Question 378 of 500

Automation →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is to use the 'replace' option with a provided configuration file to enforce the desired state. This approach makes the Ansible nxos_config module idempotent by comparing the current running configuration on the Nexus switch against the intended configuration file and replacing any lines that differ, ensuring the final state matches exactly without unnecessary changes. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of network automation best practices, often appearing as a trap where candidates confuse idempotent operations with non-idempotent commands like 'src' or 'lines'. A common memory tip is to think of 'replace' as a full reset to a known good state, unlike partial updates that can drift. Remember: for idempotent replace, think "replace the whole, not patch the hole."

350-601 Automation Practice Question

This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.

An organization is deploying Ansible for network automation across multiple Nexus 9000 leaf switches. They need to ensure that configuration tasks are idempotent and only apply changes when necessary. Which best practice should be followed when using the cisco.nxos.nxos_config module?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Read the full Ansible explanation →

A
Write idempotent playbooks by checking 'show running-config' before each task.
Why wrong: While possible, this is not a best practice with the module; the module already uses built-in idempotency via diff.
B
Use the 'replace' option with a provided configuration file to enforce desired state.
The 'replace' option in the nxos_config module compares the running config with the provided config and applies only necessary changes, ensuring idempotency.
C
Set 'always_run' parameter to 'yes' to force execution.
Why wrong: Setting always_run to yes forces execution even if no changes detected, which defeats idempotency and could cause unnecessary reloads.
D
Use the 'backup' option to always restore previous configuration.
Why wrong: Backup creates a copy before changes but does not prevent re-applying the same configuration; idempotency is not achieved.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

Use the 'replace' option with a provided configuration file to enforce desired state.

Option D is correct because setting the 'replace' option in nxos_config module ensures the switch configuration matches the intended state, making the operation idempotent. Options A and B are generally not recommended for idempotency, and C is not a standard practice.

Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Write idempotent playbooks by checking 'show running-config' before each task.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this is not a best practice with the module; the module already uses built-in idempotency via diff.
✓
Use the 'replace' option with a provided configuration file to enforce desired state.
Why this is correct
The 'replace' option in the nxos_config module compares the running config with the provided config and applies only necessary changes, ensuring idempotency.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set 'always_run' parameter to 'yes' to force execution.
Why it's wrong here
Setting always_run to yes forces execution even if no changes detected, which defeats idempotency and could cause unnecessary reloads.
✗
Use the 'backup' option to always restore previous configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Backup creates a copy before changes but does not prevent re-applying the same configuration; idempotency is not achieved.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
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.

Key takeaway

Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A practitioner preparing for the 350-601 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which 350-601 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 350-601 question test?

Automation — This question tests Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: Use the 'replace' option with a provided configuration file to enforce desired state. — Option D is correct because setting the 'replace' option in nxos_config module ensures the switch configuration matches the intended state, making the operation idempotent. Options A and B are generally not recommended for idempotency, and C is not a standard practice.

What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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