SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
A company uses AWS Lambda functions to process files uploaded to an S3 bucket. The processing time varies, but some files fail with a timeout error. The function has the default timeout setting. What is the MOST cost-effective way to resolve this issue?
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
✓
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
The default Lambda timeout is 3 seconds, which is insufficient for processing that can take longer. Increasing the timeout allows the function to complete without incurring additional costs. Option A is wrong because increasing memory also increases cost and does not directly address timeouts; it may improve performance but at higher cost. Option B is wrong because SQS buffering does not resolve timeout issues; it only decouples event sources. Option C is wrong because Step Functions add complexity and cost; a simpler solution is to adjust the timeout.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the memory allocation for the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
This may improve performance but also increases cost; the issue is timeout, not memory.
- ✗
Use an SQS queue to buffer the S3 events.
Why it's wrong here
SQS does not increase the function's timeout; it only decouples invocation.
- ✗
Use AWS Step Functions to orchestrate the processing.
Why it's wrong here
Using AWS Step Functions orchestrates workflows but does not directly extend the maximum execution duration of an individual Lambda function it invokes. The Lambda function would still time out if its processing exceeds its configured limit, failing to resolve the core issue of a single function timing out. Step Functions is tempting because it excels at coordinating complex, long-running, multi-step processes, handling retries and error management across multiple services. It would be the correct choice if the processing could be decomposed into smaller, distinct steps, or required coordination between several functions.
- ✓
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Why this is correct
Increasing timeout allows the function to run longer without timing out.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
Go deeper
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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