SAA-C03 Design High-Performing Architectures Practice Question
A web service runs on an Auto Scaling group (ASG). The team updates configuration (AMIs, environment variables) in a Launch Template and wants new instances created during scale-out to use the latest Launch Template version. What should the architect do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often think the ASG automatically updates existing instances when the launch template is updated, but in reality, only new instances launched after the update use the new version unless an instance refresh is explicitly triggered.
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
✓
Set the ASG to use the latest Launch Template version and optionally start an instance refresh for existing instances.
The Auto Scaling group can be configured to use the latest version of a launch template by specifying the `$Latest` version. This ensures that any new instances launched during scale-out automatically use the most recent configuration. Additionally, an instance refresh can be initiated to update existing instances to the latest template version without manual intervention.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Leave the ASG attached to the previous Launch Template version so scale-out is stable.
Why it's wrong here
Keeping an older Launch Template version prevents new instances from receiving updates. ASG scale-out should reflect the latest desired configuration. Stability is better handled by controlled version updates.
- ✓
Set the ASG to use the latest Launch Template version and optionally start an instance refresh for existing instances.
Why this is correct
ASG scale-out uses the configured Launch Template version at instance launch time. Switching the ASG to the latest version ensures new instances are consistent. An instance refresh helps apply changes to running instances safely and predictably.
- ✗
Manually SSH into each new instance and reconfigure it after it launches.
Why it's wrong here
Manual configuration does not scale and introduces drift between instances. It also delays readiness and can cause inconsistent behavior during rapid scaling. Launch Templates are intended to automate instance configuration.
- ✗
Move the configuration changes into a security group rule so the ASG updates them automatically.
Why it's wrong here
Security groups control network access, not application configuration or runtime parameters. Putting configuration into security group rules is not an appropriate mechanism. ASG instance configuration is managed via Launch Template data.
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