- A
A Python script can read a YAML file containing device hostnames and IP addresses, then use that data to connect to each device and gather inventory information.
Correct because this is a common pattern: use PyYAML to load a YAML inventory file, iterate over devices, and use Netmiko or NAPALM to collect facts.
- B
The json module in Python can be used to serialize a dictionary containing device inventory data into a JSON string for storage or transmission.
Correct because Python's built-in json module provides json.dumps() to convert Python objects (like dicts) into JSON strings, which is useful for saving inventory data or sending it to other systems.
- C
CSV files can be parsed using Python's csv module to import device inventory data, such as hostname, IP, and credentials, into a script.
Correct because the csv module allows reading and writing CSV files, which are commonly used for inventory lists in network automation.
- D
YAML files in Python cannot contain comments, so all inventory data must be described without explanatory text.
Why wrong: Incorrect because YAML supports comments using the '#' character, and Python's PyYAML library can parse files that include comments (though comments are not preserved when dumping).
- E
JSON is always more human-readable than YAML for complex inventory structures.
Why wrong: Incorrect because YAML is often considered more human-readable due to its use of indentation and less verbose syntax; JSON can be harder to read for deeply nested structures.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that CSV files can be parsed using Python's csv module to import device inventory data, such as hostname, IP, and credentials, into a script, because this directly demonstrates how Python data serialization and inventory management work in network automation. The csv module provides a straightforward way to read structured tabular data, which is a common format for storing device inventories, and this aligns with the ENCOR 350-401 focus on practical scripting for device lifecycle management. On the exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between data serialization formats like JSON, YAML, and CSV, with a common trap being the assumption that YAML supports comments natively in all parsers (it does not in strict parsers) or that JSON is always more human-readable than YAML—when in fact YAML’s indentation-based structure is often preferred for readability. A useful memory tip is “CSV for columns, YAML for readability, JSON for strictness,” helping you recall that CSV excels at importing flat inventory lists, while YAML and JSON serve different serialization roles.
CCNP Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which three statements about using Python for device inventory and data serialization in network automation are true? (Choose three.)
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
A Python script can read a YAML file containing device hostnames and IP addresses, then use that data to connect to each device and gather inventory information.
The correct answers describe practical uses of Python for inventory management and data handling. The incorrect options either misattribute YAML's features (it does not support comments natively in all parsers) or incorrectly state that JSON is always more human-readable than YAML (YAML is often considered more readable).
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A Python script can read a YAML file containing device hostnames and IP addresses, then use that data to connect to each device and gather inventory information.
Why this is correct
Correct because this is a common pattern: use PyYAML to load a YAML inventory file, iterate over devices, and use Netmiko or NAPALM to collect facts.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
The json module in Python can be used to serialize a dictionary containing device inventory data into a JSON string for storage or transmission.
- ✓
CSV files can be parsed using Python's csv module to import device inventory data, such as hostname, IP, and credentials, into a script.
Why this is correct
Correct because the csv module allows reading and writing CSV files, which are commonly used for inventory lists in network automation.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
YAML files in Python cannot contain comments, so all inventory data must be described without explanatory text.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because YAML supports comments using the '#' character, and Python's PyYAML library can parse files that include comments (though comments are not preserved when dumping).
- ✗
JSON is always more human-readable than YAML for complex inventory structures.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because YAML is often considered more human-readable due to its use of indentation and less verbose syntax; JSON can be harder to read for deeply nested structures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Python for Network Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A Python script can read a YAML file containing device hostnames and IP addresses, then use that data to connect to each device and gather inventory information. — The correct answers describe practical uses of Python for inventory management and data handling. The incorrect options either misattribute YAML's features (it does not support comments natively in all parsers) or incorrectly state that JSON is always more human-readable than YAML (YAML is often considered more readable).
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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