200-901 Infrastructure and Automation Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are characteristics of a declarative automation model? (Select exactly 2.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between declarative and imperative models by presenting options that sound plausible but reverse the roles, such as confusing 'specify the end state' with 'specify the exact steps', or assuming idempotency is irrelevant in declarative models.
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
✓
You specify the desired end state
In a declarative automation model, you specify the desired end state of the system, not the steps to achieve it. This is a core characteristic because the automation tool (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, Puppet) interprets the desired state and determines the necessary actions to reach it, making option B correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It requires procedural scripts
Why it's wrong here
Declarative avoids procedural steps.
- ✓
You specify the desired end state
Why this is correct
Declarative defines what, not how.
- ✗
Idempotency is not a concern
Why it's wrong here
Declarative models are idempotent.
- ✓
The tool handles ordering and dependencies
Why this is correct
Declarative tools manage the process.
- ✗
You specify the exact steps to achieve the state
Why it's wrong here
That's imperative.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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