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200-901 Practice Question: When designing a REST API endpoint to update a…
When designing a REST API endpoint to update a network device's configuration, which HTTP method should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between PUT and PATCH, where candidates mistakenly choose PATCH because they think 'update' always implies partial changes, but the question's context of 'updating a network device's configuration' typically means replacing the entire configuration, making PUT the correct choice.
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
✓
PUT
PUT is the correct HTTP method for updating a network device's configuration because it is idempotent and replaces the entire resource at the specified URI. In RESTful design, PUT is used to update or create a resource when the client sends a full representation of the resource, which aligns with replacing the entire device configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
POST
Why it's wrong here
POST is typically used for creating new resources.
- ✗
DELETE
Why it's wrong here
DELETE removes the resource.
- ✓
PUT
Why this is correct
PUT replaces or updates the entire resource at the specified URI.
- ✗
PATCH
Why it's wrong here
PATCH is used for partial updates, but full update typically uses PUT.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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