The correct answer is the list comprehension `filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in net['tags']]` because the Meraki API returns the `tags` field as a list of discrete strings, not a single concatenated string. The Python `in` operator when used on a list checks for exact element membership, meaning it verifies that `'production'` exists as a whole item within the list, rather than searching for it as a substring within a longer tag. This distinction is critical for the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, which frequently tests your understanding of how API data structures map to Python operations—a common trap is using `'production' in str(net['tags'])` or a substring check, which would incorrectly match tags like `'production-backup'`. Remember the memory tip: "List membership is exact; substring is partial—know your data type to avoid the trap."
200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. 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.
A developer is writing a Python script that uses the Cisco Meraki API to retrieve a list of networks for an organization. The API returns a JSON array. The developer wants to filter networks where the 'tags' field contains 'production'. Which code snippet correctly filters the results?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in net['tags']]
Option A is correct because the Meraki API returns the 'tags' field as a list of strings (e.g., ['production', 'critical']). The Python `in` operator directly checks membership in a list, so `'production' in net['tags']` efficiently filters networks where the exact string 'production' appears as an element in the list.
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.
✓
filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in net['tags']]
Why this is correct
Correct: 'tags' is a list, and 'in' works for list membership.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in str(net['tags'])]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Converting to string may cause false positives.
✗
filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in net['tags'].split(',')]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: 'tags' is already a list, not a comma-separated string.
✗
filtered = [net for net in networks if any('production' in t for t in net['tags'])]
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This is unnecessarily complex; 'in' works directly on lists.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between list membership (`in` on a list) and substring matching (`in` on a string), leading candidates to overcomplicate the filter with `split()` or `any()` when the API already returns a list.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Meraki API's `tags` field is a JSON array of strings, which Python deserializes into a list. The `in` operator on a list performs an O(n) linear scan using `__contains__`, checking for exact equality of elements. This is distinct from substring matching, which would require iterating over each tag and using `in` on the string itself. In real-world scenarios, tags often follow strict naming conventions (e.g., 'production', 'staging'), so exact membership is the intended filter.
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 200-901 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.
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: filtered = [net for net in networks if 'production' in net['tags']] — Option A is correct because the Meraki API returns the 'tags' field as a list of strings (e.g., ['production', 'critical']). The Python `in` operator directly checks membership in a list, so `'production' in net['tags']` efficiently filters networks where the exact string 'production' appears as an element in the list.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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