KCNA Cloud Native Architecture Practice Question
Which of the following is a key principle of the 12-factor app methodology related to managing configuration?
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
✓
Use environment variables for configuration
The 12-factor app methodology states that configuration should be stored in environment variables (or external to the code) to vary between deployments without changing code. Hardcoding is the opposite. ConfigMaps are Kubernetes-specific but the principle is broader. Secrets are for sensitive data but not the only way.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store configuration in the application code
Why it's wrong here
The 12-factor app explicitly separates config from code; hardcoding configuration violates this principle.
- ✓
Use environment variables for configuration
Why this is correct
Environment variables provide a clean separation between code and config, allowing easy changes across environments.
- ✗
Embed configuration in the build process
Why it's wrong here
Build-time configuration is discouraged; config should be externalized.
- ✗
Use a configuration file in the application directory
Why it's wrong here
This would tie config to the codebase, which is not recommended by 12-factor.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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