Quick Answer
The answer is that the Lambda function shows two error metrics in CloudWatch because it has two active versions: $LATEST and version 1. Each version of a Lambda function emits its own separate CloudWatch metrics, including the Errors metric, even if an alias like 'prod' points only to version 1. The $LATEST version, which is the mutable, unpublished code, continues to generate its own error stream independently from the published, immutable version 1. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that aliases are simply pointers and do not consolidate metric streams; a common trap is assuming an alias merges metrics from the versions it references. Remember the memory tip: "Aliases point, versions count" — each version, including $LATEST, gets its own error tally in CloudWatch, so two versions mean two metric lines.
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 company is monitoring a Lambda function named my-function. The function has an alias 'prod' that points to version 1. The above CLI output shows two metrics for the Errors metric. What is the likely reason for two metrics?
The function is invoked via two different triggers
Why wrong: Triggers do not create separate metrics.
The function is configured with two different reserved concurrency settings
Why wrong: Reserved concurrency does not create separate metrics.
The function has two versions: $LATEST and version 1
Each version has its own metric.
The function is deployed in two different regions
Why wrong: CLI is for a single region.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The function has two versions: $LATEST and version 1
The CLI output shows two metrics for the Errors metric because the function has two versions: $LATEST (the unpublished, mutable version) and version 1 (the published, immutable version). The alias 'prod' points to version 1, but CloudWatch metrics are emitted per version, so both $LATEST and version 1 generate separate error metric streams. This is why two distinct data points appear for the same metric name.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The function is invoked via two different triggers
Why it's wrong here
Triggers do not create separate metrics.
The function is configured with two different reserved concurrency settings
Why it's wrong here
Reserved concurrency does not create separate metrics.
The function has two versions: $LATEST and version 1
Why this is correct
Each version has its own metric.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The function is deployed in two different regions
Why it's wrong here
CLI is for a single region.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume the alias 'prod' consolidates all metrics into a single stream, but AWS CloudWatch emits separate metric dimensions for each version, even when an alias points to a specific version, causing two distinct error metric lines.
Detailed technical explanation
Lambda publishes CloudWatch metrics for each function version independently, including $LATEST and any published versions. The $LATEST version is continuously updated with new code deployments, while published versions (like version 1) are immutable. This dual-version metric behavior is critical for canary deployments or blue/green strategies where you monitor error rates across versions to detect regressions before routing full traffic to a new version.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The function has two versions: $LATEST and version 1 — The CLI output shows two metrics for the Errors metric because the function has two versions: $LATEST (the unpublished, mutable version) and version 1 (the published, immutable version). The alias 'prod' points to version 1, but CloudWatch metrics are emitted per version, so both $LATEST and version 1 generate separate error metric streams. This is why two distinct data points appear for the same metric name.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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