200-901 Understanding and Using APIs Practice Question
Which HTTP method should be used to replace an entire existing resource in a RESTful API?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between PUT and PATCH, trapping candidates who confuse 'update' with 'replace' and incorrectly choose PATCH for full resource replacement.
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 replacing an entire existing resource in a RESTful API because it is defined as idempotent in RFC 7231, meaning the client sends a full representation of the resource to replace the current state at the target URI. Unlike POST, PUT is intended for full updates where the client specifies the URI and the server replaces the resource entirely with the provided payload.
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 submits data for processing by the target resource, typically creating a subordinate or appending, and leaves the resource's full representation undefined. PUT replaces the entire resource at the request URI with the enclosed representation, which is what the stem demands. POST suits creating new resources or partial updates where the server assigns the identifier.
- ✓
PUT
Why this is correct
PUT replaces the entire target resource representation with the request payload, overwriting all fields. Unlike PATCH, which applies partial modifications, PUT satisfies the stem's requirement to replace an entire existing resource in a RESTful API.
- ✗
PATCH
Why it's wrong here
PATCH applies a partial modification, sending only the fields to change, so unspecified properties remain untouched. It is tempting because both methods update a resource, but PATCH cannot guarantee a complete replacement; PUT overwrites the entire representation, which is what full replacement requires.
- ✗
DELETE
Why it's wrong here
DELETE removes the target resource entirely, leaving nothing to replace. It is tempting because replacement could be achieved by deleting then recreating, but that changes the resource identity and status code semantics; PUT performs an in-place full replacement of the representation at the same URI.
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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.