200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
A developer is integrating with the Cisco Meraki Dashboard API. They need to update the name of an existing network. Which HTTP method should they use to modify only the name attribute without affecting other attributes?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse PUT with PATCH; PUT replaces the whole resource, while PATCH only modifies specified fields.
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
✓
PATCH
PATCH is the correct HTTP method for partial updates. It allows sending only the changed attribute, such as the network name, without affecting other fields. PUT replaces the entire resource, POST creates, and GET retrieves. In Cisco Meraki API, PATCH is used to update specific attributes of a network.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PATCH
Why this is correct
PATCH is designed for partial updates, allowing the client to send only the fields that need to be changed. In Cisco Meraki Dashboard API, using PATCH on the network endpoint with a JSON body containing just the name will update that attribute while leaving others intact. This is the correct method for modifying a single attribute without affecting the rest of the resource.
- ✗
GET
Why it's wrong here
GET is a safe method used to retrieve data without modifying it. It cannot be used to update a resource. Attempting to change the network name with GET would have no effect. The developer needs a method that modifies the resource, so GET is inappropriate.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT is used to replace an entire resource with the provided representation. If the developer uses PUT to update only the name, any omitted fields would be reset to default or removed, potentially causing unintended changes. In Cisco Meraki API, using PUT on a network resource would require sending the full network object, not just the name, to avoid data loss.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST is typically used to create new resources or to submit data to be processed. Using POST to update an existing network's name would not be semantically correct and might result in creating a duplicate resource or an error. In Cisco Meraki API, POST is used for creating networks, not for updating them.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 200-901 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 200-901 exam.