- A
Keep the existing build pipeline as is, and add a script to build the Docker image in the release pipeline before deploying.
Why wrong: Building the image in the release pipeline is not a best practice; build should be in the CI phase.
- B
Modify the existing build pipeline by adding a 'Docker' task to build and push the image, and modify the release pipeline to use a 'Kubernetes' task for deployment.
This leverages existing pipelines and minimizes changes.
- C
Create a new build pipeline from scratch using the 'Docker' template and a new release pipeline with the 'Deploy to Kubernetes' template.
Why wrong: Starting from scratch is unnecessary; existing pipeline can be extended.
- D
Use self-hosted agents to build the Docker image and deploy to AKS.
Why wrong: Self-hosted agents are not necessary; Microsoft-hosted agents can build Docker images and deploy to AKS.
AZ-400 Practice Question: Design and implement build and release pipelines
This AZ-400 practice question tests your understanding of design and implement build and release pipelines. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Your team uses Azure DevOps to manage a monolithic .NET Framework application that is deployed to on-premises Windows servers. You plan to modernize the application by containerizing it and moving it to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). The existing build pipeline uses the .NET Framework build task and MSBuild. The release pipeline uses WinRM-based deployment to copy files to on-premises servers. You need to design a new CI/CD pipeline that builds a Docker image, pushes it to Azure Container Registry (ACR), and deploys it to AKS. Your solution should minimize changes to the existing codebase and leverage Azure Pipelines. What should you do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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
Modify the existing build pipeline by adding a 'Docker' task to build and push the image, and modify the release pipeline to use a 'Kubernetes' task for deployment.
Option B is correct: Adding a Docker task to build and push, and a Kubernetes task to deploy, minimizes changes. Option A is incorrect because creating a new pipeline from scratch is unnecessary. Option C is incorrect because using a script to build Docker is less integrated. Option D is incorrect because self-hosted agents are not required for ACR and AKS.
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.
- ✗
Keep the existing build pipeline as is, and add a script to build the Docker image in the release pipeline before deploying.
Why it's wrong here
Building the image in the release pipeline is not a best practice; build should be in the CI phase.
- ✓
Modify the existing build pipeline by adding a 'Docker' task to build and push the image, and modify the release pipeline to use a 'Kubernetes' task for deployment.
Why this is correct
This leverages existing pipelines and minimizes changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a new build pipeline from scratch using the 'Docker' template and a new release pipeline with the 'Deploy to Kubernetes' template.
Why it's wrong here
Starting from scratch is unnecessary; existing pipeline can be extended.
- ✗
Use self-hosted agents to build the Docker image and deploy to AKS.
Why it's wrong here
Self-hosted agents are not necessary; Microsoft-hosted agents can build Docker images and deploy to AKS.
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 AZ-400 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-400 question test?
Design and implement build and release pipelines — This question tests Design and implement build and release pipelines — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the existing build pipeline by adding a 'Docker' task to build and push the image, and modify the release pipeline to use a 'Kubernetes' task for deployment. — Option B is correct: Adding a Docker task to build and push, and a Kubernetes task to deploy, minimizes changes. Option A is incorrect because creating a new pipeline from scratch is unnecessary. Option C is incorrect because using a script to build Docker is less integrated. Option D is incorrect because self-hosted agents are not required for ACR and AKS.
What should I do if I get this AZ-400 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-400 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This AZ-400 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-400 exam.
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