- A
git reset --hard HEAD
Why wrong: This resets all files and the index, discarding all changes, but it affects the entire repository, not just one file.
- B
git checkout -- <file>
This reverts the file to its state in the index (last staged version) or HEAD if not staged.
- C
git stash drop
Why wrong: This drops the latest stash, not relevant to discarding changes to a specific file.
- D
git revert <file>
Why wrong: 'git revert' is for undoing commits, not discarding local changes.
- E
git restore <file>
This is the modern equivalent of 'git checkout -- <file>' for restoring working tree files.
Question 970 of 1,000
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 DevOps engineer is managing a Git repository and wants to discard local changes to a file and revert it to the last committed state. Which TWO commands can accomplish this? (Choose two.)
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
✓
git checkout -- <file>
Both `git checkout -- <file>` and `git restore <file>` discard unstaged local changes to a file, reverting it to the content of the last commit (HEAD). `git checkout -- <file>` is the traditional command, while `git restore <file>` is the newer, more intuitive alternative introduced in Git 2.23. Both operate on the working tree without affecting the staging area or commit history.
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.
- ✗
git reset --hard HEAD
Why it's wrong here
This resets all files and the index, discarding all changes, but it affects the entire repository, not just one file.
- ✓
git checkout -- <file>
Why this is correct
This reverts the file to its state in the index (last staged version) or HEAD if not staged.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
git stash drop
Why it's wrong here
This drops the latest stash, not relevant to discarding changes to a specific file.
- ✗
git revert <file>
Why it's wrong here
'git revert' is for undoing commits, not discarding local changes.
- ✓
git restore <file>
Why this is correct
This is the modern equivalent of 'git checkout -- <file>' for restoring working tree files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between commands that affect the entire repository (like `git reset --hard`) versus those that target a single file (like `git checkout -- <file>` or `git restore <file>`), leading candidates to incorrectly choose `git reset --hard HEAD` when only a single file needs reversion.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `git checkout -- <file>` updates the working tree file by copying the blob object from the index (or HEAD if the file is not staged) directly into the working directory. `git restore <file>` performs the same operation but is part of a more consistent command set that separates checkout's overloaded responsibilities (branch switching vs. file restoration). In real-world scenarios, these commands are critical for quickly discarding experimental edits without affecting other modified files or the commit history.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
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: git checkout -- <file> — Both `git checkout -- <file>` and `git restore <file>` discard unstaged local changes to a file, reverting it to the content of the last commit (HEAD). `git checkout -- <file>` is the traditional command, while `git restore <file>` is the newer, more intuitive alternative introduced in Git 2.23. Both operate on the working tree without affecting the staging area or commit history.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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