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 to properly package and deploy Lambda functions when dependencies bloat the deployment package size. In production, this is about knowing exactly which packaging formats Lambda supports beyond the .zip size limits—and how container images open new possibilities for complex dependencies. Let’s drill down.
The Certification Drill (Simulated Question) #
Scenario #
CloudTech Innovators, a startup specializing in real-time data processing, has a Lambda function running on the x86_64 architecture that has recently grown in complexity. The lead developer added multiple third-party libraries and internal dependencies, but now the deployment fails because the unzipped size of the function exceeds AWS Lambda’s maximum deployment package size limit. The team needs a new approach to deploy the Lambda function with all dependencies without removing any critical libraries or refactoring the core logic extensively.
The Requirement: #
Implement a solution that allows the function, along with its large dependencies, to be successfully deployed and run on AWS Lambda.
The Options #
- A) Create a snapshot of all the dependencies. Configure the Lambda function to use the snapshot.
- B) Change the instruction set architecture of the Lambda function to use an arm64 architecture.
- C) Associate an Amazon Elastic Block Store (Amazon EBS) volume with the Lambda function. Store all the dependencies on the EBS volume.
- D) Create and deploy a Lambda container image with all the dependencies.
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Correct Answer #
D
Quick Insight: The Developer Imperative #
The key limitation is the deployment package size when using traditional ZIP archives, which is 250 MB unzipped. Lambda Container Images can go up to 10 GB, making them perfect for large dependencies. This capability arose to accommodate modern application needs without sacrificing runtime performance or native SDK interaction.
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 D: Create and deploy a Lambda container image with all the dependencies.
The Winning Logic #
AWS Lambda supports two primary packaging formats: zipped archives and container images. While zipped archives are easy to use, they have hard limits on the deployment size (50 MB zipped, 250 MB unzipped). The function here exceeds these limits due to added dependencies.
Lambda container images, on the other hand, support up to 10 GB and allow full customization of the runtime environment. The developer can package all dependencies in a Docker image, then push it to Amazon ECR and configure the Lambda function to use that image as its deployment source.
This approach preserves the function’s architecture (x86_64) and does not require changing the instruction set or relying on external storage. It is fully supported, scalable, and aligns perfectly with modern development workflows using containers.
The Trap (Distractor Analysis) #
- Why not A? Snapshots are not a Lambda packaging feature; there is no Lambda API or configuration option to deploy via “snapshots” of dependencies. This is a distractor based on confusion with disk snapshots or EFS backups.
- Why not B? Changing to arm64 may reduce package size slightly due to architecture efficiencies but will not solve the limit on unzipped deployment package size. Plus, migrating CPU architecture can introduce compatibility risks.
- Why not C? Lambda does not support attaching EBS volumes. The official supported storage options for persistent or shared data with Lambda are Amazon EFS or external services. Also, storing runtime dependencies externally adds complexity and increases cold start latency.
The Technical Blueprint #
# Build and push your Lambda container image example:
# Build Docker image locally with dependencies included
docker build -t my-lambda-function:latest .
# Tag the image for Amazon ECR
aws ecr get-login-password --region us-east-1 | docker login --username AWS --password-stdin <account-id>.dkr.ecr.us-east-1.amazonaws.com
docker tag my-lambda-function:latest <account-id>.dkr.ecr.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/my-lambda-function:latest
# Push the image to ECR
docker push <account-id>.dkr.ecr.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/my-lambda-function:latest
# Update Lambda function to use container image
aws lambda update-function-code --function-name MyFunction --image-uri <account-id>.dkr.ecr.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/my-lambda-function:latest
The Comparative Analysis #
| Option | API Complexity | Performance | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | N/A - Not valid Lambda deployment method | N/A | Invalid - snapshot functionality not supported |
| B | Moderate - Requires architecture change | Slight improvement, but does NOT fix size issue | CPU architecture shift; possible compatibility concerns |
| C | High - Unsupported by Lambda | Higher latency; complex setup | Misunderstood feature; Lambda does not support EBS |
| D | Moderate - Requires Dockerimage build and ECR integration | Native performance with large dependencies supported | Official container support for large Lambda packages |
Real-World Application (Practitioner Insight) #
Exam Rule #
For the exam, always pick Lambda container images when the deployment package size exceeds the 250 MB unzipped limit.
Real World #
In actual projects, container images simplify packaging complex applications that need many dependencies or custom runtimes, while preserving CI/CD best practices including versioning and image scanning.
(CTA) Stop Guessing, Start Mastering #
Disclaimer
This is a study note based on simulated scenarios for the DVA-C02 exam.