200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
In Python, which data type is used to represent an unordered collection of unique elements?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse a set with a list or tuple because they think 'collection of items' implies order or mutability, but Cisco specifically tests the requirement for uniqueness and lack of order, which only the set satisfies.
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
✓
set
In Python, a set is the correct data type for representing an unordered collection of unique elements. Sets automatically enforce uniqueness by using a hash table internally, so duplicate values are ignored upon insertion. This makes them ideal for operations like membership testing and deduplication, where order is irrelevant.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
set
Why this is correct
Set is unordered and contains only unique elements.
- ✗
tuple
Why it's wrong here
Tuple is ordered and allows duplicates.
- ✗
list
Why it's wrong here
List is ordered and allows duplicates.
- ✗
dict
Why it's wrong here
Dict is an associative array, not a collection of unique elements.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.