- A
The ncclient Python library can be used to establish a NETCONF session with a Cisco IOS-XE device and retrieve YANG-modeled data.
Correct because ncclient is a widely used Python library that implements NETCONF client functionality, allowing retrieval and manipulation of YANG-defined data on devices that support NETCONF.
- B
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to access YANG-defined data on a network device.
Correct because RESTCONF is a REST-like protocol that maps CRUD operations to HTTP methods, using YANG as the data modeling language.
- C
YANG models define the structure and constraints of data that can be accessed via NETCONF or RESTCONF.
Correct because YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language used to describe configuration and state data, and it is the foundation for both NETCONF and RESTCONF.
- D
RESTCONF only supports data encoding in YAML format.
Why wrong: Incorrect because RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encodings (as per RFC 8040), not YAML.
- E
NETCONF is always faster than RESTCONF for retrieving large amounts of data because it uses a binary encoding.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NETCONF uses XML (text-based) encoding, not binary, and RESTCONF can be faster in some cases due to its simpler HTTP-based design and support for JSON, which is less verbose.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that YANG models define the structure and constraints of data accessible via NETCONF or RESTCONF, because these models serve as the authoritative schema that both protocols use to ensure consistent, validated device configuration and state data. For Python NETCONF RESTCONF automation on Cisco IOS-XE, the standard library is ncclient for NETCONF, while RESTCONF relies on HTTP methods such as PUT for creating resources, using JSON or XML—not YAML. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how programmability protocols differ in transport and data representation; a common trap is assuming NETCONF is always faster (it is XML-heavy and can be slower) or that ncclient is deprecated. Remember the memory tip: “NETCONF needs ncclient, RESTCONF uses REST verbs, and YANG is the blueprint.”
350-401 Python for Network Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of python for network automation. 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 three statements about using Python for interacting with Cisco IOS-XE devices via NETCONF and RESTCONF are true? (Choose three.)
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
The ncclient Python library can be used to establish a NETCONF session with a Cisco IOS-XE device and retrieve YANG-modeled data.
The correct answers cover key aspects: ncclient is the standard Python library for NETCONF, RESTCONF uses HTTP methods like PUT for creating resources, and YANG models define the data structures. The incorrect options misrepresent RESTCONF's data format (it uses JSON/XML, not YAML), incorrectly state that NETCONF is always faster (it is XML-based and can be slower), and wrongly claim that ncclient is deprecated.
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.
- ✓
The ncclient Python library can be used to establish a NETCONF session with a Cisco IOS-XE device and retrieve YANG-modeled data.
Why this is correct
Correct because ncclient is a widely used Python library that implements NETCONF client functionality, allowing retrieval and manipulation of YANG-defined data on devices that support NETCONF.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
RESTCONF uses HTTP methods such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE to access YANG-defined data on a network device.
- ✓
YANG models define the structure and constraints of data that can be accessed via NETCONF or RESTCONF.
Why this is correct
Correct because YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) is a data modeling language used to describe configuration and state data, and it is the foundation for both NETCONF and RESTCONF.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
RESTCONF only supports data encoding in YAML format.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because RESTCONF supports both XML and JSON encodings (as per RFC 8040), not YAML.
- ✗
NETCONF is always faster than RESTCONF for retrieving large amounts of data because it uses a binary encoding.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 350-401 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 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Python for Network Automation — study guide chapter
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Python for Network Automation practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Python for Network Automation — This question tests Python for Network Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The ncclient Python library can be used to establish a NETCONF session with a Cisco IOS-XE device and retrieve YANG-modeled data. — The correct answers cover key aspects: ncclient is the standard Python library for NETCONF, RESTCONF uses HTTP methods like PUT for creating resources, and YANG models define the data structures. The incorrect options misrepresent RESTCONF's data format (it uses JSON/XML, not YAML), incorrectly state that NETCONF is always faster (it is XML-based and can be slower), and wrongly claim that ncclient is deprecated.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.
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