A network engineer is reviewing REST API behavior. Which two statements are true?
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.
Best answer
GET is commonly used to retrieve information from an API
GET is the standard read operation.
Best answer
POST is commonly used to create a new resource
POST typically submits data for creation or processing.
Distractor review
DELETE is used to encrypt a payload before transport
DELETE removes resources.
Distractor review
PUT always retrieves a list of resources
PUT normally updates or replaces a resource.
Distractor review
GET requires a token in every API design
Many APIs use tokens, but it is not universally required by the method itself.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is misinterpreting the function of HTTP methods in REST APIs, such as believing DELETE encrypts data or PUT retrieves resource lists. DELETE actually removes resources, and PUT replaces or updates existing resources. Confusing POST and PUT is also frequent, where POST creates new resources while PUT replaces them. These misunderstandings can lead to incorrect answers or automation scripts that cause unintended network changes. The exam expects precise knowledge of REST API method purposes, especially in Cisco automation contexts.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a widely used architectural style for designing networked applications, including Cisco automation and programmability tasks. It uses standard HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to perform operations on network resources represented as URIs. GET requests retrieve data without modifying server state, making them safe and idempotent. POST requests submit data to create new resources or trigger processing, which may change server state. In the context of Cisco network programmability, GET is primarily used to fetch configuration or operational data from devices, while POST is used to push new configurations or commands that create or modify resources. PUT typically replaces an existing resource entirely, and DELETE removes a resource. Understanding these distinctions is critical for automating network tasks using REST APIs, as improper use can lead to unintended configuration changes or failures. A common exam trap is confusing the purpose of HTTP methods, such as thinking DELETE encrypts data or PUT retrieves lists. In practice, DELETE removes resources and PUT updates or replaces them. Cisco devices and controllers follow these RESTful conventions strictly, so knowing the correct method behavior ensures effective automation and prevents errors in network management scripts or tools.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- GET requests retrieve information from a REST API without changing the server state, ensuring safe and idempotent operations.
- POST requests submit data to a REST API to create new resources or trigger processing that changes server state.
- DELETE requests remove existing resources from a REST API, effectively deleting configurations or data entries.
- PUT requests replace or update an existing resource entirely in a REST API, differing from POST which creates new resources.
- REST API methods correspond to HTTP verbs and follow standard behaviors that Cisco network devices implement for automation.
- Using the correct HTTP method in Cisco network automation prevents unintended configuration changes or data loss.
- Tokens or authentication may be required by APIs but are not inherently mandated by the GET method itself.
- Understanding REST API method semantics is essential for effective Cisco network programmability and automation tasks.
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
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
GET requests retrieve information from a REST API without changing the server state, ensuring safe and idempotent operations.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: GET is commonly used to retrieve information from an API — GET is used to retrieve data without changing server state, while POST commonly creates a new resource or submits data for processing. PUT is usually for full replacement, and DELETE removes a resource.
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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