PCDOE Optimizing service performance Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
---
# Sample error from Cloud Logging
{
"httpRequest": {
"requestUrl": "https://example.com/data",
"status": 504
},
"resource": {
"type": "gae_app",
"labels": {
"module_id": "default",
"version_id": "v2"
}
},
"textPayload": "The request was terminated because it took longer than 60 seconds."
}
---Refer to the exhibit. An App Engine application returns 504 errors. The application calls an external API and processes the result. Which change is most likely to resolve the errors?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between request timeout (which causes 504 errors) and scaling or load-related issues (which cause 503 errors or latency), so candidates mistakenly choose instance count or scaling type changes when the real problem is a timeout threshold.
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 App Engine request timeout in app.yaml to 120 seconds.
A 504 error from App Engine indicates the request exceeded the timeout limit before the application could respond. The default App Engine request timeout is 60 seconds, and since the application calls an external API and processes the result, the total time may exceed this limit. Increasing the request timeout in app.yaml to 120 seconds allows the application more time to complete the external API call and processing, resolving the 504 error.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reduce the idle timeout in the scaling settings.
Why it's wrong here
Idle timeout is for instance shutdown, not request handling.
- ✓
Increase the App Engine request timeout in app.yaml to 120 seconds.
Why this is correct
The default timeout is 60 seconds; increasing it allows more time.
- ✗
Change the scaling type from automatic to manual.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling type doesn't affect request timeout.
- ✗
Increase the number of instances to handle the load.
Why it's wrong here
Timeout is per request, not capacity.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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