The answer is that the JSON structure has an extra level 'TABLE_interface' before 'ROW_interface'. This is the most likely reason for the KeyError when parsing the NX-API JSON response because Cisco NX-API wraps interface data in a 'TABLE_interface' key that sits between the 'body' and the 'ROW_interface' key. The script incorrectly attempts to access 'ROW_interface' directly under 'body', but the correct path must include this intermediate table wrapper. On the Cisco DCCOR / CCNP Data Center Core 350-601 exam, this tests your ability to read nested JSON structures from NX-API, a common task for automation questions. The trap is that many candidates assume 'ROW_interface' is the first child of 'body', but NX-API always nests row data inside a table key for commands like 'show interface'. A useful memory tip: think "TABLE before ROW" — just like a table holds rows in a database, the JSON response always has 'TABLE_interface' containing 'ROW_interface'.
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A Python script is processing the response from NX-API. It attempts to extract the interface state using `response['ins_api']['outputs']['output']['body']['ROW_interface']['state']` but receives a KeyError. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The JSON structure has an extra level 'TABLE_interface' before 'ROW_interface'.
The NX-API response for interface commands includes a 'TABLE_interface' key that wraps the 'ROW_interface' key. The script attempts to access 'ROW_interface' directly under 'body', but the correct path is `response['ins_api']['outputs']['output']['body']['TABLE_interface']['ROW_interface']['state']`. Option B correctly identifies this missing intermediate level.
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.
✗
The 'output' key is a list, not a dictionary.
Why it's wrong here
In this response 'output' appears as a single object, not a list.
✓
The JSON structure has an extra level 'TABLE_interface' before 'ROW_interface'.
Why this is correct
Some NX-API outputs wrap rows in a table key; the script missed that level.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The 'ins_api' key is nested inside another object.
Why it's wrong here
The top-level key is 'ins_api' as shown.
✗
The 'body' key is missing because the command failed.
Why it's wrong here
The response shows 'Success' and body is present.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the JSON path directly mirrors the CLI output structure, forgetting that NX-API wraps tabular data in an intermediate 'TABLE_' key that must be included in the dictionary traversal.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
In this response 'output' appears as a single object, not a list.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NX-API returns structured XML-to-JSON conversions where table keys like 'TABLE_interface' represent XML parent elements and 'ROW_interface' represents child row elements. This hierarchy is mandatory for commands that return multiple rows, such as 'show interface'. In real-world automation, failing to account for this extra level causes scripts to break when parsing responses from different NX-OS versions or command outputs.
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.
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.
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 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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: The JSON structure has an extra level 'TABLE_interface' before 'ROW_interface'. — The NX-API response for interface commands includes a 'TABLE_interface' key that wraps the 'ROW_interface' key. The script attempts to access 'ROW_interface' directly under 'body', but the correct path is `response['ins_api']['outputs']['output']['body']['TABLE_interface']['ROW_interface']['state']`. Option B correctly identifies this missing intermediate level.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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