The answer is to use the cisco.ios.ios_facts module to retrieve structured facts. This is the correct approach because ios_facts natively returns device data, including the IOS version, as key-value pairs within Ansible’s facts dictionary, eliminating the need for manual parsing of raw CLI output. In contrast, ios_command only captures unstructured text, requiring additional regex or textfsm parsing to extract the version string. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of idempotent, structured data collection versus raw command execution—a common trap is choosing ios_command with a parse filter, which is less reliable and more error-prone. Remember, if you need a specific attribute like the IOS version, always prefer a dedicated facts module over a command module. Memory tip: “Facts are facts, commands are strings—don’t parse what’s already structured.”
200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 network automation engineer is using Ansible to manage Cisco IOS devices. The playbook includes a task that executes a 'show version' command and registers the output. The engineer then wants to parse the output to extract the IOS version. Which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' module to get structured facts
The 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' module retrieves structured data from Cisco IOS devices, including the IOS version as a key-value pair in the Ansible facts dictionary. This eliminates the need for manual parsing, as the module uses the device's CLI or NETCONF to gather structured output, making it the most efficient and reliable approach for extracting specific device attributes.
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.
✗
Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_command' module and parse the output with regex
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: While possible, 'ios_facts' is the recommended approach.
✗
Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_command' module and the 'parse' option
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: The 'parse' option is not available in 'ios_command'.
✗
Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_config' module to retrieve the version
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: 'ios_config' is for configuration, not show commands.
✓
Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' module to get structured facts
Why this is correct
Correct: 'ios_facts' returns structured data including the IOS version.
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 misconception that raw CLI output must be parsed manually, but the correct approach is to use dedicated facts modules that return structured data, avoiding fragile regex or template-based parsing.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect: The 'parse' option is not available in 'ios_command'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' connects to the device via SSH or NETCONF and executes a series of 'show' commands (e.g., 'show version', 'show interfaces') to populate a structured dictionary. The 'ansible_net_version' key directly holds the IOS version string, which can be accessed without any parsing. In real-world scenarios, using 'ios_facts' also gathers other critical facts like 'ansible_net_serialnum' and 'ansible_net_model', which are useful for inventory management and conditional tasks.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
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: Use the 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' module to get structured facts — The 'cisco.ios.ios_facts' module retrieves structured data from Cisco IOS devices, including the IOS version as a key-value pair in the Ansible facts dictionary. This eliminates the need for manual parsing, as the module uses the device's CLI or NETCONF to gather structured output, making it the most efficient and reliable approach for extracting specific device attributes.
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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Question Discussion
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