The answer is to send a PATCH request to the interface resource with the JSON payload {"enabled": true}. This is correct because RESTCONF uses PATCH for partial updates, allowing you to modify only the specific field that changes—in this case, enabling the interface—without replacing the entire resource configuration, which is what a PUT request would do. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this question tests your understanding of RESTCONF operations and the distinction between PUT (full replacement) and PATCH (partial modification), a common trap where candidates mistakenly choose PUT. Remember, when you only need to flip a single attribute like "enabled," PATCH is the lightweight, targeted tool. A handy memory tip: "PATCH is for a patch of data, PUT is for the whole suit."
200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A Python script uses the Cisco IOS-XE RESTCONF API to retrieve the device configuration. The returned JSON is shown. What must be done to enable the GigabitEthernet0/1 interface using the API?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Send a PATCH request to the interface resource with the JSON payload {"enabled": true}.
Option A is correct because RESTCONF uses PATCH for partial updates. To enable an interface, you only need to send the specific field that changes ({"enabled": true}) to the interface resource URI, which modifies the configuration without replacing the entire resource.
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.
✓
Send a PATCH request to the interface resource with the JSON payload {"enabled": true}.
Why this is correct
PATCH partially updates the resource; changing enabled to true will enable the interface.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Send a DELETE request to the interface resource.
Why it's wrong here
DELETE removes the interface, not what is needed.
✗
Send a GET request to the interface resource and parse the response.
Why it's wrong here
GET retrieves data but does not modify the configuration.
✗
Send a PUT request to the interface resource with the entire JSON payload.
Why it's wrong here
PUT replaces the entire resource; it can be used but is heavy-handed; the exhibit only requires changing one field.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between PUT (full replace) and PATCH (partial update) in RESTCONF, where candidates mistakenly choose PUT thinking it can be used for single-field changes, but that would require sending the entire resource payload.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RESTCONF (RFC 8040) defines PATCH as the method for partial resource modification, using JSON Merge Patch (RFC 7396) or YANG Patch. In this context, sending {"enabled": true} via PATCH to the interface URI (e.g., /restconf/data/Cisco-IOS-XE-native:native/interface/GigabitEthernet=0/1) only updates the enabled leaf, leaving other configuration intact. A PUT would require the full YANG data tree for that interface, which is error-prone in automation scripts.
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.
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Send a PATCH request to the interface resource with the JSON payload {"enabled": true}. — Option A is correct because RESTCONF uses PATCH for partial updates. To enable an interface, you only need to send the specific field that changes ({"enabled": true}) to the interface resource URI, which modifies the configuration without replacing the entire resource.
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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