Jeff’s Note #
Unlike generic exam dumps, ADH analyzes this scenario through the lens of a Real-World Lead Developer.
For DVA-C02 candidates, the confusion often lies in how packaging formats and deployment methods align with Elastic Beanstalk’s expectations for creating application versions and updating environments. In production, this is about knowing precisely which file formats work for Elastic Beanstalk, how CLI and Console differ for deployment, and which steps trigger an environment update versus a full rebuild. Let’s drill down.
The Certification Drill (Simulated Question) #
Scenario #
MatrixSoft, a SaaS developer, is updating its internal web application deployed using AWS Elastic Beanstalk. After making code changes locally, the development team needs to deploy the new version to the Elastic Beanstalk environment with minimal downtime. The application artifacts can be packaged in either .zip or .tar formats. They want to understand the proper methods to upload, create new application versions, and update the existing environment using both the AWS Management Console and AWS CLI.
The Requirement: #
Identify two correct ways to update the Elastic Beanstalk environment with the new application version once the changes are ready for deployment.
The Options #
- A) Package the application code into a zip file. Use the AWS Management Console to upload the .zip file and deploy the packaged application.
- B) Package the application code into a .tar file. Use the AWS Management Console to create a new application version from the .tar file. Update the environment by using the AWS CLI.
- C) Package the application code into a .tar file. Use the AWS Management Console to upload the .tar file and deploy the packaged application.
- D) Package the application code into a .zip file. Use the AWS CLI to create a new application version from the .zip file and to update the Environment.
- E) Package the application code into a .zip file. Use the AWS Management Console to create a new application version from the .zip file. Rebuild the environment by using the AWS CLI.
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Correct Answer #
A and D
Quick Insight: The Developer Imperative #
- For Elastic Beanstalk deployments, zip files are the supported artifact format.
- You can upload and deploy directly from the AWS Console or automate version creation and environment updates seamlessly via the CLI.
- Avoid .tar files for application versions; they are unsupported.
- Rebuilding an environment is typically unnecessary and can cause downtime unless a complete refresh is intended.
Content Locked: The Expert Analysis #
You’ve identified the answer. But do you know the implementation details that separate a Junior from a Senior?
The Expert’s Analysis #
Correct Answer #
Option A and Option D
The Winning Logic #
Elastic Beanstalk expects application versions to be uploaded as .zip archives containing the application source bundle. Option A uses the AWS Management Console to upload a .zip file and initiates deployment immediately — a fully supported pattern for rapid updates.
Option D demonstrates CLI usage: first creating a new application version from the .zip file and then updating the environment. This approach is scriptable and preferred for CI/CD pipelines.
Using .tar files in options B and C is incorrect since Elastic Beanstalk does not accept .tar files for application versions. Option E’s suggestion to rebuild the environment is excessive for simply deploying a new app version; updating the environment is sufficient and causes less downtime.
The Trap (Distractor Analysis): #
- Why not B?
.taris unsupported as an application format in Elastic Beanstalk, so creating a version from it via console will fail. - Why not C? Uploading
.tardirectly via console and deploying is invalid per Elastic Beanstalk specs. - Why not E? Rebuilding the environment from the CLI is unnecessary—typically a straightforward environment update suffices and is less disruptive.
The Technical Blueprint #
# Example CLI commands for Option D:
# 1. Create a new application version from a ZIP file
aws elasticbeanstalk create-application-version \
--application-name MatrixApp \
--version-label v2 \
--source-bundle S3Bucket="matrix-app-bucket",S3Key="app-v2.zip"
# 2. Update the environment to use the new version
aws elasticbeanstalk update-environment \
--environment-name MatrixApp-env \
--version-label v2
The Comparative Analysis #
| Option | Packaging Format | Deployment Method | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | .zip | Console Upload & Deploy | ✅ Valid | Typical quick deploy, UI-driven |
| B | .tar | Console version create + CLI update | ❌ Invalid | Format not supported by Elastic Beanstalk |
| C | .tar | Console Upload & Deploy | ❌ Invalid | Unsupported artifact format |
| D | .zip | CLI create version + CLI update | ✅ Valid | Preferred for automation & pipelines |
| E | .zip | Console version create + CLI rebuild | ❌ Not required | Rebuild not needed, causes downtime |
Real-World Application (Practitioner Insight) #
Exam Rule #
For the exam, always pick .zip bundles when deploying Elastic Beanstalk application versions and prefer automated CLI-based environment updates when possible.
Real World #
In real-world production, CLI automation integrated into CI/CD pipelines is standard to ensure reproducible, traceable deployments—manual console uploads are more common in early prototypes or quick fixes.
(CTA) Stop Guessing, Start Mastering #
Disclaimer
This is a study note based on simulated scenarios for the DVA-C02 exam.