The answer is to use `sam build && sam deploy`. This is correct because `sam build` compiles your Lambda functions, resolves dependencies, and prepares the deployment artifacts in the `.aws-sam` directory, while `sam deploy` takes those built artifacts and creates or updates the CloudFormation stack to provision the API Gateway, DynamoDB table, and Lambda functions defined in your template.yaml. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this tests your understanding of the SAM lifecycle and the distinction between building, packaging, and deploying—a common trap is choosing `aws cloudformation deploy` (which skips the build step) or `sam package` (which only uploads code to S3 without building). For automation, avoid `sam deploy --guided` as it requires interactive prompts. Memory tip: think "build first, then deploy" like compiling code before running it—SAM enforces this two-step pipeline for reliable serverless deployments.
DOP-C02 SDLC Automation Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. 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 team wants to automate the deployment of a serverless application using AWS SAM. They have a template.yaml file defining Lambda functions, an API Gateway, and a DynamoDB table. Which command should they use to build and deploy the application?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
sam build && sam deploy
Option A is correct because 'sam build' compiles the application and 'sam deploy' deploys it. Option B is wrong because 'aws cloudformation deploy' does not build the SAM artifacts. Option C is wrong because 'sam package' only packages code; it does not build or deploy. Option D is wrong because 'sam deploy --guided' is interactive and not suitable for automation.
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.
This skips the build step and may fail if dependencies are not packaged.
✗
sam package --output-template-file packaged.yaml
Why it's wrong here
sam package only packages the code, but does not build or deploy.
✓
sam build && sam deploy
Why this is correct
sam build prepares the application, and sam deploy deploys it using CloudFormation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
sam deploy --guided
Why it's wrong here
--guided is interactive and not suitable for automated pipelines.
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 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.
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: sam build && sam deploy — Option A is correct because 'sam build' compiles the application and 'sam deploy' deploys it. Option B is wrong because 'aws cloudformation deploy' does not build the SAM artifacts. Option C is wrong because 'sam package' only packages code; it does not build or deploy. Option D is wrong because 'sam deploy --guided' is interactive and not suitable for automation.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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