200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
A network automation script uses the Python ncclient library to modify a device configuration. Which NETCONF operation should be used to apply configuration changes?
⚠ Common exam trap
200-901 often tests the distinction between NETCONF operations, causing candidates to confuse <get-config> with <edit-config> when asked about applying changes.
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
✓
<edit-config>
The <edit-config> operation is used to apply configuration changes to a device via NETCONF. It allows the client to modify the configuration data store on the server, which is exactly what the script intends to do.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
<close-session>
Why it's wrong here
The `<close-session>` RPC terminates the NETCONF session and releases its locks; it transmits no configuration payload, so it cannot apply changes. It is tempting because session teardown is a genuine NETCONF operation, and it would be the correct choice when a script has finished editing and must gracefully end the connection to the device.
- ✗
<get-config>
Why it's wrong here
<get-config> only retrieves configuration data from a datastore; it cannot alter device state. Applying changes requires <edit-config>, which writes to the running or candidate datastore. Retrieval is tempting because automation scripts often read current settings before modifying them, and <get-config> would be correct when a script must inspect existing configuration without changing it.
- ✗
<get>
Why it's wrong here
`<get>` retrieves running configuration and state data without altering the device, so it cannot apply changes. It is tempting because it is the standard NETCONF retrieval operation, and would be the right choice when a script needs to read current configuration before computing a diff. Applying changes requires `<edit-config>` instead.
- ✓
<edit-config>
Why this is correct
NETCONF's <edit-config> operation loads a configuration datastore with the target, default-operation and config elements, applying changes to running or candidate. It is the standard operation for modifying device configuration, unlike <get-config>, which only retrieves data.
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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
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