The answer is to use Cloud Build steps that push to Artifact Registry only if all previous steps succeed by leveraging `waitFor` and checking exit codes. This approach is correct because Cloud Build inherently executes steps sequentially by default, and a step only runs if the preceding step exits with a zero code; therefore, by placing the artifact push step after your test and build steps, it will automatically be skipped if any earlier step fails, ensuring only tested builds are promoted to Artifact Registry. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this question tests your understanding of Cloud Build’s implicit step dependency model and how to enforce gating without external triggers—a common trap is assuming that building from a protected branch like `main` guarantees success, but branch protection does not prevent a failing build from pushing artifacts. A useful memory tip is “waitFor zero or skip the repo”—if any step exits non-zero, the push step never runs.
PCD Building and testing applications Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of building and testing applications. 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 using Cloud Build for CI and wants to store build artifacts in Artifact Registry. They want to ensure that only successful builds are promoted to production. What should they do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Cloud Build steps that push to Artifact Registry only if all previous steps succeed by using `waitFor` and checking exit codes.
Option B is correct because Cloud Build steps run sequentially and only if previous steps succeed by default, so pushing to Artifact Registry only if tests pass. Option A is not sufficient because builds on main can still fail. Option C involves manual intervention. Option D is incorrect as it ignores build status.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use Cloud Build to deploy to a staging environment, then manually promote to production.
Why it's wrong here
Introduces manual steps, which may be error-prone.
✓
Use Cloud Build steps that push to Artifact Registry only if all previous steps succeed by using `waitFor` and checking exit codes.
Why this is correct
Cloud Build inherently stops on failure, ensuring only successful builds push artifacts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Cloud Build triggers with a condition that only builds on the main branch are deployed.
Why it's wrong here
Doesn't guarantee the build itself succeeded.
✗
Use Cloud Build with a custom script that pushes regardless of build status.
Why it's wrong here
Would push even failed builds, defeating the purpose.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Building and testing applications — This question tests Building and testing applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud Build steps that push to Artifact Registry only if all previous steps succeed by using `waitFor` and checking exit codes. — Option B is correct because Cloud Build steps run sequentially and only if previous steps succeed by default, so pushing to Artifact Registry only if tests pass. Option A is not sufficient because builds on main can still fail. Option C involves manual intervention. Option D is incorrect as it ignores build status.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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