The answer is that the Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is not installed or imported. This is the most likely missing component because pyATS relies on version-specific Genie parsers to translate raw CLI output into structured data; without the exact parser matching the Nexus 9000’s OS version, the framework cannot interpret the ‘show interface’ output, even though the command executes successfully on the switch. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how pyATS and Genie handle platform and OS version dependencies—a common trap is assuming any generic parser will work, but parsers are tightly coupled to the exact NX-OS release. To avoid this, always verify that the correct Genie parser package (e.g., `genie.libs.parser.nxos`) is installed and imported for your target version. Memory tip: “No parser, no parser—match the OS to the class.”
350-601 Automation Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A Python script using the pyATS framework to parse 'show interface' output on a Nexus 9000 switch fails with a parsing error, even though the CLI command runs successfully. What is the most likely missing component?
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 Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is not installed or imported.
The pyATS framework relies on Genie parsers to convert raw CLI output into structured data. If the Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is missing or not imported, the script cannot parse the 'show interface' output, resulting in a parsing error even though the CLI command itself runs successfully. This is the most likely missing component because pyATS/Genie parsers are version-specific and must be installed for the exact platform and OS version.
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 script does not include the correct authentication method.
Why it's wrong here
Authentication failure would prevent the CLI command from running at all, not cause a parse error.
✓
The Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is not installed or imported.
Why this is correct
pyATS uses Genie parsers that are version-specific; missing parser leads to parse error.
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 script uses the wrong device type (e.g., iosxe instead of nxos).
Why it's wrong here
Wrong device type would cause connection issues, but not specifically a parsing error after successful command execution.
✗
The switch is not configured with NETCONF.
Why it's wrong here
pyATS works over CLI (ssh) and does not require NETCONF for parsing show commands.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between command execution success and parsing success, trapping candidates who assume a working CLI command guarantees pyATS/Genie parsing will work without the correct version-specific parser installed.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Authentication failure would prevent the CLI command from running at all, not cause a parse error.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Genie parsers are implemented as Python modules that map raw CLI output to structured data using regular expressions and textfsm templates. Each parser is tied to a specific OS and version (e.g., 'genie.parsers.nxos.show_interface' for NX-OS 9.3(6)). If the parser for the exact NX-OS version is absent, pyATS falls back to a generic 'show interface' parser that may fail if the output format differs slightly, such as due to a new field or changed spacing in a newer software release.
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 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 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 Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is not installed or imported. — The pyATS framework relies on Genie parsers to convert raw CLI output into structured data. If the Genie parser for the specific NX-OS version is missing or not imported, the script cannot parse the 'show interface' output, resulting in a parsing error even though the CLI command itself runs successfully. This is the most likely missing component because pyATS/Genie parsers are version-specific and must be installed for the exact platform and OS version.
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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