The answer is `az container logs --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer`. This is the correct command because it retrieves both stdout and stderr output from a container that has already exited, which is exactly what you need when debugging a non-zero exit code failure. Unlike commands that require a running container, `az container logs` works on stopped containers, making it the essential tool for post-mortem analysis of exit code errors. On the AZ-204 exam, this tests your understanding of Azure Container Instance lifecycle management and the distinction between debugging active versus exited containers—a common trap is trying to use `az container exec` or `az container attach`, which only work on running instances. Remember the memory tip: "Exited? Logs are your exit interview."
AZ-204 Develop Azure compute solutions Practice Question
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of develop azure compute solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Network Topology
You run the command above to create an Azure Container Instance. The container exits with a non-zero exit code. You need to check the logs to debug the issue. Which command should you use next?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
az container logs --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer
The correct command is `az container logs` because it retrieves the stdout and stderr logs from a container that has exited, which is essential for debugging exit code failures. Since the container has already exited with a non-zero exit code, you need to inspect its logged output to understand the cause of the failure, and this command directly fetches those logs without requiring an active container.
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.
✗
az container attach --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer
Why it's wrong here
Attach is for streaming logs from a running container.
✓
az container logs --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer
Why this is correct
This command retrieves the logs of the container, even after it has exited.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
az container exec --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer --exec-command /bin/sh
Why it's wrong here
Exec runs a command in a running container, not for exited containers.
✗
az container show --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer --query containers[0].instanceView.currentState.exitCode
Why it's wrong here
This shows exit code but not the full logs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `az container attach` (for live streaming of a running container) with `az container logs` (for retrieving historical logs from a stopped container), leading them to choose option A even though the container has already exited.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Exec runs a command in a running container, not for exited containers.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `az container logs` retrieves the container's stdout and stderr streams that were captured by the Azure Container Instances service during the container's lifetime, even after it has stopped. This is analogous to using `docker logs` for a stopped container, and the logs are stored in the container group's log store until the container group is deleted. In real-world scenarios, a non-zero exit code often indicates an application error (e.g., missing environment variables, misconfigured connection strings), and the logs will contain the specific error message from the application's output.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-204 question in full detail.
Develop Azure compute solutions — This question tests Develop Azure compute solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: az container logs --resource-group myRG --name mycontainer — The correct command is `az container logs` because it retrieves the stdout and stderr logs from a container that has exited, which is essential for debugging exit code failures. Since the container has already exited with a non-zero exit code, you need to inspect its logged output to understand the cause of the failure, and this command directly fetches those logs without requiring an active container.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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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