CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
Exhibit
Request: GET /dna/intent/api/v1/network-device Authorization: Bearer <token>
Exhibit: A script sends an HTTP GET request to a controller API endpoint. What is the usual purpose of the GET method?
⚠ Common exam trap
Be careful not to confuse GET with other HTTP methods like POST, PUT, or DELETE, which have different purposes.
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
✓
Retrieve information from the resource
In REST-style APIs, GET is normally used to retrieve data from a resource. It is not the standard method for creating or replacing resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Retrieve information from the resource
Why this is correct
The HTTP GET method is defined as a safe, idempotent request that retrieves a representation of the resource identified by the URI without altering server state. In the context of a controller API, GET is specifically used to read current configuration, status, or data. A successful GET returns a 200 OK response with the payload, making it the correct method for retrieval.
- ✗
Create a brand-new resource
Why it's wrong here
Creating a brand-new resource requires an HTTP POST method (or PUT if the client specifies the URI). GET is never used for creation because it is defined as safe and must not cause side effects on the server. Sending a GET request to a controller API to create a resource would violate HTTP semantics and would typically return a 405 Method Not Allowed or simply retrieve existing data.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different exam scenario, if the question asked about the HTTP POST method and its purpose in a RESTful API context, option B would be correct, as POST is used to create new resources on the server.
- ✗
Replace the entire resource configuration
Why it's wrong here
Replacing an entire resource configuration is performed with the HTTP PUT method, which replaces the complete representation of the targeted resource. GET, however, is defined as a read-only operation and cannot replace or update any part of the resource. In a controller API, making a GET request to replace configuration would not trigger a PUT handler, and the server would return a response indicating the operation is unsupported for that method.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question, if the context were about the HTTP PUT method and the question asked about its purpose, then option C would be correct as PUT is used to replace the entire resource configuration at the specified URI.
- ✗
Delete the resource
Why it's wrong here
The HTTP DELETE method is the only standard method intended to remove the resource identified by the request URI. A GET request, by contrast, must not modify or delete any server-side resource; it is strictly for reading. Assuming the controller API follows RESTful conventions, using GET to delete would be ignored or rejected, as it lacks the destructive semantics of DELETE.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question, if it asked about the purpose of the DELETE method in an API context, option D would be correct, as it would pertain to the action of removing a specified resource from the server.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Retrieve information from the resourceCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
The HTTP GET method is defined as a safe, idempotent request that retrieves a representation of the resource identified by the URI without altering server state. In the context of a controller API, GET is specifically used to read current configuration, status, or data. A successful GET returns a 200 OK response with the payload, making it the correct method for retrieval.
✗Create a brand-new resourceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Creating a new resource is typically done using the POST method, not GET. GET is designed for safe and idempotent retrieval of data, not for creating resources.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different exam scenario, if the question asked about the HTTP POST method and its purpose in a RESTful API context, option B would be correct, as POST is used to create new resources on the server.
Why candidates choose this
Students might confuse GET with POST because both are common HTTP methods, but they serve different purposes. The word 'get' might be misinterpreted as 'obtain a new resource' rather than 'retrieve existing data'.
✗Replace the entire resource configurationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Replacing the entire resource configuration is the purpose of the PUT method, which is idempotent and used for updates. GET is not intended for modifying resources.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question, if the context were about the HTTP PUT method and the question asked about its purpose, then option C would be correct as PUT is used to replace the entire resource configuration at the specified URI.
Why candidates choose this
Some might think GET can be used to 'get' a new configuration by replacing it, but this is incorrect. The similarity in naming between 'GET' and 'PUT' can cause confusion.
✗Delete the resourceWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Deleting a resource is performed using the DELETE method. GET is a safe method that should not have side effects like deletion.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question, if it asked about the purpose of the DELETE method in an API context, option D would be correct, as it would pertain to the action of removing a specified resource from the server.
Why candidates choose this
Students might associate 'GET' with any action that retrieves or removes data, but DELETE is specifically for removal. The word 'get' might be loosely interpreted as 'get rid of'.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Management Approaches: Device, Cloud, Controller, Automation, and IaC
Key term
HTTP
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the set of rules web browsers and servers use to communicate and transfer web pages over the internet.
Key term
API
An API is a set of rules that allows software applications to communicate and exchange data with each other.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-301 exam.