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200-901 Practice Question: A developer is creating a Python script to…
A developer is creating a Python script to retrieve interface statistics from a Cisco IOS XE device using RESTCONF. Which HTTP method should be used to get the data?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between HTTP methods in RESTCONF, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse POST (used for creating resources) with GET, especially when thinking of sending a 'request' for data.
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
RESTCONF uses standard HTTP methods to perform CRUD operations on YANG-defined data. To retrieve interface statistics without modifying any resource, the GET method is correct, as it maps directly to the NETCONF <get> or <get-config> operation for reading data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
GET
Why this is correct
GET retrieves representations of a resource without altering device state, satisfying the read-only requirement for interface statistics. RESTCONF maps this to the NETCONF `<get>` operation, returning data in JSON or XML. POST, PUT, PATCH and DELETE would create, replace, modify or remove configuration, which the scenario does not request.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST submits data to create or invoke a resource, so it does not retrieve interface statistics. It is tempting because RESTCONF uses POST for operations such as invoking RPCs or creating child resources, which would be correct when the intent is to modify or execute, not read.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT replaces or creates the target resource with the supplied representation, so it writes rather than reads statistics. It is tempting because RESTCONF uses PUT for idempotent configuration changes, which would be correct when setting an interface's description or administrative state.
- ✗
DELETE
Why it's wrong here
DELETE removes a target resource and returns no statistics payload, so it cannot read interface counters. It is tempting because RESTCONF exposes DELETE for configuration data, which would be correct when decommissioning a resource rather than retrieving operational state.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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