200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
A Python script uses the ncclient library to connect to a Cisco NX-OS device over NETCONF. After establishing the session, the script executes an editing operation with candidate datastore. Which additional step is required to make the changes take effect immediately on the running configuration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the candidate and running datastores, trapping candidates who assume that editing the candidate automatically updates the running configuration, which is only true for the 'candidate' datastore on some platforms like Juniper but not for NX-OS NETCONF.
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
✓
Execute a commit operation on the candidate datastore
When using NETCONF with the candidate datastore on Cisco NX-OS, changes are staged in the candidate configuration and do not affect the running configuration until a commit operation is explicitly sent. The commit operation copies the candidate configuration to the running datastore, making the changes take effect immediately. Without this step, the candidate changes remain unapplied.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Execute a discard-changes operation on the candidate datastore
Why it's wrong here
This would discard the changes, not apply them.
- ✗
Execute a validate operation on the candidate datastore
Why it's wrong here
Validation ensures correctness but does not apply changes.
- ✗
No additional step is needed; candidate changes are automatically applied to running
Why it's wrong here
Candidate is a scratchpad; it does not affect running until committed.
- ✓
Execute a commit operation on the candidate datastore
Why this is correct
Commit copies candidate to running, making changes active.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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