Quick Answer
The answer is a JSON array of strings. This is correct because when you use the AWS CLI --query parameter with a JMESPath expression, you are filtering and reshaping the raw JSON output from the API call; in this case, the query specifically extracts multiple values into a list structure, which JMESPath renders as a JSON array where each element is a string. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this concept tests your ability to interpret CLI output and understand how JMESPath transforms data—a common trap is confusing a single string result with an array, or assuming the output remains in the original tabular or text format. Remember that any JMESPath expression that selects multiple items (like `[*].FieldName`) always produces a JSON array, even if it contains only one element. A helpful memory tip: "JMESPath always wraps multiple picks in square brackets."
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 solutions architect runs the above CLI command. What is the output format?
YAML formatted output.
Why wrong: Default output is JSON unless --output yaml is specified.
A text table with columns.
Why wrong: Table output is not requested.
A JSON array of strings.
The query returns a list of three values in JSON array format.
A JSON object with keys.
Why wrong: The query returns an array, not an object.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A JSON array of strings.
The command uses --query with JMESPath to output specific fields as a JSON array. Option A is correct. Options B, C, D are incorrect because the query specifies an array output.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
YAML formatted output.
Why it's wrong here
Default output is JSON unless --output yaml is specified.
A text table with columns.
Why it's wrong here
Table output is not requested.
A JSON array of strings.
A JSON object with keys.
Why it's wrong here
The query returns an array, not an object.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Default output is JSON unless --output yaml is specified.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Design for New Solutions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: A JSON array of strings. — The command uses --query with JMESPath to output specific fields as a JSON array. Option A is correct. Options B, C, D are incorrect because the query specifies an array output.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A developer runs the above AWS CLI command. What is the expected output?
easyWhy B: Option A is correct because the command filters for instances with tag Name=web-server and state running, then outputs the InstanceIds as text. Option B is wrong because it outputs only if instances exist. Option C is wrong because the filter is correct. Option D is wrong because the query selects InstanceId, not all info.
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SAP-C02 exam.
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