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CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
Which HTTP method is typically used to retrieve data from a REST API without modifying the resource?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common exam trap is confusing the GET method with POST or PUT because all involve interacting with REST API resources. Candidates might incorrectly select POST or PUT, thinking they retrieve data, but POST is primarily for creating resources and PUT for updating them. GET is unique because it only retrieves data without changing the resource. Misunderstanding this can lead to selecting an incorrect method that modifies the network device state, which is not the intent of the question. Remember, GET is the only method designed to safely fetch data without side effects.
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
✓
GET
GET requests are used to retrieve resource information. They are intended for read operations rather than creation, replacement, or deletion.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST is used to submit data to a specified resource, typically causing the creation of a new subordinate resource or triggering processing that may have side effects. It is neither safe nor idempotent, as each request can produce different results or duplicate entries. Thus, POST is designed for actions that alter data or invoke processes, not for fetching resources.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different exam scenario, a question might ask which HTTP method is used to submit data to a server for processing, such as creating a new user account or submitting a form. In that context, POST would be the correct answer.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT is intended to replace an entire resource with the payload included in the request, or to create it at a specific URI if it does not exist. While PUT is idempotent, meaning repeated requests yield the same state, it changes or creates server data rather than retrieving it. Consequently, it is unsuitable for simply reading data from a REST API.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question asking which HTTP method is used to update an existing resource in a REST API, PUT would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify that the method is intended to replace the entire resource representation.
- ✓
GET
Why this is correct
GET is a safe and idempotent HTTP method that requests a representation of a specific resource without modifying server state. In REST design, it is the standard method for read-only operations such as fetching a resource or collection. Because it has no side effects, GET responses can be cached and repeated safely.
- ✗
DELETE
Why it's wrong here
DELETE instructs the server to remove the resource identified by the request URI, making it permanently unavailable or scheduled for deletion. Although DELETE is idempotent, its purpose is to destroy or deactivate a resource rather than return its data. Any response body from DELETE is typically a status message, not the requested representation, so it is clearly not a retrieval method.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked which HTTP method is used to remove a resource from a REST API, then DELETE would be the correct answer. This scenario would focus on resource management rather than data retrieval.
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.
✓GETCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
GET is a safe and idempotent HTTP method that requests a representation of a specific resource without modifying server state. In REST design, it is the standard method for read-only operations such as fetching a resource or collection. Because it has no side effects, GET responses can be cached and repeated safely.
✗POSTWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The POST method is used to send data to a server to create or update a resource, not to retrieve data. Therefore, it does not fit the requirement of the question, which specifically asks for a method that retrieves data without modifying it.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different exam scenario, a question might ask which HTTP method is used to submit data to a server for processing, such as creating a new user account or submitting a form. In that context, POST would be the correct answer.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose POST because they associate it with data operations and may overlook the specific requirement of retrieval, leading to confusion between methods that handle data submission versus data retrieval.
✗PUTWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
PUT is used to update or replace a resource at a specified URI, which modifies the resource rather than retrieving data. Therefore, it does not fit the requirement of retrieving data without modification.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question asking which HTTP method is used to update an existing resource in a REST API, PUT would be the correct answer. For example, a question could specify that the method is intended to replace the entire resource representation.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse PUT with GET due to their similar roles in RESTful services, especially if they are not fully clear on the distinction between retrieving and modifying resources.
✗DELETEWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The DELETE method is used to remove a resource from a server, not to retrieve data. This option does not align with the question's requirement to identify a method for data retrieval without modification.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked which HTTP method is used to remove a resource from a REST API, then DELETE would be the correct answer. This scenario would focus on resource management rather than data retrieval.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse DELETE with data retrieval due to the common misconception that all HTTP methods can be used interchangeably, especially if they are familiar with RESTful principles but not the specific functions of each method.
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?”
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
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.
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