mediumMultiple Choice
200-901 Practice Question: A developer needs to retrieve interface…
A developer needs to retrieve interface configuration from a Cisco IOS XE device using NETCONF. Which operation should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between <get> and <get-config>, where candidates mistakenly choose <get> because it sounds like 'get configuration,' but <get> returns both config and state data, which is not the correct operation for retrieving only configuration.
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-config> with filter
To retrieve interface configuration from a Cisco IOS XE device using NETCONF, the <get-config> operation with a filter is the correct choice. <get-config> retrieves the running configuration datastore, and the filter (typically an XML subtree filter) narrows the response to only the interface subtree, avoiding unnecessary data. This is the standard NETCONF operation for reading configuration data, as defined in RFC 6241.
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> with filter
Why it's wrong here
NETCONF's <get> retrieves running configuration and state data, but the stem asks for interface configuration specifically, which <get-config> with a source of running and an interface subtree filter returns. A plain <get> is correct when retrieving operational state rather than configuration data.
- ✗
<delete-config>
Why it's wrong here
The <delete-config> operation removes a candidate or running datastore, so it cannot read interface configuration. It is tempting because NETCONF uses it to roll back or discard uncommitted changes during configuration management workflows; it would be the correct choice when reverting a device to a saved baseline rather than retrieving current state.
- ✗
<edit-config>
Why it's wrong here
<edit-config> writes configuration changes to the datastore, so it cannot read interface state or config back. It is tempting because NETCONF edits are common in automation, and it would be correct when pushing a new interface configuration to the device.
- ✓
<get-config> with filter
Why this is correct
NETCONF separates configuration from state data. Retrieving interface configuration requires the get-config operation, and the filter element narrows the reply to the interfaces subtree, avoiding retrieval of the entire datastore. The get operation returns state and operational data instead, so it would not satisfy this requirement.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.