Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
Goal: Read existing data only
An automation script must retrieve the current configuration state of a device from a REST API without modifying anything. Which HTTP method should it use?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
DELETE
This is wrong because DELETE is intended for removing a resource.
B
Best answer
GET
This is correct because GET is the standard HTTP method for retrieving data without changing the resource.
C
Distractor review
PUT
This is wrong because PUT generally updates or replaces an existing resource.
D
Distractor review
POST
This is wrong because POST is usually associated with creating or submitting data.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is selecting POST or PUT instead of GET because POST is often associated with sending data and PUT with updating resources. Candidates might mistakenly think that retrieving configuration requires sending a request with data, but in REST APIs, GET is the only method designed for safe, read-only retrieval. Using POST or PUT can unintentionally modify the device’s configuration, which violates the requirement to avoid changes. This confusion arises because POST and PUT are common in web development but have different implications in network automation contexts. Remember, GET is the standard method for fetching data without side effects.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
REST APIs use HTTP methods to interact with network devices programmatically, enabling automation and programmability in Cisco environments. The GET method is designed specifically to retrieve data from a resource without causing any side effects or changes. This makes GET ideal for reading the current configuration state or operational data from a device via its REST API. In contrast, other HTTP methods like POST, PUT, and DELETE are intended for creating, updating, or deleting resources, which can alter the device state. When automating network tasks, choosing the correct HTTP method is crucial to avoid unintended configuration changes. GET requests are safe and idempotent, meaning they can be repeated without modifying the resource. Cisco devices expose configuration and state information through REST APIs that respond to GET requests by returning JSON or XML data representing the device’s current status. This allows scripts to gather information such as interface status, routing tables, or VLAN configurations without risk. A common exam trap is confusing GET with POST or PUT because these methods are often used in web forms or APIs to send data. However, in network automation, GET is strictly for retrieval. Misusing POST or PUT can inadvertently change device configurations, causing network disruptions. Understanding the safe, read-only nature of GET requests helps ensure automation scripts do not modify device state unintentionally, which is critical for maintaining network stability during monitoring or auditing tasks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- The GET HTTP method retrieves data from a REST API without modifying the resource or device configuration.
- Automation scripts use GET requests to safely obtain current device state, configuration, or statistics from Cisco network devices.
- POST requests typically create new resources or submit data, which can alter device state and are not suitable for read-only queries.
- PUT requests update or replace existing resources, making them inappropriate for simply retrieving configuration information.
- DELETE requests remove resources and should never be used when the goal is to only read device data.
- GET requests are idempotent and safe, meaning they can be repeated without causing side effects on the device.
- Cisco REST APIs commonly return device information in JSON or XML format in response to GET requests.
- Choosing the correct HTTP method prevents unintended network changes during automation and ensures predictable device behavior.
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
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Question 2
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Question 3
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Question 4
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Question 5
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Question 6
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
The GET HTTP method retrieves data from a REST API without modifying the resource or device configuration.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: GET — When a script only needs to read information, the normal REST choice is GET. In plain terms, GET asks the server, “Show me the current data,” without telling it to create, replace, or delete anything. That is why GET is the standard method for retrieving device state, configuration details, statistics, or inventory information from an API endpoint. The other methods imply change. POST commonly creates or submits data. PUT commonly updates an existing resource. DELETE removes something. For a read-only query, GET is the clean and expected method.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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