Quick Answer
The correct answer is YAML, which stands for YAML Ain't Markup Language, because Ansible playbooks rely on this format for their human-readable, indentation-based syntax that cleanly maps to the declarative automation model of tasks, variables, and handlers. YAML’s ability to represent complex data structures like lists and dictionaries without cumbersome brackets or tags makes it the default and recommended format for defining configuration workflows. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of foundational automation tooling—specifically that Ansible playbooks are never written in JSON, XML, or INI formats, though YAML can technically represent JSON. A common trap is confusing YAML with simple key-value pairs; remember that YAML relies on consistent indentation (spaces, not tabs) to define hierarchy, which is critical for playbook execution. To lock it in, think of the mnemonic: “YAML: Yet Another Markup Language? No—it’s the playbook’s only home.”
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 wants to automate the configuration of network devices using Ansible. Which file format is commonly used for Ansible playbooks?
INI
Why wrong: INI files are used for Ansible inventory, not playbooks.
YAML
Ansible playbooks are written in YAML, which is human-readable and easy to parse.
XML
Why wrong: XML is verbose and not used for Ansible playbooks.
JSON
Why wrong: JSON is not natively used for Ansible playbooks; YAML is the standard.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
YAML
Ansible playbooks are written in YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) because YAML is human-readable, supports complex data structures like lists and dictionaries, and is designed for configuration files. YAML's indentation-based syntax aligns with Ansible's declarative automation model, making it the default and recommended format for defining tasks, variables, and handlers in playbooks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
INI
Why it's wrong here
INI files are used for Ansible inventory, not playbooks.
YAML
Why this is correct
Ansible playbooks are written in YAML, which is human-readable and easy to parse.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
XML
Why it's wrong here
XML is verbose and not used for Ansible playbooks.
JSON
Why it's wrong here
JSON is not natively used for Ansible playbooks; YAML is the standard.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between Ansible inventory files (which can use INI or YAML) and playbook files (which exclusively use YAML), causing candidates to incorrectly associate INI with playbooks.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Ansible parses YAML playbooks using the PyYAML library, converting the YAML structure into Python dictionaries and lists that are then executed by the Ansible engine. A subtle behavior is that YAML's strict indentation rules (spaces only, no tabs) can cause parsing errors if violated, which is a common pitfall when writing playbooks. In real-world scenarios, teams often use YAML linting tools (e.g., yamllint) to validate playbook syntax before execution, preventing runtime failures in CI/CD pipelines.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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Application Deployment and Security — study guide chapter
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Application Deployment and Security practice questions
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FAQ
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: YAML — Ansible playbooks are written in YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) because YAML is human-readable, supports complex data structures like lists and dictionaries, and is designed for configuration files. YAML's indentation-based syntax aligns with Ansible's declarative automation model, making it the default and recommended format for defining tasks, variables, and handlers in playbooks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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