KCNA Cloud Native Architecture Practice Question
In the 12-factor app methodology, which factor describes the practice of storing configuration in environment variables?
⚠ Common exam trap
CNCF often tests the distinction between 'Config' and 'Backing services'—candidates mistakenly think storing database credentials in environment variables is a 'Backing services' concern, but it is actually a 'Config' concern because the credentials are configuration, not the service itself.
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
✓
Config
The Config factor (Factor III) of the 12-factor app methodology mandates that configuration—such as database URLs, credentials, or feature flags—be stored in environment variables. This decouples configuration from code, allowing the same build to be deployed across different environments without code changes, and prevents accidental commits of secrets to version control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Backing services
Why it's wrong here
Backing services is Factor IV.
- ✓
Config
Why this is correct
Config is Factor III.
- ✗
Processes
Why it's wrong here
Processes is Factor VI.
- ✗
Build, release, run
Why it's wrong here
That is Factor V.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This KCNA practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF 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 KCNA exam.