Quick Answer
The answer is to add a step that runs the `gcloud run deploy` command in your Cloud Build configuration. This is necessary because Cloud Build handles building and pushing the container image to Artifact Registry, but it does not automatically trigger a deployment to Cloud Run—you must explicitly include a deploy step that references the built image and target service. On the Google Professional Cloud Developer exam, this tests your understanding that CI/CD pipelines require an intentional deployment action, not just a successful build; a common trap is assuming Cloud Build deploys automatically after pushing an image. The key distinction is that building and deploying are separate phases in the configuration. Remember the memory tip: "Build pushes the image, deploy launches the revision"—without the explicit `gcloud run deploy` step, your app never goes live.
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of deploying applications. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 uses Cloud Build for CI/CD. They need to deploy a containerized app to Cloud Run automatically on every push to the main branch. Which Cloud Build configuration step is necessary?
Add a step to build the container with Dockerfile.
Why wrong: Building the container is necessary but not sufficient for deployment.
Add a step to run 'gcloud run deploy' command.
This step performs the deployment to Cloud Run.
Add a step to push the image to Artifact Registry only.
Why wrong: Pushing the image does not deploy it.
Add a step to run unit tests.
Why wrong: Running tests is good practice but not required for deployment.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Add a step to run 'gcloud run deploy' command.
Option B is correct because Cloud Build requires an explicit step to run the `gcloud run deploy` command in order to trigger a deployment to Cloud Run. While Cloud Build can build and push images, it does not automatically deploy to Cloud Run unless a deploy step is included in the build configuration. This step uses the built image (from Artifact Registry) and deploys it as a new revision to the specified Cloud Run service.
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.
Add a step to build the container with Dockerfile.
Why it's wrong here
Building the container is necessary but not sufficient for deployment.
Add a step to run 'gcloud run deploy' command.
Why this is correct
This step performs the deployment to Cloud Run.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Add a step to push the image to Artifact Registry only.
Why it's wrong here
Pushing the image does not deploy it.
Add a step to run unit tests.
Why it's wrong here
Running tests is good practice but not required for deployment.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that pushing an image to a registry automatically triggers a deployment, but in Cloud Build, each deployment must be explicitly commanded via a deploy step like `gcloud run deploy`.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Cloud Build executes steps sequentially in a build configuration file (cloudbuild.yaml). The `gcloud run deploy` command uses the `gcloud` builder image to authenticate with the Cloud Run API, create or update the service, and roll out a new revision with the specified container image. A common real-world scenario is when teams forget to include the deploy step and only push the image, resulting in no update to the running Cloud Run service, which can lead to confusion during CI/CD pipeline debugging.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Deploying applications — This question tests Deploying applications — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Add a step to run 'gcloud run deploy' command. — Option B is correct because Cloud Build requires an explicit step to run the `gcloud run deploy` command in order to trigger a deployment to Cloud Run. While Cloud Build can build and push images, it does not automatically deploy to Cloud Run unless a deploy step is included in the build configuration. This step uses the built image (from Artifact Registry) and deploys it as a new revision to the specified Cloud Run service.
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 25, 2026
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