Resolving Unsupported Runtime Version Error in AWS CodeBuild by Updating Node.js Version
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
# Buildspec.yml
version: 0.2
phases:
install:
runtime-versions:
nodejs: 12
commands:
- npm install
build:
commands:
- npm run build
artifacts:
files:
- '**/*'
Refer to the exhibit. A CodeBuild project uses this buildspec. The build fails with the error: 'The runtime version specified is not supported in this environment.' What change should be made?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
# Buildspec.yml
version: 0.2
phases:
install:
runtime-versions:
nodejs: 12
commands:
- npm install
build:
commands:
- npm run build
artifacts:
files:
- '**/*'
A
Add an install command to install Node.js 12 from source.
Why wrong: This is unnecessary if a supported runtime version is available.
B
Remove the runtime-versions section and install Node.js manually.
Why wrong: This would work but is not the simplest fix; updating the version is better.
C
Update the runtime-versions to nodejs: 14.
Node.js 12 may be deprecated in the environment; using a supported version fixes the issue.
D
Change the build environment to use a custom image that includes Node.js 12.
Why wrong: This is possible but not the most straightforward solution.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Update the runtime-versions to nodejs: 14.
Option C is correct because the CodeBuild managed image for the specified environment (likely Ubuntu Standard 5.0 or similar) only supports Node.js runtime versions 14 and above. The error indicates that Node.js 12 is not available in the runtime-versions section of the buildspec for that environment. Updating to nodejs: 14 aligns with the supported runtime versions in the managed image, resolving the error without requiring custom images or manual installation.
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.
✗
Add an install command to install Node.js 12 from source.
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary if a supported runtime version is available.
✗
Remove the runtime-versions section and install Node.js manually.
Why it's wrong here
This would work but is not the simplest fix; updating the version is better.
✓
Update the runtime-versions to nodejs: 14.
Why this is correct
Node.js 12 may be deprecated in the environment; using a supported version fixes the issue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the build environment to use a custom image that includes Node.js 12.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but not the most straightforward solution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume they can install any Node.js version manually (Option A or B) without realizing that the runtime-versions section is validated against the managed image's pre-configured runtime manager, and the error is not about missing Node.js but about the version not being in the allowed list.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CodeBuild managed images (e.g., aws/codebuild/standard:5.0) predefine a set of supported runtime versions in the runtime-versions section, which are installed via the build environment's package manager (e.g., nvm for Node.js). The error occurs because the image's nvm or similar tool does not have Node.js 12 in its list of available versions; only versions 14, 16, and 18 are typically included. Under the hood, the buildspec's runtime-versions section triggers a version check against the image's pre-installed runtime manager, and if the version is not found, the build fails immediately. In real-world scenarios, teams often encounter this when migrating from older CodeBuild images (e.g., standard:3.0) that supported Node.js 12 to newer images that dropped support for it.
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.
Visual reference
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.
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: Update the runtime-versions to nodejs: 14. — Option C is correct because the CodeBuild managed image for the specified environment (likely Ubuntu Standard 5.0 or similar) only supports Node.js runtime versions 14 and above. The error indicates that Node.js 12 is not available in the runtime-versions section of the buildspec for that environment. Updating to nodejs: 14 aligns with the supported runtime versions in the managed image, resolving the error without requiring custom images or manual installation.
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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