory.
This increases available memory, solving the OOM error cost-effectively.
- C
Configure the buildspec to set MAVEN_OPTS='-Xmx512m' to reduce JVM heap usage.
Why wrong: This may help but does not address the root cause of insufficient total memory.
- D
Use multiple CodeBuild jobs to run tests in parallel.
Why wrong: Parallel jobs do not increase memory for each individual job.
Question 929 of 1,750
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 company uses AWS CodeBuild to compile a Java application. The buildspec.yml includes a pre_build phase that runs unit tests and a build phase that packages the application. Recently, builds have been failing intermittently with 'OutOfMemoryError' during the test phase. The build environment is set to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_SMALL'. What is the MOST cost-effective solution?
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
✓
Change the build environment to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' which has more memory.
Option B is correct because the 'BUILD_GENERAL1_SMALL' environment provides only 3 GB of memory, which is insufficient for the unit tests, causing intermittent 'OutOfMemoryError'. Upgrading to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' (7 GB) directly addresses the memory shortage without architectural changes, and it is the most cost-effective solution because it avoids the complexity and additional costs of parallel jobs or test splitting while still resolving the root cause.
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.
- ✗
Split the tests into smaller batches using CodeBuild test splitting.
Why it's wrong here
Test splitting does not increase memory per batch.
- ✓
Change the build environment to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' which has more memory.
Why this is correct
This increases available memory, solving the OOM error cost-effectively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure the buildspec to set MAVEN_OPTS='-Xmx512m' to reduce JVM heap usage.
Why it's wrong here
This may help but does not address the root cause of insufficient total memory.
- ✗
Use multiple CodeBuild jobs to run tests in parallel.
Why it's wrong here
Parallel jobs do not increase memory for each individual job.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose to reduce JVM heap (Option C) thinking it will prevent OutOfMemoryError, but in reality reducing heap makes the problem worse; the correct approach is to increase available memory, not cap it further.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CodeBuild's 'BUILD_GENERAL1_SMALL' environment uses a single vCPU and 3 GB of memory, while 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' provides 1 vCPU and 7 GB of memory. The JVM's default heap size is typically 1/4 of physical memory, so on a 3 GB instance the heap is ~768 MB, which can be exhausted by large test suites or memory-intensive unit tests. Upgrading the compute type is a linear scaling fix that does not require refactoring the build pipeline or test code.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DOP-C02 question test?
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: Change the build environment to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' which has more memory. — Option B is correct because the 'BUILD_GENERAL1_SMALL' environment provides only 3 GB of memory, which is insufficient for the unit tests, causing intermittent 'OutOfMemoryError'. Upgrading to 'BUILD_GENERAL1_MEDIUM' (7 GB) directly addresses the memory shortage without architectural changes, and it is the most cost-effective solution because it avoids the complexity and additional costs of parallel jobs or test splitting while still resolving the root cause.
What should I do if I get this DOP-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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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