- A
Use Docker layer caching with docker build --cache-from
Why wrong: Docker build is not available when using Kaniko; Kaniko has its own caching mechanism.
- B
Set substitution variable _KANIKO_CACHE=true
Why wrong: There is no such substitution; Kaniko caching is configured via command-line flags.
- C
Enable Cloud Build cache via the caching service
Why wrong: Cloud Build caching is used for non-container artifacts, not Kaniko layers.
- D
Set --cache=true and specify --cache-repo in the Kaniko builder step
Kaniko caching is enabled by passing --cache=true and --cache-repo to point to a remote repository.
Question 249 of 1,000
PCDE Practice Question: Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service
This PCDE practice question tests your understanding of building and implementing ci/cd pipelines for a service. 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 team uses Cloud Build to build a container image using Kaniko. They want to cache layers to speed up subsequent builds. What should they configure in their cloudbuild.yaml to enable Kaniko layer caching?
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
✓
Set --cache=true and specify --cache-repo in the Kaniko builder step
Kaniko does not rely on Docker's layer caching mechanism. Instead, it uses its own remote caching system where layers are pushed to a container registry. To enable this, you must pass `--cache=true` to the Kaniko builder to instruct it to cache intermediate layers, and `--cache-repo` to specify the target repository (e.g., a registry path) where those cached layers will be stored. This allows subsequent builds to reuse previously built layers, significantly reducing build time.
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 Docker layer caching with docker build --cache-from
Why it's wrong here
Docker build is not available when using Kaniko; Kaniko has its own caching mechanism.
- ✗
Set substitution variable _KANIKO_CACHE=true
Why it's wrong here
There is no such substitution; Kaniko caching is configured via command-line flags.
- ✗
Enable Cloud Build cache via the caching service
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Build caching is used for non-container artifacts, not Kaniko layers.
- ✓
Set --cache=true and specify --cache-repo in the Kaniko builder step
Why this is correct
Kaniko caching is enabled by passing --cache=true and --cache-repo to point to a remote repository.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Cloud Build's generic caching service (which caches build artifacts like Maven dependencies) with Kaniko's specific layer caching mechanism, leading them to select Option C, or they mistakenly assume Docker's `--cache-from` works with Kaniko (Option A), not realizing Kaniko is a daemonless builder.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is no such substitution; Kaniko caching is configured via command-line flags.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Kaniko works by extracting the base image, executing each build command in a snapshot, and pushing only the changed layers. When `--cache=true` is set, Kaniko checks the `--cache-repo` for a matching layer digest before executing a command; if found, it skips the command and reuses the cached layer. This is particularly beneficial in multi-branch CI/CD pipelines where base layers change infrequently, as it avoids redundant rebuilds of unchanged layers. Note that the cache repository must be accessible to the Kaniko builder (e.g., authenticated via service account) and should be separate from the final image repository to avoid clutter.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDE question test?
Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — This question tests Building and Implementing CI/CD Pipelines for a Service — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set --cache=true and specify --cache-repo in the Kaniko builder step — Kaniko does not rely on Docker's layer caching mechanism. Instead, it uses its own remote caching system where layers are pushed to a container registry. To enable this, you must pass `--cache=true` to the Kaniko builder to instruct it to cache intermediate layers, and `--cache-repo` to specify the target repository (e.g., a registry path) where those cached layers will be stored. This allows subsequent builds to reuse previously built layers, significantly reducing build time.
What should I do if I get this PCDE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCDE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCDE exam.
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