200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
A developer is working on a Python script that performs CRUD operations on devices via a REST API. Which HTTP method should be used to update an existing device's configuration partially?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse PUT with PATCH: candidates often think PUT can be used for any update, but PUT replaces the entire resource, while PATCH is for partial modifications.
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 to an existing resource. Unlike PUT, which replaces the entire resource, PATCH applies a set of changes (a patch document) to the resource, modifying only the specified fields. In the context of a REST API for device configuration, using PATCH allows the developer to update a subset of configuration parameters without affecting others.
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 applies a partial modification to an existing resource, sending only the changed fields. It satisfies the constraint of updating a device's configuration partially, whereas PUT would replace the entire representation and require the full payload.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST creates a subordinate resource or submits data for processing; it does not apply a partial modification to an existing device. It is tempting because POST bodies carry arbitrary payloads, making it the correct method when creating a new device or invoking a controller action.
- ✗
DELETE
Why it's wrong here
DELETE removes the target resource entirely, so it cannot apply a partial configuration change. It is tempting because CRUD scripts often need to clear a device's settings before re-provisioning, which is when DELETE is genuinely the right method.
- ✗
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT replaces the entire resource representation, so any field omitted from the payload is overwritten or cleared rather than left untouched. It is tempting because PUT updates existing devices, making it correct when sending the complete configuration in one request.
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JA
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.