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200-901 Practice Question: Which data serialization format is most commonly…

Which data serialization format is most commonly used for configuration files in Cisco automation tools like Ansible?

⚠ Common exam trap

Cisco often tests YAML vs. XML to catch candidates who assume XML is the default for all network automation, but YAML is the standard for Ansible due to its simplicity and native support in the toolchain.

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

✓

YAML

YAML is the most commonly used data serialization format for configuration files in Cisco automation tools like Ansible because it is human-readable, supports complex data structures (lists, dictionaries), and is natively parsed by Ansible playbooks. Cisco's automation solutions, including those for network devices, rely on YAML for defining tasks, variables, and inventory files due to its minimal syntax and compatibility with Jinja2 templating.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    CSV

    Why it's wrong here

    CSV is for structured data in tables, not for hierarchical configuration.

  • ✓

    YAML

    Why this is correct

    YAML is the default format for Ansible playbooks and is human-readable, making it ideal for configuration files.

  • ✗

    HTML

    Why it's wrong here

    HTML is a markup language for web content, not for configuration files.

  • ✗

    XML

    Why it's wrong here

    XML is used in protocols like NETCONF, but Ansible primarily uses YAML.

About these practice questions

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This 200-901 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-901 exam.