200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. 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.
Exhibit
from ncclient import manager
import xml.dom.minidom
with manager.connect(host='192.168.1.1', port=830, username='admin', password='cisco', hostkey_verify=False) as m:
c = m.get_config(source='running')
print(xml.dom.minidom.parseString(c.xml).toprettyxml())
Refer to the exhibit. A developer executes this Python script against a Cisco device. Assuming valid credentials and network connectivity, what is printed to the console?
from ncclient import manager
import xml.dom.minidom
with manager.connect(host='192.168.1.1', port=830, username='admin', password='cisco', hostkey_verify=False) as m:
c = m.get_config(source='running')
print(xml.dom.minidom.parseString(c.xml).toprettyxml())
A
An exception due to invalid credentials
Why wrong: The problem states valid credentials are assumed, so no exception occurs.
B
The startup configuration of the device in XML format
Why wrong: The source parameter is 'running', so it retrieves the running config, not startup.
C
The running configuration of the device in XML format
The script calls m.get_config(source='running') which returns the running config as XML, then prints it prettified.
D
A JSON representation of the device interfaces
Why wrong: The output is XML because NETCONF uses XML and the script prints XML; no JSON conversion is done.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The running configuration of the device in XML format
Option A is correct because the script retrieves the running configuration (source='running') using NETCONF, and then prints it in a pretty XML format. Option B is wrong because the source is 'running', not 'startup'. Option C is wrong because no exception is raised with valid inputs. Option D is wrong because the output is XML, not JSON. Therefore, the correct output is the running configuration in XML.
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.
✗
An exception due to invalid credentials
Why it's wrong here
The problem states valid credentials are assumed, so no exception occurs.
✗
The startup configuration of the device in XML format
Why it's wrong here
The source parameter is 'running', so it retrieves the running config, not startup.
✓
The running configuration of the device in XML format
Why this is correct
The script calls m.get_config(source='running') which returns the running config as XML, then prints it prettified.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A JSON representation of the device interfaces
Why it's wrong here
The output is XML because NETCONF uses XML and the script prints XML; no JSON conversion is done.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output is XML because NETCONF uses XML and the script prints XML; no JSON conversion is done.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-901 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: The running configuration of the device in XML format — Option A is correct because the script retrieves the running configuration (source='running') using NETCONF, and then prints it in a pretty XML format. Option B is wrong because the source is 'running', not 'startup'. Option C is wrong because no exception is raised with valid inputs. Option D is wrong because the output is XML, not JSON. Therefore, the correct output is the running configuration in XML.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which 200-901 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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