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200-901 Practice Question: A DevOps engineer is designing a REST API for a…

A DevOps engineer is designing a REST API for a custom network automation tool. Which principle is essential for a RESTful design?

⚠ Common exam trap

Cisco often tests the misconception that REST APIs can maintain server-side session state (like traditional web apps) or that a single URI with different method names is acceptable, confusing REST with RPC-style designs.

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

✓

Use HTTP methods to perform CRUD operations on resources.

RESTful APIs are designed around resources, and HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH) directly map to CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete). This stateless, resource-oriented approach is a core principle of REST as defined by Roy Fielding's dissertation, enabling uniform interfaces and predictable interactions.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    Maintain session state on the server between requests.

    Why it's wrong here

    REST requires statelessness; session state should be stored on the client.

  • ✓

    Use HTTP methods to perform CRUD operations on resources.

    Why this is correct

    This is a core REST principle, mapping operations to HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE.

  • ✗

    Use a single URI for all operations with different method names.

    Why it's wrong here

    RESTful APIs use distinct URIs for resources, not a single URI with custom methods.

  • ✗

    Return XML responses by default for compatibility.

    Why it's wrong here

    REST does not mandate a specific format; JSON is common but not a principle.

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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.