200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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
ip http server
ip http secure-server
ip http authentication local
Refer to the exhibit. A developer is trying to access the REST API on a Cisco IOS XE device but receives a 401 Unauthorized error. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Authentication requires local credentials, but none were provided
Option C is correct because authentication is set to 'local', meaning the device uses local usernames and passwords. A 401 error indicates missing or invalid credentials. Option A is incorrect because HTTP server is enabled. Option B is incorrect because HTTPS is also enabled. Option D is incorrect because the device supports REST API. Therefore, the issue is that the request did not include valid credentials.
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.
✗
The device does not support REST API
Why it's wrong here
The exhibit shows HTTP server configuration, implying REST API support is available.
✓
Authentication requires local credentials, but none were provided
Why this is correct
With 'ip http authentication local', the device requires valid local username/password, which if missing results in 401.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
HTTPS is not configured
Why it's wrong here
The command 'ip http secure-server' indicates HTTPS is configured.
✗
HTTP server is not enabled
Why it's wrong here
The command 'ip http server' shows HTTP is enabled.
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 exhibit shows HTTP server configuration, implying REST API support is available.
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: Authentication requires local credentials, but none were provided — Option C is correct because authentication is set to 'local', meaning the device uses local usernames and passwords. A 401 error indicates missing or invalid credentials. Option A is incorrect because HTTP server is enabled. Option B is incorrect because HTTPS is also enabled. Option D is incorrect because the device supports REST API. Therefore, the issue is that the request did not include valid credentials.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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