Real-World Lambda Use Cases Quiz Quiz

Explore real-world scenarios where Lambda functions make an impact, covering automation, event processing, data handling, and serverless applications. This quiz helps users assess their understanding of practical Lambda applications in various everyday computing tasks.

1. Automated Image Processing

   Which scenario best illustrates using a Lambda function to automatically generate thumbnails whenever a new image is uploaded to a storage bucket?

   1. A new image uploaded to storage triggers a Lambda function that creates a thumbnail version.
   2. Uploading images directly into an online gallery without any post-processing.
   3. Manually running a script to compress images stored on a user's local machine.
   4. A server hosting a website that resizes images on request only.

   Explanation: The correct answer describes an event-driven system where new uploads automatically invoke a function to process the image, which is a classic Lambda use case. Manually running scripts is not automated or event-driven. Resizing images on request with a server involves traditional hosting, not Lambda. Uploading with no post-processing ignores the opportunity for automation. Only the first option demonstrates serverless automation triggered by an event.

2. Data Stream Processing

   In which scenario is a Lambda function used to filter and process data records in real-time as they are added to a data stream?

   1. A local spreadsheet macro is run to filter data.
   2. A daily batch job processes all accumulated data records at once.
   3. New data records trigger a Lambda function for immediate filtering and analysis.
   4. Manual download and review of data files from an online dashboard.

   Explanation: Real-time data processing using Lambda involves automatically triggering a function with each new record in the data stream. The batch job represents scheduled processing, not real-time responsiveness. A spreadsheet macro is not a serverless or scalable approach. Manual download and review lacks automation. Only the first option leverages Lambda for instant event-driven processing.

3. Scheduled Task Automation

   How could a Lambda function be used to automate sending out daily email summaries at a specific time?

   1. A user manually writes and sends emails each day.
   2. A scheduler triggers a Lambda function daily to send email summaries.
   3. A smartphone sends an automatic text notification without using Lambda.
   4. An editor uses a desktop application to compose emails one by one.

   Explanation: The first option describes Lambda's ability to run on scheduled intervals without dedicated servers. Manual emailing and desktop applications require user interaction. Sending notifications from a smartphone does not involve Lambda or automated email summaries. The scheduler with Lambda is the only option that ties automation and specific timing together.

4. Serverless Web Backends

   When building a serverless web application, which use case best fits deploying a Lambda function as the backend for handling user sign-ups?

   1. Allowing users to email sign-up requests that are sorted manually.
   2. Running signup processes on a dedicated web server that is always online.
   3. Processing user sign-up data in a Lambda function triggered by form submission.
   4. Using a spreadsheet to record new user details by hand.

   Explanation: Using Lambda for sign-up processing means requests are handled quickly without maintaining servers. A dedicated web server does not provide the serverless benefits of Lambda. Manual spreadsheet entry and manual email sorting are not automated or scalable solutions. Lambda is designed to automate backend tasks like user sign-ups in a serverless environment.

5. Event-Driven File Transformation

   Which situation demonstrates the use of a Lambda function to transform a text file's contents each time a new file is uploaded?

   1. Users download files, edit them locally, and upload them back.
   2. An administrator edits text files before uploading them.
   3. A desktop automation tool modifies files already stored locally.
   4. Uploading a new text file automatically triggers a Lambda function that modifies its contents.

   Explanation: Lambda functions excel at processing files in response to upload events, allowing automatic modification without manual intervention. Editing files before upload or locally does not use event-driven automation. Desktop tools act outside the cloud and are not triggered by uploads. Only the first option describes automatic file transformation upon upload using Lambda.

6. Integration With External APIs

   What is a real-world case for a Lambda function making an API request when a new transaction appears in a database?

   1. A user visits a website to check the weather manually.
   2. A scheduled email is sent without referencing any external API.
   3. A Lambda function is triggered by database changes to fetch external weather data.
   4. A desktop program reads files from local storage only.

   Explanation: Lambda can be set to trigger when database updates occur, enabling it to fetch additional information, such as weather data, via APIs. Manual website visits do not automate API requests. Sending unrelated emails and reading local files do not involve handling external APIs. The event-driven, automated Lambda function interacting with an API is the correct scenario.

7. Notification and Alerting

   How might a Lambda function be used to send a customized SMS alert if a sensor reports a dangerous temperature reading?

   1. A user checks sensor data at the end of each day and sends messages manually.
   2. The Lambda function sends an SMS alert when it receives an unsafe temperature event from the sensor.
   3. A weekly report includes temperature violations but does not trigger any messages.
   4. The sensor displays warnings locally on an attached screen.

   Explanation: Automatic notifications in response to sensor data is a key Lambda use case. Manual checking and messaging is not real-time or automated. Local displays do not communicate alerts externally. Including data in reports provides information after the fact, not immediate alerts. Only the first option uses Lambda for prompt, automated SMS notifications.

8. Cost-Effective Scalability

   Which scenario benefits most from using Lambda functions due to unpredictable and spiky workloads during flash sales?

   1. A print advertisement is released for the sale.
   2. A fixed-size server is overwhelmed when many shoppers try to purchase at once.
   3. A Lambda function automatically scales to handle sudden bursts of activity during sales.
   4. Staff prepare extra laptops for use during sales events.

   Explanation: Lambda is well-suited for workloads that require fast, automatic scaling, such as unexpected spikes during flash sales. Fixed servers may struggle to accommodate high demand. Print advertisements and additional laptops do not impact online workload scalability. Only Lambda's serverless model enables efficient, cost-effective scaling in these scenarios.

9. On-Demand File Conversion

   How can Lambda be used to provide instant document conversion (for example, PDF to text) when a user uploads a file?

   1. Conversion is skipped, and files are stored without changes.
   2. A Lambda function runs automatically when a file is uploaded and converts it from PDF to text.
   3. An employee opens PDF files manually and extracts text.
   4. A standalone PC runs a program to convert files periodically.

   Explanation: Using Lambda, file conversion can happen immediately in response to uploads, providing users with rapid results. Manual extraction is slower and requires effort. Periodic conversions on a PC are not on-demand. Simply storing files does not involve conversion. Only the first option captures automatic, event-based document processing.

10. Database Record Cleanup

    What describes a Lambda function being used to automatically delete old records from a database to maintain clean storage?

    1. Records are archived to tape storage without deletion.
    2. Users are asked to manually delete old records when they log in.
    3. A database administrator reviews and removes records by hand monthly.
    4. A scheduled Lambda function runs to remove outdated records from the database.

    Explanation: Automating data cleanup through scheduled Lambda execution supports healthy database management without manual effort. Manual deletion and archiving to tape are slower and less reliable. Asking users to clean up data adds friction and is inconsistent. Only the scheduled Lambda approach provides reliable, hands-off record maintenance.