The correct answer is that HTTP verbs should describe the action performed on the resource. This is because REST API design best practices dictate that URIs should represent resources as nouns, not verbs—so endpoints like `/users` or `/orders` identify the resource, while the HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) conveys the action. Using verbs in the URI, such as `/getUsers` or `/createOrder`, conflates the resource with the operation and violates the uniform interface constraint, making the API less intuitive and harder to maintain. On the Cisco DevNet Associate 200-901 exam, this concept tests your understanding of RESTful design principles, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify correct URI patterns or distinguish between resource-oriented and action-oriented endpoints. A common trap is confusing the use of HTTP verbs with the URI structure—remember that the verb belongs in the request header, not the path. For a quick memory tip: think of your API as a library—you ask for a book (noun) at the counter, but the action of checking it out (verb) is handled by the librarian, not by renaming the book.
200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO statements about REST API design best practices are correct?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Resources should be represented using nouns in the URI
Option C is correct because REST API best practices dictate that URIs should represent resources (nouns), not actions. For example, '/users' or '/orders' clearly identifies the resource being manipulated, while verbs like '/getUsers' or '/createOrder' are discouraged as they conflate the resource with the operation.
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.
✗
API versioning should be implemented using query parameters only
Why it's wrong here
Versioning via query parameters is uncommon; path or header versioning is preferred.
✗
HTTP PUT method should be used for partial updates to a resource
Why it's wrong here
PUT is for full replacement; PATCH is for partial updates.
✓
Resources should be represented using nouns in the URI
Why this is correct
Using nouns for resources (e.g., /devices) is a REST best practice.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Responses should return only HTTP status codes without a body
Why it's wrong here
Responses typically include a body with details or representation of the resource.
✓
HTTP verbs should describe the action performed on the resource
Why this is correct
Verbs like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE define the action.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between PUT (full replacement) and PATCH (partial update), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think PUT can be used for partial updates because they overlook the idempotent, full-replacement semantics defined in RFC 7231.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, REST relies on the uniform interface constraint, where HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) map to CRUD operations on resources identified by URIs. For example, a PUT request to /users/123 must replace the entire user resource; if only a field like 'email' is sent, unspecified fields may be reset to defaults or null. This is why PATCH (using JSON Patch or Merge Patch) is preferred for partial updates, as it applies a diff rather than a full replacement.
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 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Resources should be represented using nouns in the URI — Option C is correct because REST API best practices dictate that URIs should represent resources (nouns), not actions. For example, '/users' or '/orders' clearly identifies the resource being manipulated, while verbs like '/getUsers' or '/createOrder' are discouraged as they conflate the resource with the operation.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO statements about REST API design best practices are true? (Choose two.)
medium
A.Avoid API versioning to keep the API simple
B.Include the HTTP method in the URI path, e.g., /getDevices
C.Always use file-based transfer for large payloads
✓ D.Use nouns for resource endpoints, e.g., /devices instead of /getDevices
✓ E.Use HTTP methods appropriately: GET for retrieval, POST for creation, etc.
Why D: Option D is correct because RESTful APIs use nouns to represent resources (e.g., /devices) rather than verbs (e.g., /getDevices). This aligns with the uniform interface constraint of REST, where the HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.) defines the action, and the URI identifies the resource. Using nouns keeps the API intuitive, consistent, and scalable.
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Question Discussion
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